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States/North Carolina/Normal Wear & Tear
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North Carolina renter guide

North Carolina Normal Wear and Tear vs Damage

The North Carolina statute expressly excludes normal wear and tear from security-deposit damage deductions and also limits retention to actual damages.

Last reviewed: August 30, 20261 primary source cited
Normal wearNot deductible

Express rule in § 42-52.

RetentionNo more than actual damages

The statute separately limits the amount retained.

Useful evidence

  • Move-in and move-out photos.
  • Age and prior condition of carpet, paint and fixtures.
  • Maintenance requests showing pre-existing issues.
  • An explanation of why repair or replacement was necessary.
Use the actual tenancy timeline. North Carolina’s accounting statute ties the deadline to termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession. If those dates differ, identify both before calculating a deadline.

Official sources

North Carolina General AssemblyN.C.G.S. § 42-52 — Landlord obligations ↗

Primary statute for the 30-day itemization/refund rule, interim accounting, final 60-day accounting and ordinary-wear limitation.

Related North Carolina guides

Security Deposit →Deposit Limits →30/60-Day Rule →Move-Out Charges →