Common Housing Document Templates
Below are some templates you can use as a starting point for communicating with your landlord. Click on a template title to view or hide its content. Remember to fill them out accurately and honestly, and keep a copy of any letter sent.
Important Disclaimer: These templates are for educational purposes and to help you communicate effectively. They are not a substitute for legal advice from a qualified attorney. Laws can change, and every situation is unique. If you are facing eviction or have serious concerns about your housing, please contact a lawyer or a local housing assistance organization.
Templates Index
1. Letter Requesting Repairs
Use this letter to formally notify your landlord of conditions that need repair.
Instructions: Copy the text below and paste it into a document or email. Replace the bracketed information [like this] with your specific details. Send it to your landlord, keeping a copy for your records (consider certified mail or email if you normally communicate that way).
[Your Name] [Your Address, Apartment Number] [City, State, Zip Code] [Date] [Landlord's Name or Management Company Name] [Landlord's Address] [City, State, Zip Code] **Subject: Request for Necessary Repairs at [Your Address, Apartment Number]** Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Landlord's Last Name or To Whom It May Concern], I am writing to request repairs for the following issues at my rental unit located at [Your Address, Apartment Number]: 1. **[Describe the first problem clearly and specifically.]** * For example: "The toilet in the main bathroom constantly runs and does not flush properly." * Date problem first noticed: [Date] 2. **[Describe the second problem clearly and specifically.]** * For example: "There is a large water stain on the ceiling in the living room, and it appears to be growing. I am concerned about a potential leak and mold." * Date problem first noticed: [Date] 3. **[Add more items as needed.]** These conditions affect my ability to comfortably and safely live in my home. Under North Carolina law (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-42), landlords are required to maintain rental properties in a fit and habitable condition and make all necessary repairs. I request that these repairs be made within a reasonable timeframe, ideally within [e.g., 14 days] from the date of this letter, or that you contact me within [e.g., 5 days] to schedule these repairs. Please let me know when I can expect these issues to be addressed. You can reach me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address]. Thank you for your prompt attention to these important matters. Sincerely, [Your Signature] [Your Printed Name]
2. Response to Eviction Notice (General Denial / Request for Information)
Use this as a basic response if your landlord has filed an eviction lawsuit and you wish to dispute it.
It is highly recommended to seek legal advice when responding to an eviction lawsuit.
Instructions: Copy the text below. You will need to file this with the Wake County Clerk of Court and send a copy to your landlord or their attorney, ideally before your court date. Fill in the bracketed information carefully. Going to your court hearing is critical.
[Your Name] [Your Address, Apartment Number] [City, State, Zip Code] [Your Phone Number] [Your Email Address] IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE DISTRICT COURT DIVISION – SMALL CLAIMS WAKE COUNTY FILE NO: [Look for this on the Summons or Complaint – e.g., 25 CVD 12345] [Landlord's Name / Plaintiff Name – as listed on the Complaint] Plaintiff vs. [Your Name / Defendant Name – as listed on the Complaint] Defendant **DEFENDANT’S ANSWER TO COMPLAINT IN SUMMARY EJECTMENT** I, [Your Name], the Defendant in this case, state the following in response to the Complaint filed by the Plaintiff: 1. I deny the allegations made by the Plaintiff in the Complaint that would justify my eviction. * (Optional: Briefly state your main reason for denial, if you feel comfortable. For example: "I have paid my rent in full," or "The landlord has not made necessary repairs to my unit making it unsafe," or "I did not violate the lease as claimed.") 2. I request that the Court dismiss the Plaintiff's Complaint. 3. I assert all rights and defenses available to me under North Carolina law and my lease agreement. * (Optional: If you have specific defenses, you might list them here. For example: "The Plaintiff’s claim is barred by their failure to provide proper notice as required by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-3." or "The Plaintiff is attempting to evict me in retaliation for requesting repairs on [Date].") I will appear in court on the date and time specified in the Summons to present my case. Date: [Date] _______________________________ [Your Signature] [Your Printed Name] **CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE** I certify that a copy of this Answer was served on the Plaintiff [or Plaintiff’s Attorney if they have one] by: [ ] Hand delivery to [Name of person served] at [Address] on [Date]. [ ] U.S. Mail, first class, postage prepaid, addressed to [Plaintiff/Plaintiff's Attorney Name and Address] on [Date]. _______________________________ [Your Signature]
3. Letter Disputing a Lease Violation Notice
Use this if you disagree with a lease violation notice or have corrected the issue.
Instructions: Copy the text below and paste it into a document or email. Replace the bracketed information with your specific details. Send it to your landlord, keeping a copy for your records.
