NORTH CAROLINA DISTRICT COURT — SMALL CLAIMS / SUMMARY EJECTMENT

Tenant's Answer and Counterclaim to Summary Ejectment

File your defenses and counterclaims against an eviction complaint. Statutes: G.S. 42-26, G.S. 42-29, G.S. 42-37.1. Free. No account required.
← FORMVANA NC FORMS VIEW ALL FORMS →
01 ATTORNEY / PARTY INFORMATION
02 CASE INFORMATION
03 ANSWER — DEFENSES TO EVICTION COMPLAINT
04 COUNTERCLAIM (OPTIONAL)
05 RELIEF REQUESTED
SELECTED COUNTY
— Select above —

ATTORNEY? AUTO-FILL FROM CLIO

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FILING DEADLINES

  • File answer on or before the hearing date shown on the summons
  • Bring all rent payment receipts to court — originals preferred
  • Counterclaims must be filed before or at the hearing
  • File in the Clerk's office in the county listed on the complaint

RETALIATORY EVICTION LAW

  • G.S. 42-37.1: Landlord CANNOT evict tenant for complaining to housing code enforcement
  • Protected: complaints to NCHFA, HUD, or local housing inspector
  • Protected: organizing other tenants or joining a tenant union
  • Rebuttable presumption of retaliation within 12 months of protected activity
  • Tenant may recover actual damages plus attorney's fees if retaliation proven

STATUTORY REFERENCE

G.S. 42-26Grounds for ejectment
G.S. 42-29Summons — 10 days before hearing
G.S. 42-37.1Retaliatory eviction — defense
G.S. 42-42Landlord's duties / habitability
G.S. 42-52Security deposit return — 30 days

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