States/North Carolina/Trust Account / Bond
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North Carolina renter guide

North Carolina Security Deposit Trust Account or Bond

North Carolina generally requires residential security deposits to be kept in a qualifying trust account or backed by a licensed insurer’s bond.

Last reviewed: August 30, 20262 primary sources cited
Tenant noticeWithin 30 days of lease start

The landlord or agent must identify the bank/institution or insurance company providing the bond.

Out-of-state trust accounts

The statute permits a deposit to be held in a trust account outside North Carolina only when the landlord provides an adequate bond in the amount of the deposits.

Records worth keeping

  • The deposit receipt.
  • The written notice naming the bank or bonding company.
  • Lease and renewal documents.
  • Any transfer notice if ownership changes.
Use the actual tenancy timeline. North Carolina’s accounting statute ties the deadline to termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession. If those dates differ, identify both before calculating a deadline.

Official sources

Related North Carolina guides