A notice to pay rent or quit—also known as an eviction notice or notice to vacate due to late rent—is a written letter demanding a tenant who is late paying rent (1) pay the rent by a certain date or (2) quit (leave or vacate) the premises.
In North Carolina, a notice to pay rent or quit is a formal communication from a landlord to a tenant who is late on their rent. This notice informs the tenant that they must either pay the overdue rent by a specified date or vacate the premises. The specific time frame for the tenant to take action is typically outlined in the lease agreement; however, if the lease does not specify, North Carolina law requires the landlord to provide a 10-day notice to the tenant to pay or vacate. This notice must be in writing and should include the amount of rent owed and the deadline for payment or vacating. If the tenant fails to comply with the notice, the landlord may then file an eviction lawsuit, known as a summary ejectment, in court. It is important for landlords to follow the proper legal procedures to avoid claims of illegal eviction.