What should a tenant do if they are in dispute with a landlord?

If a tenant in North Carolina is in dispute with a landlord, they should first seek legal advice from a lawyer or other legal representative to fully understand their rights under the North Carolina landlord-tenant laws. The tenant should also collect any documents, photographs, emails, or other evidence they may have to strengthen their claim. Next, the tenant should contact their landlord and try to resolve the dispute by discussing the situation. Many times the tenant and landlord can come to a resolution without the need for legal intervention. If the tenant and landlord cannot come to an agreement, the tenant can file a complaint with the North Carolina Department of Justice. The department can investigate the landlord’s actions to determine if they are in violation of the North Carolina landlords- tenant laws. The tenant can also bring their dispute to small claims court. In North Carolina, a tenant has the right to sue their landlord in small claims court if they are seeking damages of less than $10,000. The tenant must follow the court’s instructions in order to take legal action. In the event that the tenant and landlord still cannot find a resolution, the tenant has the right to seek a lawyer to represent them in court. By seeking legal advice and exploring their options, the tenant can protect their rights and ensure they receive the proper remedy for their dispute.

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