North Carolina Rent Increase Laws

North Carolina Rent Increase Laws

Last Updated: January 9, 2024 by Jessica Menefee

Rent Increase Facts Answer
Reason Needed? No
Maximum Amount None
Required Notice No Statute

Does North Carolina Have Rent Control Laws?

North Carolina does not have rent control laws limiting the amount that landlords request for rent. In addition, state law prohibits local governments from establishing rent control laws.

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When Can a Landlord Raise Rent in North Carolina?

Landlords in North Carolina can raise the rent at any time, as long as they comply with the following:

  • Give reasonable notice
  • Wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease)
  • Aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons

example

30 days before the end of a year-long lease, a landlord sends the tenant a notice that rent will increase by 4.5% if they choose to renew the lease.

When Can’t a Landlord Raise Rent in North Carolina?

Landlords in North Carolina may not raise the rent if:

  • It is during the middle of a lease’s fixed term (unless stated otherwise in the lease agreement).
  • It is done in response to a protected tenant action, such as filing a complaint. This is known as “retaliation.
  • The increase is applied in a way that discriminates against one of the protected classes specified in the Fair Housing Act.

note

North Carolina’s retaliation law only prevents retaliatory evictions within 12 months of a tenant action . However, landlords are always required to act in good faith. 

How Often Can Rent Be Increased in North Carolina?

Landlords in North Carolina can increase the rent as often as they wish, as long as reasonable notice is provided each time.

How Much Notice is Needed to Raise Rent in North Carolina?

North Carolina law does not require a specific notice period before raising the rent. However, the law requires that parties to a contract act in good faith, meaning that a landlord should give the tenant reasonable notice when increasing rent.

The notice period required for the termination of a lease is typically used as reasonable notice for a rent increase as follows:

  • Year-to-year lease – One month’s notice
  • Month-to-month lease – 7 days’ notice

How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, landlords can raise the rent by any amount. There is no legal limit or cap on the amount of a rent increase.

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