Smart Locks and Tenant Privacy Rights in North Carolina

Smart locks are becoming more popular in rental homes across North Carolina, offering both convenience and new privacy issues for tenants. If you're a renter, it's important to know your rights and responsibilities when your landlord installs a smart lock or requests shared access codes.

Privacy Rights in North Carolina Rental Homes

In North Carolina, tenants have a right to privacy in their homes. This means landlords generally cannot enter your rental without proper notice or consent, whether or not your door uses a traditional lock or a smart lock.

Landlord Entry Rules and Smart Lock Technology

• Notice Requirement: North Carolina law does not specify an exact required notice period for landlord entry, but best practices recommend landlords provide at least 24 hours’ notice in non-emergency situations (see NC General Statutes § 42-43).
• Emergency Entry: Landlords may enter without notice only in case of emergency (such as fire or urgent repairs).
• Access via Smart Locks: If your landlord installs a smart lock, they may request access codes. However, they must still follow entry notice requirements. Your privacy rights do not change just because a smart lock is used.
• Changing Access Codes: You should not change the smart lock code to block your landlord’s legal right of entry. Doing so without their knowledge could violate your lease.

Smart locks store digital records of entries and exits. North Carolina has no law specifically about smart lock data, but your landlord must use any access in good faith and for lawful purposes only.^[1]

What If Your Privacy Is Violated?

If you feel your landlord has misused a smart lock—for example, by entering without notice, using access codes to enter unlawfully, or not respecting your space—several steps are available to you as a North Carolina renter:

• Document the incident: Keep records, screenshots, or entry logs from the smart lock, and note all dates and details.
• Communicate in writing with your landlord, expressing your concerns and requesting they follow entry rules.
• If they refuse to listen, consider filing a complaint or pursuing mediation or legal remedies.

Filing a Complaint or Taking Action

Most privacy or entry disputes between landlords and tenants in North Carolina are resolved in the state's civil court system, specifically in District Court (Small Claims Court), which hears landlord-tenant matters.

If you believe your landlord unlawfully entered your home or misused smart lock data:

• Use the Small Claims Court Complaint Form (AOC-CVM-201) to start a claim. This form is required for any tenant seeking damages or other legal remedies.
• Example: A renter believes their landlord entered without notice using a smart lock code. The renter documents the incident, completes the AOC-CVM-201 Complaint in Summary Ejectment/Small Claims, and files it at their local courthouse.
• For lockout or illegal entry, you may request relief or damages.
• For details and courthouse locations, see the NC Judicial Branch landlord-tenant resource.

Tenants: If you are unsure about your privacy rights with smart locks, contact your local Legal Aid office or your county's court self-help center for free guidance and support.

Official Landlord-Tenant Authority in North Carolina

North Carolina landlord-tenant cases—like privacy disputes, lockouts, or illegal entry—are heard by the North Carolina Judicial Branch (District Court).

• You can find forms, court contacts, and helpful tenant resources on the official tenant-landlord section.

North Carolina Rental Laws That Protect Privacy

• North Carolina Residential Rental Agreements Act – Covers general landlord and tenant obligations.
• NC General Statutes § 42-42 & § 42-43 – Outlines landlord entry conditions, habitability, and privacy rights.

Summary: Smart locks do not overrule your legal right to privacy. Landlords must respect entry notice laws and use technology responsibly.

FAQ: Smart Locks and Privacy in NC Rentals

1. Can a landlord enter my North Carolina rental without notice if they have a smart lock code?
   In most cases, no. Landlords must provide notice and have a legitimate reason to enter, even if they have digital access.
2. What can I do if my landlord is misusing smart lock access?
   Document the incidents, express concerns in writing, and file a complaint using the Small Claims Court complaint form if the issue isn't resolved.
3. Can I refuse to share my smart lock code with my landlord?
   Usually, no. A landlord generally needs a way to access the property for legitimate reasons (repairs, emergencies). However, this access does not give them unlimited entry.
4. Are there North Carolina laws specifically about smart locks in rentals?
   There is no law specific to smart locks, but all standard entry and privacy laws apply, regardless of lock type.
5. Where can I get an official complaint form for landlord entry violations in North Carolina?
   Access the AOC-CVM-201 Summary Ejectment/Small Claims complaint form from the NC Judicial Branch website.

Key Takeaways for NC Renters

• Smart locks do not remove your legal right to privacy and notice before landlord entry.
• Always communicate in writing about privacy or entry concerns, especially if smart lock logs support your claim.
• If your rights are violated, you can seek legal remedies through your local Small Claims Court using official forms.

Remember, technology should improve your sense of security—never take it as a reason to accept unwanted or unlawful landlord entry.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• NC Judicial Branch Landlord-Tenant Help: Official resources, forms, and court info
• Legal Aid of North Carolina: Free legal support for renters
• NC Residential Rental Agreements Act: Full legislation text
• AOC-CVM-201 Small Claims Complaint Form: Use to begin a claim if your rights are violated

---

1. North Carolina Residential Rental Agreements Act (NCGS Chapter 42)
2. NC Judicial Branch: Landlord-Tenant Law
3. AOC-CVM-201 Complaint in Summary Ejectment/Small Claims (NC Courts)

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations