Mecklenburg County Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)
Everything North Carolina landlords need to file a Summary Ejectment in Mecklenburg County — fees, courthouse info, timeline, and step-by-step process.
🏛️ Mecklenburg County Courthouse Information
- Courthouse: Mecklenburg County Courthouse
- Address: 832 E. 4th St., Charlotte, NC 28202
- Phone: (704) 686-0400
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Case type: Summary Ejectment
- Online filing: Available
⚠️ Mecklenburg County — What Landlords Should Know
Mecklenburg County (Charlotte) uses District Court for summary ejectment.
Need an Eviction Attorney in Mecklenburg County?
Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local Mecklenburg County eviction attorney — free consultation.
Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Mecklenburg County
Serve the Required Notice
Before filing, you must serve a written notice. For non-payment of rent, a 10-day Pay or Quit notice is required. For lease violations, serve a 10-day Cure or Quit notice. Make sure the notice is properly formatted and personally served or posted per North Carolina law.
File Your Summary Ejectment at Mecklenburg County Courthouse
After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse (832 E. 4th St., Charlotte, NC 28202). The filing fee is $96. Bring: your lease agreement, the notice, and proof of service. Online filing is also available.
Serve the Summons on the Tenant
After filing, the court issues a summons. In Mecklenburg County, service is typically handled by the Sheriff's office or a licensed process server for a fee of $30. You must NOT serve the summons yourself — improper service can get your case dismissed.
Attend the Court Hearing
Hearings in Mecklenburg County are typically scheduled 2–3 weeks after filing. Attend with all documentation: lease, notices, payment records, and proof of service. If the tenant doesn't appear, you may receive a default judgment. Come prepared to present your case clearly.
Obtain and Enforce the Writ of Possession
After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the clerk. The North Carolina Sheriff's office will serve the writ and oversee removal if the tenant refuses to leave voluntarily. Do NOT change locks or remove property yourself — this constitutes illegal self-help eviction in North Carolina.
Mecklenburg County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown
| Cost | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $96 | Paid to Mecklenburg County Clerk of Court |
| Summons Service | $30 | Sheriff or process server fee |
| Writ of Possession | ~$26–$30 | Sheriff enforcement after judgment |
| Attorney (optional) | $400–$1500 | Recommended for contested cases |
Frequently Asked Questions — Mecklenburg County Evictions
How long does an eviction take in Mecklenburg County?
The typical Mecklenburg County eviction takes 3–5 weeks from serving the initial notice to enforcement — assuming the tenant does not contest. A contested eviction can take significantly longer. Mecklenburg County is generally considered a landlord-friendly jurisdiction.
How much does it cost to file an eviction in Mecklenburg County?
The court filing fee in Mecklenburg County is $96. Additional costs typically include: process service or sheriff fee ($30), Writ of Possession enforcement (~$26–$30), and attorney fees if represented ($400–$1500). Total out-of-pocket without an attorney is typically $152–$156.
What court handles evictions in Mecklenburg County?
Evictions in Mecklenburg County are filed at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse, located at 832 E. 4th St., Charlotte, NC 28202. The case type is filed as a Summary Ejectment.
Can I file an eviction online in Mecklenburg County?
Yes, Mecklenburg County accepts electronic filing for eviction cases. You can file the complaint and pay fees online, though in-person service of process is still typically required.
Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in Mecklenburg County?
North Carolina law allows landlords to represent themselves in eviction court. However, having an attorney reduces the risk of procedural dismissals and improves outcomes, especially in contested cases.
What happens if the tenant doesn't leave after the eviction judgment in Mecklenburg County?
After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Mecklenburg County Sheriff's office will then execute the writ — notifying the tenant to vacate, and physically removing them if they refuse. Do NOT attempt to remove the tenant yourself; self-help eviction is illegal in North Carolina.
See full North Carolina eviction laws and notice requirements.
North Carolina Eviction Guide for Landlords →Download the eviction notice you must serve before filing in North Carolina.
North Carolina Eviction Notice Templates →Is your tenant facing eviction in Mecklenburg County? See their rights.
Tenant Rights in Mecklenburg County →Relevant North Carolina Statutes
- Primary eviction statute: N.C.G.S. § 42-3
- This guide is for informational purposes only. Laws change — verify with current North Carolina statutes or a licensed Mecklenburg County attorney.