N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-534: For and against whom action lies.

In all cases of waste, an action lies in the appropriate trial division of the General Court of Justice at the instance of him in whom the right is, against all persons committing the waste, as well tenant for term of life as tenant for term of years and guardians. (52 Hen. III, c. 23; 6 Edw. I, c. 5; 20 Edw. I, st. 2; 11 Hen. VI, c. 5; R.C., c. 116, s. 1; Code, s. 625; Rev., s. 854; C.S., s. 889; 1971, c. 268, s. 33.)