No, leases don't have to be notarized to be legally binding in North Carolina. However, many prefer this.
While notarization can enhance a lease's security by adding authenticity and preventing fraud, many states do not mandate it for standard residential leases. For example, California does not require lease notarization, while other states like Ohio may have different requirements.
The Residential Rental Agreements Act is set out in G.S. Chapter 42, Sections 38 to 44. This law, which was passed in 1977, re-wrote the common law to provide that landlords must maintain residential rental premises to be fit to live in, and to make clear that a tenant's right to such housing cannot be waived.
Handwritten contracts are legally binding if they meet the necessary conditions that apply to all contracts: mutual agreement, capacity, consideration, and legal validity. There are no legal differences between typed and handwritten agreements when it comes to enforceability.
A Roommate Agreement is a written contract between roommates that outlines their rights and obligations while living together. This agreement includes house rules, maintenance duties, restricted behaviors, and more. For a Roommate Agreement to be useful, everyone sharing the household must agree to it.
Documents (transcripts, report cards, diplomas, etc.) issued by a North Carolina university, college, community college or high school must be notarized by a North Carolina Notary Public.
However, no general requirement or law mandates that a contract be notarized in any way to be legally binding.
No rent control laws. Not statute on rent increase notice requirements but at least 30 to 60 days notices is recommended for fixed term leases.
North Carolina law requires landlords to provide a 7-day notice to terminate the lease for month-to-month lease agreements. This notice should specify the date the tenant must leave the property. The landlord can file an eviction lawsuit if the tenant does not vacate by the given date.