How Will I Expect to Receive My Security Deposit Refund?

In North Carolina, security deposit refunds are typically sent after move-out and final accounting, using the delivery method outlined in your lease or standard property management procedures. While the law sets deadlines, it doesn't mandate a single delivery method, so understanding what's most common can help set expectations.

Common Ways Security Deposits Are Returned

Most renters receive their security deposit refund in one of the following ways:

Mailed check

The most common method
Sent to your forwarding address on file
May include the itemized accounting in the same envelope

Electronic payment

Sometimes issued via ACH or online payment portal
Only used if the system supports it and you're enrolled

Partial refund with accounting

A refund check or payment plus a written list of deductions
May be labeled as interim or final, depending on timing

Regardless of method, the refund must follow North Carolina's accounting timelines.

Why Your Forwarding Address Matters

Providing your forwarding address in writing helps ensure your refund isn't delayed, your accounting reaches you on time, and mail isn't sent to an old address.

Even without a forwarding address, landlords must still meet legal deadlines, but missing address information can slow delivery.

This timing requirement is explained here: https://know.movezen360.com/is-there-a-deadline-by-which-the-landlord-or-agent-must-return-a-security-deposit

Timing: When the Refund Is Sent

In North Carolina:

Within 30 days of move-out, you must receive:

Your full deposit or an interim accounting explaining deductions

Within 60 days, you must receive:

A final accounting
Any remaining refund balance

Delivery method doesn't change these deadlines.

What Should Come with Your Refund

Whether the refund is full or partial, you should receive:

A written itemized accounting if deductions were taken
Explanations tied to specific charges
The remaining balance of your deposit (if any)

For clarity on lawful deductions, see: https://know.movezen360.com/what-are-permitted-uses-of-the-security-deposit-by-a-landlord-or-agent

What If You Don't Receive Anything?

If you haven't received a refund or an accounting statement within the required timeframe, that's a serious issue. Delays can sometimes stem from mailing issues, incomplete addresses, or pending final charges, but deadlines still apply.

Understanding how deposits are handled at lease end helps frame next steps: https://know.movezen360.com/what-will-happen-to-my-security-deposit-at-the-end-of-my-lease-term

What Affects the Refund Amount

The amount you receive depends on:

Unpaid rent owed at move-out
Damage beyond ordinary wear and tear
Cleaning beyond normal turnover
Lease-specific charges

If you're unsure how deductions are evaluated, this article explains the process: https://know.movezen360.com/security-deposit-handling-and-normal-wear-tear

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my refund come automatically, or do I need to request it?
It should be issued automatically after move-out and accounting.

Can I choose how my refund is sent?
Usually no. The delivery method is set by policy or lease terms.

What if I moved out early?
Refund delivery works the same way, even with early termination: https://know.movezen360.com/what-will-happen-to-my-security-deposit-if-i-vacate-the-property-before-the-end-of-my-lease

What if my refund is very small or zero?
You should still receive a full accounting explaining why.

Can the refund be delayed due to repairs?
Repairs can delay final numbers, but interim accounting must still be provided within 30 days.