Fontana Dam, NC Security Deposit Laws 2026
North Carolina limits security deposits to 1.5 month(s) of rent. In Fontana Dam, that's $1,387 at the median 2BR rent of $925/month. Miss the 30-day return deadline and you could owe $1,850+.
In North Carolina, landlords must return security deposits within 30 days after move-out. The maximum deposit is 1.5 month(s) of rent. Failure to return on time or provide an itemized statement can result in penalties of $1,850 or more.
This applies to properties in Fontana Dam, NC. Check all requirements for your property →
Key Takeaways — Fontana Dam Security Deposit Laws
- Maximum deposit: 1.5 month(s) of rent = $1,387 at Fontana Dam's median rent
- Return deadline: 30 days after tenant moves out
- Penalty for late return: Up to 2x the deposit ($1,850)
- Itemized statement: Required with any deductions
Security Deposit Laws in Fontana Dam
Under North Carolina law, landlords in Fontana Dam may collect a maximum security deposit of 1.5 month(s) of rent. At Fontana Dam's median 2-bedroom rent of $925/month, that means the most you can legally collect is $1,387.
$1,387
max deposit (1.5mo × $925)
30 days
return deadline
$1,850
max penalty for late return
Returning the Deposit: The 30-Day Clock
Once a tenant moves out of your Fontana Dam rental, North Carolina law gives you exactly 30 days to either return the full deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions. The clock starts on the day the tenant surrenders possession — not when you inspect the unit.
What you can deduct from a security deposit in Fontana Dam:
- Unpaid rent
- Damage beyond normal wear and tear
- Cleaning costs to restore the unit to move-in condition
- Costs for restoring or replacing personal property (if lease allows)
What you cannot deduct:
- Normal wear and tear (minor scuffs, carpet wear, faded paint)
- Pre-existing damage (document with photos at move-in)
- Professional cleaning if the tenant left the unit in reasonable condition
Penalty Warning
Violate North Carolina security deposit laws rules in Fontana Dam and you could owe $1,850+. At Fontana Dam's median rent of $925/month, even a single violation adds up fast.
Fontana Dam Rental Market Context
Fontana Dam is the 551st-largest city in North Carolina (population 11). With a median 2-bedroom rent of $925/month, it falls in the budget range for North Carolina rental costs — 15% below the state median of $1,086/month.
How Fontana Dam Compares in Graham County
Fontana Dam ranks #2 of 2 cities in Graham County by population. Because security deposit laws rules are often tied to rent amounts, costs vary across the county.
| City | Population | Median Rent | Max Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robbinsville | 563 | $925/mo | $1,387 |
| Fontana Dam | 11 | $925/mo | $1,387 |
Rents based on HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2026) for Graham County, North Carolina. All cities follow North Carolina state law unless a local ordinance applies.
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How Fontana Dam Rents Affect Deposit Amounts
Deposit amounts scale with local rents. Here's what Fontana Dam landlords typically collect:
| Unit Size | Median Rent (Fontana Dam) | Max Deposit (1.5mo) | Penalty Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $782/mo | $1,173 | $2,346 |
| 1-Bedroom | $844/mo | $1,266 | $2,532 |
| 2-Bedroom | $925/mo | $1,387 | $2,775 |
| 3-Bedroom | $1,199/mo | $1,798 | $3,597 |
Rents based on HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2026) for Graham County.
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More Fontana Dam Landlord Laws
Security Deposit Laws in Nearby Cities
Own properties in multiple cities? Rules may differ locally:
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Download Free ChecklistReviewed by Rachid Abadli
Founder & CEO, LeaseBase · Sacramento landlord · Self-managing since 2019
LeaseBase is a property management platform — not a law firm. Consult an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.
