30 days to return the deposit; cap 2 months' rent.
The deposit and an itemized statement are due within 30 days of move-out (or 60 days if deductions can't be determined in time). Deposits are capped at two months' rent (1.5 for month-to-month).
What this means for you: Missing the 30-day window generally forfeits the landlord's right to keep any of the deposit.
Your next step: Provide a forwarding address; send a demand if 30 days pass.
Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 42-50 to 42-56. Reviewed 2026-06-16 (needs local verification).
More North Carolina rights: North Carolina eviction · North Carolina repairs · North Carolina entry notice · North Carolina rent increase.
Security deposit in nearby states: Virginia (45 days to return the deposit; cap 2 months' rent) · South Carolina (30 days to return the deposit; cap no statutory cap) · Georgia (30 days to return the deposit; cap no statutory cap) · Tennessee (30 days to return the deposit; cap no statutory cap).
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and vary by locality; consult a licensed attorney or your local housing authority.
Updated July 2026