Can my landlord raise my rent while I’m deployed?

Yes, landlords may raise rent at the end of your lease or with proper notice, but must follow North Carolina law and the terms of your lease.

How do I end my lease early because of military orders?

Give written notice with a copy of your military orders to your landlord. Your lease will terminate 30 days after the next rent payment is due.

What protections exist if an eviction is filed while I’m deployed?

You can request a court delay under the SCRA if your service affects your ability to attend the eviction hearing.

How do I handle unresolved maintenance in off-base military housing?

Notify your landlord in writing first. If repairs aren't made, you may contact local housing enforcement or pursue action in court.

What tribunal manages landlord-tenant disputes in North Carolina?

The North Carolina Judicial Branch, mainly through Small Claims Court, handles most residential tenancy matters.

Off-Base Military Housing: Renters’ Rights in North Carolina

Special Housing Types & Situations North Carolina published June 21, 2025

For active duty service members and their families, renting off-base military housing in North Carolina brings unique considerations. Whether you’re facing a lease renewal, a rent increase, or a need to end your lease early due to deployment, knowing your rights as a renter is essential. This guide breaks down the key laws, protections, and official resources for military renters in North Carolina.

Understanding Off-Base Military Housing in North Carolina

Off-base military housing refers to private housing that service members rent from civilian landlords, separate from Department of Defense-managed installations. These properties are subject to North Carolina’s general landlord-tenant laws, with some protections specifically for military personnel.

Key Tenant Rights for Military Renters

Protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA): If you receive deployment or permanent change of station orders, you may end your lease early without penalty, following SCRA guidelines.
State Landlord-Tenant Protections: Off-base housing is governed by North Carolina law, including rules on notice periods, security deposits, and repairs.
Anti-discrimination: Landlords cannot refuse to rent to you based solely on your military status.

For more detail, review the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and the North Carolina Residential Rental Agreements Act (N.C. General Statutes, Chapter 42, Article 5).

Leases, Deposits, and Notices

In North Carolina, leases may be written or oral, but most off-base housing uses written contracts. Here’s what to expect:

Security Deposits: Landlords can collect a security deposit, with limits set by the length of tenancy (North Carolina Security Deposit Act).
Notice for Lease Termination: Most fixed-term leases require notice before ending the agreement. With military orders, special federal and state rules apply (see below).
Receipts and Itemization: Landlords must provide an itemized statement if all or part of your security deposit is withheld at move-out.

Ending a Lease Early for Military Reasons

The federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) allows active duty members who receive deployment orders, a permanent change of station, or orders to move into government quarters, to break a lease without penalty. To do this, you must:

Provide written notice to your landlord
Include a copy of your official military orders
Follow the notice period (typically, lease ends 30 days after the next rental payment is due post-notice)

Use the SCRA Lease Termination Notice. No official state form exists, but you may use this sample template and requirements as outlined by the U.S. Department of Justice – SCRA.

Tip: Always keep copies of communications with your landlord for your records.

Rent Increases and Required Maintenance

North Carolina does not have statewide rent control. Landlords can raise rent at the end of the lease or with proper notice for periodic tenancies, unless restricted by your current lease agreement. For repairs, the law requires landlords to keep units safe and habitable:

Respond promptly to urgent repairs (such as heat, water, or safety issues)
Make non-emergency repairs in a reasonable time after notice

If issues are not fixed, renters can contact the local housing inspection office or file a complaint. For further guidance, visit the North Carolina Judicial Branch tenant-landlord dispute section.

Evictions: Rights and Protections

Landlords must provide written notice before pursuing eviction. Evictions can only be processed by the courts. Military renters may have extra protections under the SCRA, such as a court-ordered stay or delay in eviction proceedings if military service affects your ability to pay rent.

The relevant court is the North Carolina Judicial Branch – Small Claims Court for most residential landlord-tenant cases.

Important Forms for Military Renters

SCRA Lease Termination Notice: No official state version, but renters must submit written notice and a copy of orders. When you receive deployment or PCS orders and wish to break your lease, deliver this to your landlord. Sample letters are available from the U.S. Department of Justice.
North Carolina Complaint in Summary Ejectment (AOC-CVM-201): Used by landlords to initiate eviction. If you receive this, you are the defendant and should respond promptly. Learn more and see the official form at the NC Courts forms directory.

FAQ: Military Housing Off-Base in North Carolina

Can my landlord raise my rent while I’m deployed? – Yes, but only at the end of your lease term or with proper advance notice as required by North Carolina law. Check your lease for specifics.
How do I end my lease early due to military orders? – Provide written notice and a copy of your military orders to your landlord. Your lease ends 30 days after the next payment is due.
What happens if my landlord starts eviction while I’m on active duty? – Under the SCRA, you may request the court to stay (delay) the proceedings if your military service affects your ability to appear or respond.
What if needed repairs aren’t made? – First, notify your landlord in writing. If issues aren't fixed, you can contact local code enforcement or the court for help.
Is there an official board for rental disputes? – North Carolina handles disputes through the North Carolina Judicial Branch, specifically in Small Claims Court.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

North Carolina Residential Rental Agreements Act (N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 42)
North Carolina Security Deposit Act
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) (50 U.S.C. §§ 3901–4043)
North Carolina Judicial Branch – Small Claims Court/Tribunal for Residential Tenancies