AI North Carolina Residential Lease Agreement

1. Premises

Landlord leases to Tenant the residential property located at [[Property Address]], including any appliances and fixtures listed in the attached inventory.

2. Term

The lease term begins [[Start Date]] and ends [[End Date]]. If no end date, the tenancy is month-to-month after the initial term.

3. Rent

Tenant shall pay monthly rent of [[Monthly Rent]] on the [[Due Day]] of each month. Rent is payable to [[Payment Address or Method]].

4. Late Fees and Grace Period

Rent is due on the due date. A late fee of [[Late Fee Amount or 5%]] applies after a 10-day grace period per NCGS § 42-46.

5. Security Deposit

Tenant shall pay a security deposit of [[Security Deposit Amount]]. Under North Carolina law, the deposit is limited and must be held in a trust account. Landlord shall return the deposit within 30 days after termination, less lawful deductions, with an itemized statement.

6. Utilities and Services

[[Tenant Responsible Utilities]]
[[Landlord Responsible Utilities]]

7. Occupants and Guests

Only the named tenants and [[Permitted Occupants]] may reside at the Premises. Guests staying more than [[Guest Limit Days]] require Landlord consent.

8. Use of Premises

The Premises shall be used only as a private residence. Tenant shall comply with all laws and reasonable rules.

9. Maintenance and Repairs

Landlord shall maintain the Premises in a fit and habitable condition as required by the North Carolina Residential Rental Agreements Act (NCGS § 42-41 et seq.). Tenant shall keep the Premises clean and report needed repairs promptly.

10. Landlord's Right of Entry

Landlord may enter with reasonable notice (generally 24 hours) for inspection, repairs, or to show the property, except in emergencies.

11. Default and Remedies

If Tenant fails to pay rent or breaches other terms, Landlord may give notice as required by law and pursue eviction and damages.

12. Implied Warranty of Habitability

Landlord warrants that the Premises comply with the implied warranty of habitability under North Carolina law.

13. Disclosures

• Lead-Based Paint (pre-1978): [[Attached or N/A]]
• Other required disclosures: [[List]]

14. Governing Law

This Agreement is governed by the laws of North Carolina.

Signatures

Landlord: ______________________________ Date: ___________

Tenant: ______________________________ Date: ___________

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*Sample template - not legal advice. Complies with NCGS Chapter 42 (Residential Rental Agreements Act). Security deposit and late fee rules per NCGS § 42-50 et seq. Verify current law. References as of June 2026.*

15. Definitions

"Premises" includes the dwelling unit and any included parking, storage, and appliances listed in Exhibit A.

"Rent" includes all amounts due under this Agreement.

16. Security Deposit Details

The security deposit secures Tenant's performance. Landlord may apply it to unpaid rent, damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, and cleaning. Landlord must provide an itemized list of deductions within 30 days of termination and return of possession. Failure to do so may result in liability for the full deposit plus penalties.

17. Tenant Maintenance Obligations

Tenant shall:

1. Keep the Premises in a clean and sanitary condition.
2. Properly use all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and other facilities and appliances.
3. Dispose of all rubbish, garbage, and other waste in a clean and sanitary manner.
4. Keep all plumbing fixtures clean and free of obstruction.
5. Not deliberately or negligently destroy, deface, damage, or remove any part of the Premises.

18. Landlord Obligations

Landlord shall:

1. Comply with all applicable building and housing codes.
2. Make all repairs necessary to keep the Premises in a fit and habitable condition.
3. Maintain in good and safe working order all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and other facilities and appliances supplied by Landlord.
4. Provide and maintain appropriate receptacles for garbage and arrange for removal.

19. Access by Landlord

Landlord may enter the Premises under the following circumstances:

1. In case of emergency.
2. To make necessary or agreed repairs, decorations, alterations, or improvements.
3. To supply necessary or agreed services.
4. To exhibit the Premises to prospective or actual purchasers, tenants, workmen, or contractors.
5. To inspect for compliance with the lease and law.

Except in emergencies, Landlord shall give Tenant at least 24 hours' notice and enter at reasonable times.

20. Default by Tenant

If Tenant fails to pay rent when due or violates any term of this Agreement, Landlord may terminate this Agreement and recover possession as provided by North Carolina law, including NCGS § 42-3 and summary ejectment procedures.

21. Holdover

If Tenant remains in possession after the term without Landlord's consent, Tenant shall pay holdover rent of [[Holdover Rate]] per day and may be subject to summary ejectment.

22. Governing Law and Venue

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina. Venue for any action shall be in the county where the Premises is located.

23. Entire Agreement

This Agreement, including all exhibits and addenda, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties. No modification shall be binding unless in writing and signed by both parties.

24. Severability

If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force.

25. Signatures and Date

LANDLORD

Signature: ______________________________ Date: ___________

Printed Name: [[Landlord Name]]

TENANT(S)

Signature: ______________________________ Date: ___________

Printed Name: [[Tenant Name(s)]]

Signature: ______________________________ Date: ___________

Printed Name: [[Additional Tenant]]