Rent control rules in Matthews, NC — also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances — limit annual rent increases and protect tenants from displacement.
North Carolina prohibits local rent control under NCGS 42-14.1. Matthews cannot cap rental rates or impose rent stabilization. Landlord-tenant relations governed by the NC Residential Rental Agreements Act (NCGS 42-42).
North Carolina General Statute 42-14.1 expressly preempts local rent control ordinances, stating that no county or city may enact, maintain, or enforce any ordinance or resolution that regulates the amount of rent a private landlord may charge a private tenant. This preemption has been in effect since 1987 and makes rent control legally unavailable in Matthews and throughout North Carolina. Landlords and tenants are instead governed by the NC Residential Rental Agreements Act (NCGS 42-42) covering security deposits (NCGS 42-51, capped at 2 months rent for leases over 1 month), habitability standards, eviction procedures under summary ejectment (NCGS 42-26), and notice requirements (7 days for tenancy-at-will under NCGS 42-14). Late fees are capped at the greater of 15 dollars or 5 percent of monthly rent under NCGS 42-46.
Any local Matthews ordinance attempting to regulate rental rates would be void and unenforceable under NCGS 42-14.1. Landlord violations of NCGS 42-42 actionable through Mecklenburg County Small Claims Court or District Court.
Matthews, NC
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Matthews, NC
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