North Carolina landlord repair timeline
How long does a landlord in North Carolina have to repair?
The clock most states set starts at the tenant’s written notice. Here is what the statute says, with the official source. It is general information, not legal advice.
- What it sets
- Imminently dangerous conditions fixed within a reasonable period based on how severe they are; no day count
- Statute
- G.S. 42-42
- Official source
- North Carolina General Statutes 42-42
Not an emergency service. For a fire, a gas leak or anyone in danger, call 911 or the gas utility.
What North Carolina law says, line by line
Each line restates the text it cites. Check the current version before you rely on it.
The landlord keeps electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating and air conditioning facilities in good working order and repairs them promptly after written notice, except in emergencies.
G.S. 42-42(a)(4)Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are repaired or replaced within 15 days of the tenant’s written notice.
G.S. 42-42(a)(5) and (7)Imminently dangerous conditions are fixed within a reasonable time based on how severe they are.
G.S. 42-42(a)(8)Heating that can’t keep living areas at 65°F when it is 20°F outside, from November 1 through March 31, is an imminently dangerous condition.
G.S. 42-42(a)(8)A tenant’s acceptance of the condition doesn’t release the landlord from these duties.
G.S. 42-42(b)
Checked October 21, 2026
Turn the statute into your own response times
City rules and your leases can be stricter than the state. Write your times as the strictest of the three.
- Count from when the tenant told you, because many deadlines start at notice
- Put heat, water, power and anything dangerous at the top, day or night
- Ask for notice in writing, and reply in writing, so the record exists if anyone asks
- Record every step with a time: the first reply, the booking, the visit and the confirmation
A question managers ask about North Carolina
For electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilating and air conditioning repairs, G.S. 42-42 ties the duty to written notice except in emergencies. Smoke and CO alarm repairs are due within 15 days of written notice.
Managing in another state? Pick it hereThe same leak can have a different clock across a state line.
The clock starts at the tenant’s notice Ours answers at any hour