What is 'Summary Ejectment' in North Carolina?

Summary ejectment in North Carolina refers specifically to a legal process that allows a landlord to seek the removal of a tenant from a rental property. This process is used primarily in cases where a tenant has failed to pay rent or has otherwise violated the terms of the lease agreement. Through this mechanism, landlords can expedite the eviction process in order to reclaim their property, ensuring they are not burdened by tenants who are not meeting their obligations under the lease.

This process is governed by specific laws and procedures in North Carolina, which require landlords to follow formal steps such as providing proper notice to the tenant before initiating eviction proceedings. It is important to note that summary ejectment is a civil matter rather than a criminal offense, and thus different from a criminal process. The other options do not accurately reflect the nature of summary ejectment: it is not a method for landlords to increase rent or a type of tenant protection. Instead, it specifically addresses the landlord's right to remove a tenant under particular circumstances.