North Carolina Eviction Rules
Official notice periods, filing timelines, and legal citations for this state.
Notice Requirements
Nonpayment of Rent
10 days
Lease Violation
No statutory cure period; governed by lease terms.
When can the landlord file?
Landlord may file after the 10-day notice expires for nonpayment, or per lease for violations.
Tenant answer deadline
10
Hearing timeline
Typically 2–4 weeks after filing, depending on county.
Lockout / physical eviction
Only the sheriff may execute the writ of possession after a court judgment.
Eviction Process Timeline
Notice Period (Nonpayment)
10 days
Notice Period (Lease Violation)
No statutory cure period; governed by lease terms.
Landlord Can File
Landlord may file after the 10-day notice expires for nonpayment, or per lease for violations.
Tenant Answer Deadline
10
Hearing Timeline
Typically 2–4 weeks after filing, depending on county.
Lockout / Physical Eviction
Only the sheriff may execute the writ of possession after a court judgment.
Legal Citations
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-3
- N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-26