North Carolina does not permit "self-help" eviction. The normal process for a non-payment case would be to serve a ten-day notice to quit and, if necessary, to commence an eviction action following the expiration of that ten-day period. If you have never handled an eviction action before, you should consider using a lawyer. Tenants of the type you describe are often adept at gaming the system, which can present difficulties for a landlord who is not familiar with the law and court system.

