North Carolina Rent Control Law (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: N.C.G.S. 42-14.1
Preemption Type: Complete and express
Exceptions: None for private rentals
Federal Programs: Unaffected

Full Breakdown

N.C. Gen. Stat. 42-14.1 expressly prohibits any county or city from enacting, maintaining, or enforcing any ordinance or resolution that regulates the amount of rent charged for privately owned residential or commercial property. This is a complete preemption with no exceptions for affordability programs, emergency situations, or large landlords. Voluntary affordable housing incentives and federally subsidized programs remain permissible. Any local rent control ordinance is void and unenforceable.

Violations & Penalties

Local rent control ordinances are unenforceable. Landlords charged under such ordinances may sue to invalidate the local rule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can any North Carolina city impose rent control?

No. State law completely prohibits all cities and counties from regulating residential or commercial rent amounts on privately owned property.

Does the rent control ban apply to short-term rentals?

Yes. The statute applies to all privately owned residential property, including short-term and vacation rentals.

North Carolina Rent Control Statewide Prohibition Law

Key Facts

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

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