Single payment methods

[Hope_J]

Jurisdiction

North Carolina

Does North Carolina law permit landlords to offer just one payment method for tenants to pay rent?

 

[army judge]

Does North Carolina law permit landlords to offer just one payment method for tenants to pay rent?

North Carolina Rent Laws

North Carolina Rent Payment Laws

No, there are no specific rules and regulations on rent payments.

North Carolina Landlord-Tenant Laws | Avail Landlord Software
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Does rent need to be paid using a certain method of payment?

No. There is no North Carolina law requiring a certain payment method for rent.

A Guide to North Carolina Landlord Tenant Laws Updated 2023
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[adjusterjack]

Does North Carolina law permit landlords to offer just one payment method for tenants to pay rent?

What method is the landlord requiring?

 

[flyingron]

If you're asking if the landlord can refuse to take cash payments, in NC the answer is yes. While there is a law mandating people accept cash, it doesn't apply to rent payments. In fact, it is legal for the landlord to mandate the use of an electronic means that includes a "convenience fee" or credit card surcharge.

 

[Tax Counsel]

Does North Carolina law permit landlords to offer just one payment method for tenants to pay rent?

Yes. The landlord may easily require cash as the only means of payment, as long as that is stated in the lease. As for any other kind of payment, like credit/debit cards, EFTs, etc., at the moment there is no requirement that every business must accept cash and there does not seem to be any law in consideration that would be that broad.

The bill that would require acceptance of cash has not yet passed the state legislature. HB 20, called the "Cash Commitment Act" is right now stuck in committee in the NC House. It has yet to be taken up by the state Senate.

Even if it does pass, the intention stated in the current version of the bill being considered limits the reach of the bill: "The purpose of this Article is to ensure that every consumer has the right to use cash at retail businesses and health care providers that accept in-person payments." It makes no mention of other business activities, like leasing, as being subject to the Act. Of course, the bill is not yet in final form, passed by both houses, and signed by the governor so it's impossible right now to say exactly what the bill will require if it becomes law. The Senate my propose amendments if the bill gets there that would potentially broaden or narrow the reach of this Act.