(a) Offense Involving Fraudulent Rental or Lease. - It is unlawful to rent or lease residential real property to another person knowing that the renter or lessor has no lawful ownership in the property or leasehold interest in the property.
(b) Offense Involving Fraudulent Advertising. - It is unlawful to list or advertise residential real property for sale knowing that the purported seller has no legal title or authority to sell the property.
(c) Punishment. - Unless the conduct is covered under some other provision of law providing greater punishment, a person who violates this section shall be punished as follows:
(1) A person who violates subsection (a) of this section is guilty of a Class H felony.
(2) A person who violates subsection (b) of this section is guilty of a Class I felony.
(d) In addition to any criminal penalties provided in this section, knowingly renting or leasing residential real property to another person knowing that the renter or lessor has no lawful ownership or leasehold interest in the property shall constitute a violation of G.S. 75-1.1.