Q: In North Carolina, must a lease agreement be in writing? Most real estates won't allow you to apply for a rental without inspection first.This means that landlords can enter their rental properties for reasonable purposes related to the tenancy such as maintenance and inspections. The applicant usually fills out the application after they view the property, not before. Currently, HUD is giving your housing provider or landlord 28 days notice before an inspection. You may refuse an inspection of your unit. Our application and screening process fully comply with all federal, state and local laws including but not limited to Fair Housing and ADA. Once a tenant has answered the preapproval questions and prequalified for the rental property, landlords can have them fill out an application. Instead, try to work out a cut in your rent. The landlord can include terms in a lease so long as they do not conflict with North Carolina or federal law, or City ordinances.