Can a North Carolina tenant be evicted for complaining about repairs?
No. North Carolina prohibits retaliatory eviction. A landlord cannot terminate a tenancy in retaliation for the tenant complaining to a code-enforcement agency, organizing other tenants, joining a tenant union, or pursuing lawful tenant remedies. Most North Carolina statutes create a presumption of retaliation if the eviction follows the protected activity within a window (typically 6 months). A tenant who proves retaliation can recover possession, damages, and attorney fees. Documentation matters: dated complaints, certified-mail records, photos of conditions, and witness statements all strengthen the retaliation defense.
Source: North Carolina retaliation statute
This is an informational answer based on North Carolina retaliation statute as of early 2026. It is not legal advice. Housing law changes year to year and local ordinances (especially in rent-controlled or rent-stabilized cities) can override or add to state law. For contested cases, consult a North Carolina-licensed attorney.