Expert Advice When You Need It Most

Under WA state landlord tenant act is there a cap on what landlord can charge for late fees

Asked over 3 years ago - Marysville, WA

I am still late on last months rent. The late fees are as follows...$50 on the 5th, $15 /day thereafter. I will be paying off the majority of what is owed today, minus about $100. Is there a cap on what a landlord can reasonably charge you for late fees (I figure mine to be at 26.66% to date) and if I've technically paid off my rent, minus late fees, am I still liable for the $15/day late fee?

Additional information
My rent is due on the 1st. I paid it on the 5th. I was charged $120.00 for the 2nd and a total of $270.00 when I paid my rent on the 5th. Is this legal? I was under the impression there was a five day grace period?

Flag

Save

Share with:

Attorney answers (1)

Ryan J. Weatherstone

Reputation Level 14

Answered almost 2 years ago. Landlord / Tenant Lawyer in Seattle, WA.

Flag

Late fees are supposed to be a reasonably assessment of the extra costs the landlord must endure due to late payment of the rent. A late fee of $15 per day with no cap seems to be stretching what would constitute a reasonable assessment of the costs and hassle that a landlord endures

Mark as good answer

3 people marked this answer as good

Add comment