How to Evict a Roommate in North Carolina

Living with a roommate can be stressful, especially if the roommate overlooks rent payments or creates problems in the house. As per North Carolina's real estate laws, you (the tenant or landlord) have a legal right to evict the roommate. You should sign a lease agreement with each tenant, giving you the freedom to evict them if they violate the lease agreement. You must follow the legal process for successful eviction, especially if you are evicting multiple tenants or aren’t familiar with ; precisely following the process is key.

As a tenant, you can evict a roommate if they violate the sublease agreement, which is either written or verbal. Evicting a roommate on a lease agreement is challenging for a tenant, as only the proprietor can intervene. Some property owners might not take any action, especially where rent issues are involved. They know you will settle all rent arrears by yourself or risk eviction from the premises.

Tenants are advised to seek legal help to evict a roommate who fails to meet their expectations. Threatening your roommate, throwing away their belongings, or even giving them an eviction notice without following the ideal procedure is illegal. It can result in fines or other legal consequences. You should seek a lawyer's help to guide you with the eviction process. DoNotPay is the best service provider as it offers comprehensive landlord protection services. All you are required to do is follow our simple steps, and we will handle the eviction process on your behalf.

Can a Roommate Fight Wrongful Eviction in North Carolina?

As part of the process of how to evict a , that roommate can fight wrongful eviction. The roommate can give the following defenses accompanied with compelling evidence:

The breach of lease provision is not sufficient to warrant eviction.
The eviction allegations are false.
The eviction notice was unclear.
The proprietor nullified the eviction by accepting rent.
The roommate can claim they had no idea that their partner was engaging in any criminal activity or drug trafficking.

The Eviction Process in North Carolina

You (landlord or tenant) cannot evict a roommate without following the proper legal channels. Follow these steps:

Filing a Complaint in Summary Ejectment

First, you must file a complaint in summary ejectment with the court clerk and provide sufficient proof that the roommate has violated the lease agreement. You should then serve the roommate with an eviction notice and court papers.

The roommate can decide to move willingly after getting the eviction notice or wait for the court to determine their case.

Proceed to Court

Eviction cases are heard in small claims courts. The magistrate listens to the landlord and the roommate. The judge then calls the witnesses to testify based on eviction grounds. The landlord and tenant are allowed to hire attorneys to represent them.

There Is a Ruling

After hearing the case, the magistrate decides and announces the verdict in court but writes an eviction order later. Eviction cases are civil, implying no one is arrested in the process. The roommate or proprietor can appeal the small claim court's decision at the District Court for a new hearing.

But this process can be costly and time-consuming, especially if lawyers get involved. DoNotPay offers a faster, easier alternative.

How to Evict a Roommate by Yourself in North Carolina

It is challenging to handle the eviction process yourself, as you have to follow the proper legal channels. Some roommates are defiant and uncooperative. However, you can approach the roommate and notify them of your intentions to evict them, citing the reasons for eviction. The roommate can decide to move free or wait for the eviction order from the court.

You are prohibited from threatening or throwing away your roommate's item. Following the legal channel is hectic as it involves court proceedings. The process might take time. DoNotPay pay can handle the eviction process on your behalf hassle-free.

Evicting a Roommate in North Carolina Using DoNotPay

DoNotPay provides efficient services, making it highly reliable and successful. The process is fast and efficient. It is also hassle-free, as you do not have to appear in court. DoNotPay can also help you address social issues involving property owners, such as suing a landlord for your security deposit, establishing landlord repair responsibilities, responding to eviction threats, and getting your security deposit back.

Follow the four simple steps below to evict a roommate using DoNotPay.

1. Search for and open the Landlord Protection product on DoNotPay.

2. Select which issue applies to you.

3. Answer a simple set of questions so our chatbot can collect the necessary information to create your demand letter.

4. Choose whether you want DoNotPay to send the demand letter to your landlord or roommate on your behalf. If you already tried sending a demand letter and it didn't work, we can help you start the small claims court process.