Eviction Laws in Matthews, North Carolina
Matthews is a well-established town of roughly 32,000 people in southeastern Mecklenburg County, sitting along the I-485 corridor about 15 minutes from Uptown Charlotte. It’s one of the most desirable family-oriented suburbs in the Charlotte metro, known for its charming downtown along North Trade Street, top-rated schools, and strong community identity. The rental market here sits solidly in the mid-range for the Charlotte area: median rents run about $1,440–$1,506 depending on source, with year-over-year changes mixed — Apartment List shows rents down about 2.9% while Apartments.com shows a modest 1.3% increase. The difference reflects the mix of older, more affordable apartment stock alongside newer luxury communities. Matthews has grown about 8.9% since 2020, a steady pace driven by families and professionals who want Charlotte access without Charlotte density.
The eviction process in Matthews follows North Carolina state law entirely — there are no local ordinances that modify the standard summary ejectment process. The 10-day demand for rent, $96 filing fee, and Small Claims Court hearing apply the same as any other NC jurisdiction. Matthews has no rent control (prohibited statewide under G.S. § 42-14.1), no mandatory rental registration program, and no short-term rental permitting at the town level. Because Matthews is in Mecklenburg County, evictions are filed at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse in Uptown Charlotte — about a 20-minute drive northwest via I-485 and I-77. Mecklenburg County has the heaviest eviction docket in the state, so plan for longer hearing windows.
Matthews & Mecklenburg County — Local Rules That Affect Landlords
No rent control. North Carolina (G.S. § 42-14.1) prohibits local rent control statewide. Matthews cannot cap rent increases. Landlords must provide 30 days’ notice before raising rent on a year-to-year lease, 7 days for month-to-month, and 2 days for week-to-week tenancies.
Charlotte’s Minimum Housing Code applies. Mecklenburg County’s code enforcement standards, strengthened in recent years by Charlotte’s expanded minimum housing code, apply to properties throughout the county including Matthews. Landlords should ensure rental units meet all habitability requirements — a code violation during an active eviction can give the tenant a defense and delay the process significantly.
No mandatory rental registration. Matthews does not require landlords to register residential rental properties. There is no proactive rental inspection program at the town level — code enforcement operates on a complaint basis only.
No local STR permit required. The Town of Matthews has not enacted town-level short-term rental legislation. Airbnb and VRBO properties operate under North Carolina’s statewide Vacation Rental Act framework only — no town permit, no density cap, no special zoning approval required. Hosts must collect and remit state sales tax (4.75%) plus Mecklenburg County occupancy taxes and follow general housing code standards.
Heavy Mecklenburg County docket. Mecklenburg County processes more eviction filings than any other county in North Carolina. Hearing dates typically run 14–30 days from filing, and Writ of Possession execution can take additional time after the mandatory 10-day appeal period. File as early in the process as possible and have all documentation prepared before your court date. Parking in Uptown Charlotte near the courthouse is limited and paid — plan accordingly.
Mecklenburg County Courthouse — What to Expect
Eviction cases (summary ejectments) for Matthews are filed at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse, Clerk of Superior Court — 832 East 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202. This is in Uptown Charlotte, about a 20-minute drive from Matthews via I-485 and I-77. File your Complaint in Summary Ejectment with the Clerk of Superior Court. The $96 filing fee is standard statewide. Service is handled by the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, which charges a $30.00 service fee per person served. After service, a magistrate in Small Claims Court will hear the case. If the magistrate rules in your favor, the tenant has 10 days to appeal or vacate; if they refuse to leave, apply for a Writ of Possession for Real Property. Only the Mecklenburg County Sheriff can physically execute the eviction — do not change locks or cut utilities before then, as self-help eviction is illegal under NC G.S. § 42-25.6. Parking in Uptown Charlotte is limited — use a parking deck near the courthouse and arrive early.
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