NC H971

Allows immediate family members or lawful representatives of Armed Forces members who die while on active duty to terminate rental agreements by providing written notice to the landlord.

Requires death verification through a copy of the death certificate, official military personnel casualty report, or letter from the commanding officer accompanying the notice.

Terminates lease obligations effective 30 days after the first date the next rental payment is due or 45 days after landlord receipt of notice, whichever is shorter.

Applies prorated rent charges and liquidated damages provisions to claims against the deceased member's estate, with damages capped at one month's rent for less than six months of tenancy or one-half month's rent for six to nine months of tenancy.

Terminates lease obligations of all immediate family member cotenants; for non-family cotenants, termination applies only to the deceased member's obligation under the rental agreement.