NC H771

Allows landlords and tenants to enter rental agreements where electric and natural gas meters remain in the landlord's name, with tenants reimbursing costs through monthly rent instead of receiving individual meters.

Permits landlords to include a specific monthly amount for utilities in rent and charge tenants for any costs exceeding that amount, or to equally divide utility costs among multiple tenants in the same unit.

Authorizes landlords to disconnect utility service without notice if a tenant fails to obtain service in their own name, and to charge a monthly fee for unauthorized disconnections or failure to obtain service until reconnection or lease termination.

Explicitly states that landlords receiving utility reimbursements under these agreements shall not be deemed public utilities or utility resellers subject to North Carolina Utilities Commission regulation.

Applies to residential dwellings rented for one month or longer, including apartments, condominiums, townhouses, dormitories, rooming houses, nursing homes, and homes for the elderly.