DisputeKit / States / North Carolina
Your consumer rights in North Carolina
What North Carolina and federal law say about getting a security deposit back, refunds and cancelling subscriptions, with the law cited and a sample letter for each.
Security deposits
30 days. Under North Carolina General Statutes § 42-52, a landlord must itemize any damage in writing and mail or deliver it to the tenant, together with the balance of the security deposit within 30 days. The clock starts when you move out and hand back possession of the unit. A court may also award the balance of the deposit plus damages resulting from the landlord's noncompliance, and attorney's fees if the noncompliance was willful; a willful failure to comply also voids the landlord's right to keep any part of the deposit.
Refunds
If a company won't refund you, send a written demand with a clear deadline. If you paid by credit card, you may also be able to dispute the charge: Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, a billing-error dispute must reach the card issuer in writing within 60 days after the first statement showing the charge.
Subscriptions
North Carolina has its own automatic-renewal law for subscriptions, on top of the federal Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act.
Small claims and complaints in North Carolina
- North Carolina consumer law
- North Carolina General Statutes § 75-1.1
- Where to file a complaint
- North Carolina Department of Justice, Consumer Protection Division
- Small claims limit
- $10,000 maximum; some counties set a lower limit (from $5,000), so check with your county clerk
- Filing fee
- $96, with a fee waiver available if you cannot afford it