Can a landlord charge a late fee on the 2nd of the month?

Full question:

Can a landlord charge a tenant a 10% late charge on the 2nd of the month? Is there some kind of legal grace period on when a late fee can be charged?

Answer:

The ability of a landlord to charge a late fee depends on the lease terms and local laws. Generally, many states require a grace period before a late fee can be assessed. It's advisable to check the lease agreement and consult local tenant associations or housing departments for specific regulations in your area.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

The maximum late fee a landlord can charge varies by state and is often specified in the lease agreement. Some states have caps on late fees, typically ranging from a percentage of the rent to a flat dollar amount. For example, in California, late fees must be reasonable and cannot exceed 5% of the rent due. Always check local laws and your lease for specific limits.

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