[Your Name] [Your Address, Apartment Number] [City, State, Zip Code] [Date] [Landlord's Name or Management Company Name] [Landlord's Address] [City, State, Zip Code] **Subject: Response to Notice of Lease Violation Dated [Date of Notice] for Property at [Your Address, Apartment Number]** Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Landlord's Last Name or To Whom It May Concern], I am writing in response to your Notice of Lease Violation dated [Date of notice], which I received on [Date you received it]. The notice alleges that I have violated my lease agreement by [Briefly state the alleged violation from the notice – e.g., "having an unauthorized pet," or "making excessive noise."]. I dispute this allegation. * **[Clearly explain why you believe you are not in violation of the lease. Be specific and provide facts. Examples:]** * "Regarding the alleged unauthorized pet, the dog you mentioned belongs to my cousin who was visiting for two days, from [Start Date] to [End Date]. My lease allows for guests, and the animal is not a permanent resident of my unit." * "Regarding the noise complaint on [Date of alleged noise], I was not home that evening. I can provide proof of my whereabouts if necessary." * "If the violation concerns [Specific issue], I have already taken action to correct it. On [Date], I [Describe action taken to fix the problem]." I take my responsibilities as a tenant seriously and strive to abide by all terms of our lease agreement. I would like to resolve this matter amicably. Please contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] to discuss this further. I request that you rescind the Notice of Lease Violation. If you have any documentation or specific details regarding this alleged violation, please provide them to me so I can better understand your concerns. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, [Your Signature] [Your Printed Name]
4. Letter Requesting Return of Security Deposit
Use this after moving out to request your security deposit back.
Instructions: Copy the text below and paste it into a document or email. Replace the bracketed information with your specific details. Send this letter via certified mail with return receipt requested to have proof of delivery, and keep a copy for your records.
[Your Name] [Your Forwarding Address] [City, State, Zip Code] [Date] [Landlord's Name or Management Company Name] [Landlord's Address] [City, State, Zip Code] **Subject: Request for Return of Security Deposit for [Address of Former Rental Unit]** Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Landlord's Last Name or To Whom It May Concern], This letter serves as a formal request for the return of my security deposit in the amount of $[Amount of deposit], for the rental unit located at [Address of former rental unit, including apartment number if any]. My tenancy at this address officially ended on [Date you moved out and returned keys], and I provided proper notice of my intent to vacate as required by my lease agreement [or state law, if applicable]. I left the premises in good, clean condition, with the exception of normal wear and tear. I expect the full return of my security deposit. If any deductions are to be made, I request a written, itemized list of all charges, as required by North Carolina General Statute § 42-52. Please send my security deposit and any itemized list of deductions to my forwarding address: [Your Full Forwarding Address] [City, State, Zip Code] North Carolina law requires landlords to return the security deposit or provide an itemized accounting of deductions within 30 days of the termination of tenancy. If the final accounting cannot be made within 30 days, an interim accounting must be provided within 30 days, and a final accounting within 60 days. I look forward to your prompt response and the return of my deposit within the legally mandated timeframe. Sincerely, [Your Signature] [Your Printed Name]
5. Notice to Landlord of Intent to Vacate
Use this to formally notify your landlord that you intend to move out.
Instructions: Copy the text below and paste it into a document or email. Replace the bracketed information with your specific details. Check your lease for the exact notice period required (e.g., 30 days, 60 days). Send this letter via certified mail with return receipt requested, and keep a copy for your records.
[Your Name] [Your Current Address, Apartment Number] [City, State, Zip Code] [Date] [Landlord's Name or Management Company Name] [Landlord's Address] [City, State, Zip Code] **Subject: Notice of Intent to Vacate - [Your Address, Apartment Number]** Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Landlord's Last Name or To Whom It May Concern], Please accept this letter as formal written notification that I intend to vacate the premises located at [Your Address, Apartment Number] on or before [Your Intended Move-Out Date]. This notice is provided in accordance with the terms of my lease agreement, which requires [Number] days' notice [or, if a month-to-month tenancy, "as required by North Carolina law for a month-to-month tenancy"]. My lease term is scheduled to end on [Date lease ends, if applicable, otherwise omit or adjust this sentence]. I plan to have all of my belongings removed and the unit cleaned by [Your Intended Move-Out Date]. I would like to schedule a move-out inspection with you or your representative at your earliest convenience during the week prior to my departure. Please let me know what days and times work best for you. Please also advise on the procedure for returning the keys. You can reach me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address] if you have any questions. I request that my security deposit be forwarded to [Your Forwarding Address, if known, otherwise state "an address I will provide upon move-out"] after I have vacated and the final inspection is complete, in accordance with North Carolina law. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, [Your Signature] [Your Printed Name]