North Carolina: rules and deadlines at a glance

Every 9 topic we track for North Carolina on one page. Open a topic for the details, the law it comes from and how North Carolina compares.

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Claim deadlines · Small claims limits · Property division · Dog bite rules · Shared fault rules · Security deposit rules · Eviction notice rules · Property tax rates

General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply; open a topic for the details.

Filing deadlines (statute of limitations)

Property damage	3 years

Claim deadlines

Acknowledge	No fixed number of days; must act with reasonable promptness
Accept or deny	Reasonable time
Pay	Not set by rule

Small claims limits Single detailed source

Dollar limit	$10,000 (lower in some counties)
Filing fee	$96
Lawyers	Not required

Property division

System	Equitable distribution
Opt-in community property	No

Dog bite rules Single detailed source

Rule	Mixed
Details	Strict liability only for dangerous dogs or dogs running loose at night

Shared fault rules

Rule	Contributory negligence
When you are barred	Barred if you are even 1% at fault

Security deposit rules Single detailed source

Maximum deposit	2 weeks (week-to-week), 1.5 months (month-to-month), 2 months (longer leases)
Return deadline	30 days; final accounting within 60

Eviction notice rules Single detailed source

Notice before filing	10 days to pay after a demand

Property tax rates

Effective rate	0.66%
On a $300,000 home	$1,980 a year