North Carolina: Charged for normal wear and tear

Review deductions involving routine aging, ordinary use, old-item replacement, repairability, or betterment.

Reviewed: 2026-08-11

How sources are checked →

Deadline context

30 days

Statute

NCGS § 42-50 to 42-56 (Tenant Security Deposit Act)

Review checklist

Separate true damage from ordinary wear.
Collect move-in/move-out photos and condition notes.
Ask how age, prior condition, repairability, actual cost, and betterment affect the claimed loss under the governing rule.
Challenge each deduction line item with evidence.

Frequently asked questions

Questions to check against your North Carolina records and the current source.

What should I check when a deduction may be ordinary wear and tear?

Review deductions involving routine aging, ordinary use, old-item replacement, repairability, or betterment. Start with your dates and records, then compare them with the current North Carolina source.

What is the North Carolina deadline for deposit return?

30 days for an itemization or interim accounting; a final accounting may be due within 60 days if the claim cannot yet be determined (30 days).

Take the next step

Use the checklist above to organize your dates and records, then choose the action that fits what you found.

Check deductions Open state template Create my letter — $19