Legal Question in Real Estate Law in North Carolina

Re: Renters Rights Concerning Return of Security Deposit

Normal wear and tear varies on a case by case basis

but if there're no stains on the walls or carpet, a

normal repaint and carpet clean would be landlord's

responsibility absent specific lease provision. As

far as the responsibilities of each party, the

question is too broad to answer in this forum. My best

guess on the length of time within which to seek

refund of the security deposit without looking up

the statute, is 3 years, but I wouldn't take that

to the bank. The longer you wait, the fuzzier your chances. All tenants are jointly

and severally responsible for all the liability of

a lease, written or oral. If less than all tenants

are responsible for damage, loss of security, etc.,

the fight is between tenants not the tenant and landlord.

This is true regardless of when fewer than all the

tenants leave, unless the parties agree otherwise,

HOPEFULLY IN WRITING.