How much can a landlord charge for late rent?

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It depends on your state and your lease. Many states require late fees to be reasonable, and some cap them at a percentage of rent or a fixed amount, or require a grace period of a few days before any fee applies. Where there is no specific rule, the fee in your signed lease usually controls. Look for three things in your lease: the due date, any grace period, and the fee amount or formula. A typical setup is rent due on the 1st, a short grace period, then a one-time fee. Daily fees that keep growing are restricted in some states. If you know you will be late: Tell the landlord before the due date, in writing, with the date you can pay. Ask whether they will waive the fee this once. Landlords often agree for a first request from a reliable tenant. If partial payments are accepted, pay what you can on time and get a receipt. Repeated late payments cost more than the fees. Landlords may decline to renew, send unpaid balances to collections, or start the eviction process, which in most states begins with a written notice to pay or leave. If you are struggling, look for emergency rental assistance, which many cities and counties offer. A fee far above your state's limit, or one that isn't in your lease, may not be enforceable. A local tenant rights organization can usually tell you quickly.

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