In general, the lease agreement between a landlord and tenant establishes the guidelines of their relationship. However, the following items listed in the North Carolina Residential Rental Agreement Act take president over the terms that may be included in a lease.

What the Landlord Is Required to Do

• Maintain facilities
• Comply with building codes
• Keep common areas safe
• Keep premises in safe and habitable condition

What the Tenant Is Required to Do

• Keep the occupied premises clean and safe
• Dispose of trash and waste in a safe manner
• Keep plumbing fixtures clean
• Not deliberately or negligently cause damage to the premises or tamper with smoke detectors
• Comply with applicable building codes
• Be responsible for damage inside the premises
• Notify the landlord of issues with the smoke detectors
• Pay rent according to the terms of the lease and pay a late payment fee when late

What Happens If a Dispute Arises?

• Withhold rent or pay a reduced rent to cover the cost of repairs if agreed upon by both parties
• Abandonment of lease if the procedures outlined in the lease agreement are followed
• Early termination by military personnel if there is a hardship
• Small claims court if the landlord and tenant cannot settle their differences on their own
• Eviction by court order through a process called summary ejectment

The act also covers security deposits, a landlord’s obligations during the lease and at the end of the lease, and issues related to normal wear and tear.