N.C. Gen. Stat. § § 42-42.2
Victim protection - nondiscrimination.
Operative Text
A landlord shall not terminate a tenancy, fail to renew a tenancy, refuse to enter into a rental agreement, or otherwise retaliate in the rental of a dwelling based substantially on: (i) the tenant, applicant, or a household member's status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking; or (ii) the tenant or applicant having terminated a rental agreement under G.S. 42-45.1. Evidence provided to the landlord of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking may include any of the following: (1) Law enforcement, court, or federal agency records or files. (2) Documentation from a domestic violence or sexual assault program. (3) Documentation from a religious, medical, or other professional. (2005-423, s. 6.)
North Carolina General Statute § 42-42.2 prohibits landlords from using a person's status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking as a basis for refusing to rent, declining to renew a lease, or terminating a tenancy. The law also bars retaliation against tenants or applicants who previously ended a lease early under the state's victim-protection early-termination provision. Victims may substantiate their status through a range of documentation, including records from law enforcement or courts, materials from a domestic violence or sexual assault program, or statements from religious, medical, or other professionals.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-42.2, compliant property owners and managers treat an applicant's or tenant's victim status as a protected characteristic, meaning leasing decisions are made without regard to whether someone has experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Operators generally maintain consistent screening and renewal criteria that do not penalize individuals for having exercised early-termination rights under G.S. 42-45.1. When a tenant or applicant presents qualifying documentation—such as court records, program documentation, or a professional's statement—operators typically acknowledge and retain that documentation without using it as a basis for adverse action.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-42.2 gives tenants and applicants the right not to be denied housing, evicted, or subjected to other adverse rental actions simply because they are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or because they previously used the state's victim early-termination law. If a landlord takes action that appears to be based substantially on protected victim status, tenants may raise this statute as a defense in eviction or other legal proceedings. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid offices familiar with North Carolina housing law can help individuals understand what documentation may be relevant and what options may be available under § 42-42.2.
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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