Eviction Laws in Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Winston-Salem is North Carolina’s fourth-largest city and the economic anchor of the Piedmont Triad — a mid-sized market of roughly 250,000 people where approximately 36% of households rent. It’s one of the most affordable rental markets in the state, with median rents well below Charlotte and Raleigh, which makes it attractive to buy-and-hold landlords and small portfolio investors. The eviction landscape here is notably more landlord-neutral than Durham: there’s no prominent tenant advocacy infrastructure operating in Forsyth County Small Claims Court, no city-funded eviction diversion program, and no special rental registration requirements for most property owners. Forsyth County also features expedited hearing schedules for cases involving lease violations tied to safety concerns — a meaningful advantage when a problem tenant needs to go quickly.
North Carolina state law governs the eviction process completely — the 10-day notice period, $96 filing fee, and summary ejectment process at Forsyth County Small Claims Court are the same as anywhere else in NC. Winston-Salem has no rent control (prohibited statewide), no mandatory rental registration program, and no local STR permitting requirements. The city’s relatively conservative political environment means landlord-adverse ordinances are unlikely in the near term. For landlords who follow the process correctly, Winston-Salem is one of the more efficient eviction jurisdictions in North Carolina.
Winston-Salem & Forsyth County — Local Rules That Affect Landlords
No rent control. North Carolina (G.S. § 42-14.1) prohibits local rent control statewide. Winston-Salem cannot cap rent increases. For a year-to-year lease, the city’s FAQ notes that landlords must provide 30 days’ notice before raising rent or terminating; for month-to-month, 7 days; for week-to-week, 2 days.
No mandatory rental registration. Winston-Salem does not require landlords to register residential rental properties. Forsyth County enforces a Minimum Housing Code for properties outside city limits through complaint-based inspections, but there is no proactive registration fee or program like Durham’s PRIP within the city itself. Keep units up to code to avoid complaint-triggered inspections that could complicate an active eviction.
No local STR permit required. The City of Winston-Salem has not enacted city-level short-term rental legislation. Airbnb and VRBO properties operate under NC’s statewide Vacation Rental Act framework only — no city permit, no density cap, no special zoning approval required for most residential zones. Hosts must collect and remit state sales tax (4.75%) plus local occupancy taxes and follow general housing code standards (smoke/CO detectors, egress, habitability).
Expedited hearings for safety-related violations. Forsyth County Small Claims Court offers expedited hearing schedules for eviction cases involving lease violations tied to safety concerns (criminal activity, hazardous conditions). Landlords dealing with a dangerous tenant situation should note this option when filing — flag the nature of the violation at the time of filing to request an expedited date. Accelerated eviction for criminal household activity may also be available under the Rucker doctrine regardless of whether the tenant personally participated.
Forsyth County Courthouse — What to Expect
Eviction cases (summary ejectments) in Winston-Salem are filed at the Forsyth County Hall of Justice, Clerk of Courts — 201 North Main Street, 2nd Floor, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. File your Complaint in Summary Ejectment with the Clerk of Superior Court. The $96 filing fee is standard statewide. Service is handled by the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, which charges a $30.00 service fee per person served (cash, check, money order, or debit card). The Sheriff will attempt service and return the process to the Clerk’s Office. After service, a magistrate in Small Claims Court will hear the case — typically within 7–30 days depending on court scheduling. 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 (note: mobile home writs carry an additional $5.00 advance fee). Only the Forsyth 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.
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