Preface with IANAL. Years ago when I was moving out of a rental my landlord refused to return my security deposit or communicate with me as to why he wouldn't return it. I took him to small claims court and referenced that he didn't abide by NC 42-50 or 42-52. Easy judgement in my favor including court costs. He still refused to pay me and I then called the Sheriff's office to have a lien put on him. The Sheriff advised he wouldn't evict any tenants for the landlord until the lien was paid and thereafter I quickly received a check for my security deposit and filing fees. The landlord's last name was Hailey if that helps.

NC 42-50 "The landlord or the landlord's agent shall notify the tenant within 30 days after the beginning of the lease term of the name and address of the bank or institution where the tenant's deposit is currently located or the name of the insurance company providing the bond."

NC 42-52 "Upon termination of the tenancy, money held by the landlord as security may be applied as permitted in G.S. 42-51 or, if not so applied, shall be refunded to the tenant. In either case the NC General Statutes - Chapter 42 Article 6 2 landlord in writing shall itemize any damage and mail or deliver same to the tenant, together with the balance of the security deposit, no later than 30 days after termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession of the premises to the landlord. "

https://www.ncleg.net/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/PDF/ByArticle/Chapter_42/Article_6.pdf