How this works
Late-fee law is set state by state, and the rules take three different shapes: a hard cap (New York limits the fee to the lesser of $50 or 5% of monthly rent), a safe harbor (Texas presumes 12% is reasonable for buildings of four units or fewer), or a reasonableness standard with no number at all (California requires the fee to be a genuine estimate of the landlord's loss). A handful of states also bar any late fee until rent is a set number of days overdue.
This tool shows your state's actual rule, quoted from the statute with its citation, and does the arithmetic against the rent you enter. The rule text and the citation come from the statute; the dollar figures are this tool applying that rule to your numbers. Where a state sets no cap, the tool says so rather than inventing one.
Common questions
Is a late fee still enforceable if it isn't written into the lease?
In most states, no — a late fee generally has to be an agreed term of the tenancy to be collectible, and several states say so explicitly in statute. A fee invented after the fact, or raised mid-tenancy without the required notice, is the most common way an otherwise lawful fee becomes uncollectible.
What happens if the fee exceeds the state cap?
Statutory caps generally cannot be waived by a lease clause. Depending on the state, an over-cap fee may simply be unenforceable as to the excess, may void the entire fee, or may expose the landlord to statutory damages. Some states treat an unreasonable late fee as an unlawful penalty, which is a different and broader problem than being a few dollars over a cap.
Does a grace period mean rent is due later?
No. Where a state sets a grace period it usually restricts when a fee may be charged, not when rent is due. Rent is still late on the due date, which can matter for nonpayment notices even when no fee can yet be charged. Several states also allow fees to accrue retroactively to day one once the grace period lapses.
Do city ordinances override the state rule?
They can, and they are usually stricter rather than looser. Seattle, for example, caps late fees well below what state law would otherwise allow. This tool reflects statewide statutes; check your city and county rules as well.
Disclaimer: This tool provides general information about state landlord-tenant law and is not legal advice. Statutory rules are quoted from our state-variance dataset with the statute citation shown; laws change, and local ordinances may impose stricter rules than the statewide figures here. Verify the current statute before acting, and consult a licensed attorney for your situation. Dataset compiled 2026-07-08.