As used in this Article:

(1)        “Complete eviction” means the eviction and removal of a tenant and all members of the tenant’s household.

(2)        “Criminal activity” means (i) activity that would constitute a violation of N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-95 other than a violation of N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-95(a)(3), or a conspiracy to violate any provision of N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-95 other than N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-95(a)(3); or (ii) other criminal activity that threatens the health, safety, or right of peaceful enjoyment of the entire premises by other residents or employees of the landlord.

(3)        “Entire premises” or “leased residential premises” means a house, building, mobile home, or apartment, whether publicly or privately owned, which is leased for residential purposes. These terms include the entire building or complex of buildings or mobile home park and all real property of any nature appurtenant thereto and used in connection therewith, including all individual rental units, streets, sidewalks, and common areas. These terms do not include a hotel, motel, or other guest house or part thereof rented to a transient guest.

(4)        “Felony” means a criminal offense that constitutes a felony under North Carolina law.

(5)        “Guest” means any natural person who has been given express or implied permission by a tenant, a member of the tenant’s household, or another guest of the tenant to enter an individual rental unit or any portion of the entire premises.

(6)        “Individual rental unit” means an apartment or individual dwelling or accommodation which is leased to a particular tenant, whether or not it is used or occupied or intended to be used or occupied by a single family or household.

(7)        “Landlord” means a person, entity, corporation, or governmental authority or agency who or which owns, operates, or manages any leased residential premises.

(8)        “Partial eviction” means the eviction and removal of specified persons from a leased residential premises.

(9)        “Resident” means any natural person who lawfully resides in a leased residential premises who is not a signatory to a lease or otherwise has no contractual relationship to a landlord. The term includes members of the household of a tenant.

(10)      “Tenant” means any natural person or entity who is a named party or signatory to a lease or rental agreement, and who occupies, resides in, or has a legal right to possess and use an individual rental unit. (1995, c. 419, s. 1.)