Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in North Carolina

First, send written notice to the landlord of the necessary repairs and keep a copy. Some are more necessary than others and are considered emergencies. If he refuses to repair then you can sue in Court to ask for rent abatement, which is where you ask the Court to reduce rent until the repairs are made. I recommend you speak to a landlord tenant attorney before suing.

DO NOT withhold rent. North Carolina does not permit rent withholding.