Can a North Carolina landlord email or text a notice to quit?

Generally no, not on its own. North Carolina statutes overwhelmingly require a physical service component: in-person delivery, substituted service to an adult at the residence with a mailed copy, or posting the notice on the door plus mailing. Email and text alone are not statutory service in most North Carolina eviction proceedings. Where the lease itself authorizes electronic notice for routine matters (rent reminders, repair scheduling), it does NOT extend that consent to eviction notices unless the lease specifically says so AND the state statute permits it. A few jurisdictions are beginning to allow digital service if the tenant has explicitly opted in via signed acknowledgment. To be safe, use the statutory physical method even if you also send an email or text as a courtesy backup.

Source: North Carolina eviction service rules