Late fees only work if they’re in the lease, lawful in your state, and calculated consistently. Pick your fee structure below to see what’s actually owed.
Flat fee: a fixed charge (e.g. $50) after the grace period — simplest and most common. Percentage: typically 5% of rent. Daily: a per-day charge after grace (e.g. $10/day) — check whether your state caps the total.
Several states cap late fees (often ~5% of rent or a flat dollar amount) and some mandate grace periods — Pennsylvania has no statutory cap but the fee must be reasonable and in the lease. Whatever you charge, it must be written in the lease; you can’t invent a fee after the fact. When rent stays unpaid, the next step is formal notice — our late rent / pay-or-quit notices carry each state’s required notice period.
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It must be in the lease and "reasonable" — commonly $25–$75 flat or ~5% of rent. Some states impose explicit caps or required grace periods; check yours.
Not everywhere, but several states mandate one (often 5 days). Even where not required, a short grace period is standard practice and reduces disputes.
Usually eviction proceeds on unpaid rent, not fees alone — and fees must still be lawful and in the lease. Persistent nonpayment means serving a pay-or-quit notice per your state’s rules.
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Manage your property free on 10DoorsThis template is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Landlord-tenant law changes and local ordinances may impose additional requirements — verify current state and local rules before serving any notice. Last reviewed September 2026.