N.C. Gen. Stat. § § 42-53
Pet deposits.
Operative Text
Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, the landlord may charge a reasonable, nonrefundable fee for pets kept by the tenant on the premises. (1977, c. 914, s. 1.)
Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-53, North Carolina law permits landlords to charge a separate, nonrefundable fee specifically for tenants who keep pets on the rental premises. Unlike a standard security deposit, this pet fee does not have to be returned to the tenant at the end of the tenancy. The fee must be 'reasonable,' though the statute does not define a specific dollar amount or cap.
Plain English — not legal advice.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-53 gives property owners the option to collect a nonrefundable pet fee in addition to any standard security deposit. Compliant operators typically document this fee clearly in the lease agreement, distinguishing it from refundable deposits, and set the amount at a level that could be considered reasonable relative to the local rental market. Keeping records of the fee's purpose and amount helps demonstrate compliance if a dispute arises.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-53, a landlord is permitted to charge a nonrefundable pet fee, meaning tenants should not expect that amount to be returned at move-out. However, the statute requires the fee to be 'reasonable,' so tenants who believe a charged fee is excessive may wish to review their lease terms carefully and consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid service for general guidance. If a dispute arises over how pet-related charges were applied, tenants can explore options such as raising the issue through small claims court or contacting a local housing authority.
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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