North Carolina Rental Registration (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: N.C.G.S. 160A-424
Registration Fees: Generally prohibited
Habitability: N.C.G.S. 42-42
Targeted Inspection: Justification required

Full Breakdown

N.C. Gen. Stat. 160A-424 limits a city's authority to require rental registration, periodic inspections, or fees unrelated to actual code violations. Cities may not require landlords to obtain permits or pay fees for residential rental property except in narrow circumstances tied to documented violations. Targeted inspection programs require statistical justification. The Residential Rental Agreements Act under N.C.G.S. 42-42 sets statewide habitability standards that cannot be exceeded by local registration schemes.

Violations & Penalties

Local registration fees imposed without statutory basis are unenforceable. Affected landlords may challenge ordinances in court.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my North Carolina city require me to register my rental property?

Generally no. State law restricts mandatory rental registration absent documented code violations or specific statutory authority for the program.

Can a city charge an annual rental inspection fee?

Periodic inspection fees on all rentals are generally prohibited. Fees must be tied to specific violations or qualifying targeted programs.

North Carolina Rental Registration Preemption Law

Key Facts

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

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