N.C. Gen. Stat. § § 42-59.1
Statement of Public Policy.
Operative Text
The General Assembly recognizes that the residents of this State have the right to the peaceful, safe, and quiet enjoyment of their homes. The General Assembly further recognizes that these rights, as well as the health, safety, and welfare of residents, are often jeopardized by the criminal activity of other residents of rented residential property, but that landlords are often unable to remove those residents engaged in criminal activity. In order to ensure that residents of this State can have the peaceful, safe, and quiet enjoyment of their homes, the provisions of this Article are deemed to apply to all residential rental agreements in this State. (1995, c. 419, s. 1.)
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-59.1 sets out the foundational public policy behind North Carolina's residential rental crime provisions. The General Assembly declared that residents have a right to peaceful, safe, and quiet enjoyment of their homes, and acknowledged that criminal activity by other tenants can threaten that right along with residents' health, safety, and welfare. To address this, the legislature made the entire Article governing criminal activity in rental housing applicable to all residential rental agreements across the state.
Plain English — not legal advice.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-59.1 signals that the North Carolina legislature has specifically addressed the challenge landlords face in removing tenants engaged in criminal activity. Operators of residential rental properties should be aware that the Article built on this public policy statement applies to every residential rental agreement in the state, without exception. Compliant property managers generally familiarize themselves with the full scope of this Article to understand the tools and obligations it creates for maintaining safe housing communities.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-59.1 affirms that North Carolina law recognizes your right to peaceful, safe, and quiet enjoyment of your home as a renter. The provision acknowledges that criminal activity by fellow residents can undermine that right, and it establishes the policy foundation for the Article's protections that apply to all residential rental agreements statewide. Tenants who believe their right to safe and quiet enjoyment is being compromised may wish to review the full Article, consult a tenant-rights organization, or contact local housing authorities to understand what remedies may be available.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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