Can my landlord raise my rent to cover increased property taxes in North Carolina?

Only if your lease allows for such increases. Otherwise, this can only happen when your lease renews.

Is there a cap on rent increases in North Carolina?

No, there is no state cap or limitation on rent increases in North Carolina.

How much notice must landlords provide for a rent increase?

For month-to-month leases, at least 7 days’ written notice is required before the rent increase takes effect.

Are there official forms for rent increase notices in North Carolina?

No. Landlords can use a written letter or email as long as it provides all required information.

What should I do if I think a rent increase is unfair or unlawful?

Contact Legal Aid of North Carolina, the North Carolina Department of Justice, or your local Small Claims Court for advice and possible action.

Pass-Through Costs and Rent Increases in North Carolina

Rent Control & Rent Stabilization North Carolina published June 21, 2025

If you're renting in North Carolina, you might wonder when your landlord can legally increase your rent—especially if they cite property tax hikes, utilities, or "pass-through costs" as the reason. Understanding North Carolina's laws on rent increases and what, if any, limits exist can help you protect your rights and budget confidently.

What Are Pass-Through Costs?

Pass-through costs refer to expenses landlords claim—as required or allowed by law—that are passed down to tenants. These often include increases in property taxes, utility costs, or mandatory building improvements. In some states, strict laws regulate how and when these costs can be passed through and limit rent increases. However, it's important to know North Carolina's approach.

Is There Rent Control or Stabilization in North Carolina?

North Carolina does not have any statewide rent control or rent stabilization laws. State law allows landlords to set and raise rent amounts as they see fit—unless the lease agreement says otherwise. There are currently no cities or counties in North Carolina with local rent control ordinances.^[1]

Landlords can increase rent at the end of your lease term or when renewing a lease.
For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must give written notice at least 7 days before any rent increase takes effect.^[2]
If you have a longer-term lease (like one year), the rent cannot be raised during the lease period unless the lease specifically allows it.
No law specifically restricts the reason for the rent increase—including pass-through costs.

When Can Landlords Pass Through Costs in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, pass-through costs—including property tax increases or utility charges—are only allowed if your lease agreement specifically states that such charges can be passed on to you. If your lease is silent or unclear, the landlord generally cannot demand extra payments mid-lease.

Always review your lease for terms about extra fees or pass-through charges.
Landlords cannot add new fees/rent increases mid-lease unless the lease gives them that right.
For new or renewed leases, landlords may include higher rent to account for higher costs.

How Are Rent Increases Given?

Landlords must provide written notice before raising rent on a month-to-month lease. Typically, at least 7 days' notice is required under North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 42, Article 5.^[2] For fixed-term leases, the rent stays the same throughout the lease unless otherwise agreed.

No Official State Forms for Rent Increases

Currently, North Carolina does not have an official government form for notifying tenants of a rent increase. Usually, the landlord or property manager provides a written letter or email stating:

The amount of the new rent
The date when the new rent takes effect
Contact information for questions

Example: If you have a month-to-month lease and your landlord wants to raise rent due to an increase in utility costs, they must give you a written 7-day notice before charging the higher rent.

How to Respond if You Disagree

If you think a rent increase or pass-through charge is not allowed by your lease, or if you did not receive the required notice, you have options:

Politely request clarification in writing and ask for a copy of the lease provisions authorizing the increase.
Contact North Carolina's housing resources for renters (listed below).
Consult legal aid if you believe your rights are violated.

You can also contact the North Carolina Department of Justice's Consumer Protection Division for information or to file a consumer complaint.

Which Tribunal Oversees Rental Disputes?

In North Carolina, the North Carolina Courts (specifically, the Small Claims Court/Magistrate's Court in your county) handle landlord-tenant disputes, including cases about illegal rent increases, lease disagreements, or eviction. There is no separate "tenancy board" or housing court.^[3]

Relevant North Carolina Tenancy Legislation

North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 42 - Landlord and Tenant

These laws spell out the fundamental rights and duties of landlords and tenants in North Carolina.

Summary

North Carolina does not restrict how much a landlord can increase rent or for what reason, except for the rules laid out in your lease and basic notice requirements. As a renter, your primary protections are found in your written lease and the requirement for advance notice before rent hikes take effect.

FAQs: Pass-Through Charges and Rent Increases in North Carolina

Can my landlord raise my rent to cover increased property taxes?
If your lease allows for it, yes. If not, a landlord must wait until your lease is renewed to adjust the rent to cover higher property taxes.
Is there any limit to how much rent can go up in North Carolina?
No, state law does not place a cap on rent increases. The amount is generally up to the landlord once your lease ends or renews.
How much notice does my landlord need to give before raising the rent?
For month-to-month leases, at least 7 days’ written notice is required. For longer-term leases, usually at the time of renewal.
Is there an official form for rent increase notice in North Carolina?
No, there is no official state form. A written letter or email from the landlord is sufficient, as long as all required information is included.
Who can help if I think my rent increase is unfair?
You can contact North Carolina Legal Aid, the North Carolina Department of Justice, or your local Small Claims Court for help and information.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

North Carolina does not have rent control—rent increases and pass-through costs are allowed as set by your lease and laws.
Written notice is generally required, and lease terms control what extra fees or increases are allowed mid-lease.
For disputes, head to your local Small Claims Court or seek help from North Carolina housing and legal aid agencies.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

North Carolina Courts: Find your Small Claims Court — handles rental disputes and eviction questions.
North Carolina Department of Justice: Tenants' Rights — information and complaint resources.
Legal Aid of North Carolina — free or low-cost legal help for renters.

North Carolina does not currently have rent control laws. See North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 42.
Notice requirements found at: North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 42, Article 5.
Residential rental disputes typically resolved in Small Claims Court (NC Courts official site).