Greensboro Chronicle

Where journalism and community come together

Where investigative journalism comes together with the community to find viable solutions to the issues.

About Us

Greensboro Chronicle, we believe journalism is more than reporting the news—it’s about uncovering the truth, amplifying community voices, and working toward real solutions.

We are an independent investigative news platform dedicated to shining a light on issues that matter most to the people of Greensboro. From housing and local governance to public safety, business, and neighborhood life, our mission is to hold power accountable while fostering meaningful dialogue among residents.

The Chronicle isn’t just a newsroom—it’s a community hub. We invite readers to not only stay informed, but also to participate in the conversation, share perspectives, and collaborate on solutions that strengthen our city.

Together, we can confront challenges, celebrate resilience, and shape a more transparent, just, and thriving Greensboro.

Greensboro Chronicle Investigative Staff and Volunteers

“Behind the Veil: NC Landlords, LLCs, and the Disclosure Gap”

An Investigative Series from the Greensboro Chronicle

Behind every rental agreement lies a critical question: who truly holds the power over tenants’ homes? In North Carolina, a surge of landlords operating through LLCs has quietly reshaped the housing market, creating layers of anonymity and confusion. These entities are required by law to disclose whether they are licensed real estate brokers or claiming exemption under ownership rules — yet far too many simply ignore that mandate. The result is a widening gap between what the law promises tenants and what they experience in reality.

A Growing Trend of Concealment

Over the past decade, LLCs have become the landlord of choice, offering property owners legal insulation and tax benefits. But with those protections has come a troubling pattern: tenants rarely receive clear notice of license status or disclosure of exemptions. From Charlotte to Greensboro to rural counties, renters sign leases without realizing that the person or company managing their property may not be licensed at all. In practice, this undermines accountability, leaving renters with little recourse when disputes arise.

The Real-World Consequences

This isn’t just a paperwork issue — it’s a matter of fairness, safety, and consumer protection. Missing disclosures can shield landlords from regulatory scrutiny, making it easier to wrongfully withhold security deposits, delay repairs, or retaliate against tenants who speak up. Vulnerable renters — including seniors, veterans, and low-income families — often bear the brunt of these practices, locked into agreements with entities that operate beyond the oversight of the Real Estate Commission. What looks like a legal technicality has become a systemic weapon in the hands of those who profit from housing instability.

Why This Series Matters

“Behind the Veil” is not just a report — it’s a public reckoning. Starting October 1, 2025, the Greensboro Chronicle will broadcast a multi-part investigation into how North Carolina landlords are sidestepping mandatory disclosure laws, and what that means for renters across the state. We’ll dig into case studies, break down the statutes, and reveal how tenants can fight back against concealment and deception.

Your Role in the Conversation

We’re calling on tenants, community leaders, and policymakers to tune in, speak out, and demand change. If you’ve been impacted by undisclosed landlords or property managers, your voice matters. Together, we can shine light into the shadows of North Carolina’s rental market. Mark your calendars — October 1st is just the beginning of exposing the disclosure gap, and you won’t want to miss what we uncover.