N.C. Gen. Stat. § § 42-25.6
Manner of ejectment of residential tenants.
Operative Text
It is the public policy of the State of North Carolina, in order to maintain the public peace, that a residential tenant shall be evicted, dispossessed or otherwise constructively or actually removed from his dwelling unit only in accordance with the procedure prescribed in Article 3 or Article 7 of this Chapter. (1981, c. 566, s. 1; 1995, c. 419, s. 1.1.)
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-25.6 establishes that North Carolina's public policy requires residential tenants to be removed from their homes only through the formal legal procedures set out in Article 3 or Article 7 of Chapter 42. This means that any eviction—whether actual or constructive—must follow the prescribed court process. No other method of removal is recognized as lawful under this provision.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-25.6, compliant property owners pursue tenant removal exclusively through the legal eviction procedures outlined in Article 3 or Article 7 of Chapter 42. Operators generally avoid any self-help measures—such as changing locks, removing belongings, or shutting off utilities—as a means of forcing a tenant out, since such actions fall outside the lawful procedures this provision mandates. Maintaining documentation of all steps taken through the formal process is a common practice among operators seeking to demonstrate compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-25.6 affirms that North Carolina public policy protects residential tenants from being removed from their homes by any means other than the formal legal process defined in Article 3 or Article 7 of Chapter 42. If a landlord attempts to remove or displace a tenant through informal or self-help methods—such as lockouts or utility shutoffs—that conduct may be raised as a violation of this provision. Tenants who believe this protection has been violated may consider contacting a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid office to understand the options available to them.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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