Cash-for-keys agreements are voluntary and unregulated in Raleigh. Landlords and tenants may negotiate any payment to vacate early, but tenants should secure full lease release and waiver-of-claims terms in writing before turning over possession.
Without a tenant-protection ordinance, Raleigh treats cash-for-keys purely as private contract. Landlords often offer one to three months' rent to avoid eviction filings, particularly during sale, conversion, or major renovation. Tenants accepting payment should ensure the written agreement (1) releases them from remaining lease liability, (2) returns the security deposit fully or includes the deposit in the buyout, (3) avoids confessions of judgment, and (4) is signed before move-out. Legal Aid of NC and Wake County small-claims clinics routinely review draft agreements for tenants without counsel.
Disputes over unpaid cash-for-keys promises become breach-of-contract claims. Wake County small claims court hears amounts up to $10,000 with no attorney required.
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