Late Rent Notice
Professional Late Payment Reminder for Landlords
A late rent notice is a courtesy reminder about overdue rent. It is NOT a legal eviction notice. If rent remains unpaid after sending this notice, you must serve a formal “Pay or Quit” notice before beginning eviction proceedings.
Property Information
Tenant Information
Rent Details
Late Fee
State Late Fee Limits Vary: Many states cap late fees. For example: Colorado ($50 or 5%), California (reasonable, typically 5-6%), New York (must be reasonable). Always check your state law.
Total Amount Due
Amount Due Summary
Payment Instructions
Consequences of Non-Payment
This is a courtesy reminder. Formal eviction requires proper legal notices.
Landlord / Property Manager
Signature
Landlord/Property Manager
Complete Guide to Late Rent Notices
A late rent notice is a crucial communication tool for landlords dealing with overdue rent payments. While it’s a courtesy reminder rather than a legal eviction document, sending a proper late rent notice establishes documentation, maintains professional communication, and often resolves payment issues before they escalate to formal eviction proceedings.
Understanding Grace Periods
What Is a Grace Period?
A grace period is a set number of days after the rent due date during which the tenant can pay without incurring a late fee. Grace periods may be required by state law, local ordinance, or specified in the lease.
State Grace Period Requirements
| State | Grace Period | Late Fee Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 7 days mandatory | $50 or 5% (greater of) |
| Maine | 15 days mandatory | 4% of monthly rent |
| Oregon | 4 days | Reasonable; 5% typical |
| North Carolina | 5 days mandatory | $15 or 5% (greater of) |
| California | None required | Must be “reasonable” |
| Texas | None required | Per lease terms |
| Florida | None required | No statutory limit |
| New York | 5 days (stabilized) | $50 or 5% for stabilized |
| Connecticut | 9 days mandatory | Varies by lease |
Grace period laws change frequently. Always verify current requirements for your state and locality before charging late fees.
Late Fee Structures
Types of Late Fees
- Flat Fee: A fixed dollar amount (e.g., $50) regardless of rent amount.
- Percentage Fee: A percentage of monthly rent (e.g., 5%).
- Daily Fee: A charge per day rent is late (e.g., $10/day).
- Greater Of: The higher of flat fee or percentage.
Late Fee Calculation Examples
| Monthly Rent | 5% Fee | $50 Flat | Greater Of |
|---|---|---|---|
| $800 | $40.00 | $50.00 | $50.00 |
| $1,000 | $50.00 | $50.00 | $50.00 |
| $1,500 | $75.00 | $50.00 | $75.00 |
| $2,000 | $100.00 | $50.00 | $100.00 |
| $2,500 | $125.00 | $50.00 | $125.00 |
Specify exact late fee terms in your lease agreement. Courts may reduce or eliminate late fees that aren’t clearly documented in the lease or that exceed state limits.
Late Notice vs. Eviction Notice
| Document | Purpose | Legal Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Late Rent Notice | Courtesy reminder | No legal effect |
| Pay or Quit Notice | Legal demand | Required for eviction |
| Eviction Complaint | Court filing | Initiates proceedings |
Best Practices for Late Rent Collection
- Be Prompt: Send late notice as soon as grace period expires.
- Be Professional: Keep communications formal and factual.
- Be Clear: State exact amount owed, deadline, and consequences.
- Be Consistent: Apply the same policies to all tenants.
- Document Everything: Keep copies of all notices and communications.
Frequently Asked Questions
State Pay or Quit Notice Periods
| State | Notice Period | Cure Allowed? |
|---|---|---|
| California | 3 days | Yes |
| Texas | 3 days | Per lease |
| Florida | 3 days | Yes |
| New York | 14 days | Yes |
| Colorado | 10 days | Yes |
| Illinois | 5 days | Yes |
| Ohio | 3 days | Yes |
| Pennsylvania | 10 days | Yes |
| Arizona | 5 days | Yes |
Legal Disclaimer
This late rent notice template and guide are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Late fee limits, grace period requirements, and eviction procedures vary significantly by state and locality. Laws change frequently. Always verify current requirements for your jurisdiction and consult with a qualified attorney for specific legal questions. This notice is NOT a legal eviction document.
