Cleveland County, NC Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)

5, Article III sets minimum standards of fitness for every dwelling and dwelling unit used, or offered, for human habitation in the unincorporated county. 5-33 makes the standard mandatory both ways: an owner-occupant must comply and no one may "let to another for occupancy or use as human habitation" a dwelling that does not meet all minimum standards of fitness. 5-35 sets the mechanical baseline: each dwelling unit must have a kitchen sink, lavatory, tub or shower, water closet and an adequate supply of both hot and cold water connected to an approved potable water and sewer system, with fixtures kept in a state of good repair.

Heating gets a hard number: any central or electric system must be able to heat every habitable room, bathroom and water closet compartment to a minimum of 68 degrees Fahrenheit, measured three feet above the floor, during ordinary winter conditions; where no central system exists, the unit must at least have electrical receptacles, fireplaces, chimneys or gas vents to connect heating appliances. 5-38 requires exterior walls, roofs, floors and windows to stay weathertight and rodent-proof. 6-3, and a landlord who lets a substandard unit is subject to the Article III violation and penalty provisions.