North Carolina Eviction court process & timeline

How does the eviction court process work in North Carolina?

The clerk's summons requires the tenant to appear and answer within 7 days of issuance, excluding weekends and holidays. The officer must try to serve it at least 2 days before the appearance date.

Verified Source: N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 42-28, 42-29 · last checked 2026-10-15