North Carolina Laws for Late Rent/Evictions

[Peter K.]

So a tenant has not paid her rent on the 1st of January, which is due. I'm pretty sure NC law allows a 5-day grace period for the rent to be due.

I sent out an email reminder on December 28, 2017 to pay rent on the 1st since it was 5 days out. I also posted a courtesy late rent due document physically on her front door on the night of January 1st, 2018. Today is January 4th, and she still has not paid her rent. After tomorrow, it will be January 6th, which will add a late fee (per the contract), my question is, how do I serve a notice to pay or quit (and how long do they have to pay the rent AND the late fees) before I can start my eviction? Please advise the steps in North Carolina, thank you.

[Brent Zande]

Peter,  Have you gotten an indication that she does not intend to pay, or is she avoiding you in some way?  She is not really late yet and an eviction is not the most fun thing in the world.  Seems a bit early to panic.  The wear and tear she will do to your property, because of the eviction, is probably more than you have on deposit.  Plus you will spend your time doing this when you could be doing more lucrative things.  Sometimes you have to evict but it should be a last resort.