Connecticut Late fees
Can a landlord charge a late fee in Connecticut, and how much?
Only after a 9-day grace period (4 days for one-week tenancies); capped at the lesser of $5/day up to $50, or 5% of the late payment.
Verified Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-15a · last checked 2026-10-23
How this works in Connecticut
Connecticut is strict on late fees. You can charge one only if the lease has a valid written agreement for it, and only after a 9-day grace period (4 days for a one-week tenancy). The fee is capped at the lesser of $5 a day up to $50, or 5% of the late payment.
Worked example for Connecticut
Say rent of $1,400 is due on the 1st and is still unpaid after the 9-day grace period. Under the cap, the fee is limited to the lesser of $5 a day up to $50, or 5% of the late payment. 5% of $1,400 is $70, so the $50 daily-fee ceiling is the lower figure here. On $800 rent, 5% is $40, which would be lower than the $50 ceiling.
Connecticut timelines and limits
| Grace period | 9 days after rent is due (4 days for a one-week tenancy) |
|---|---|
| Cap | Lesser of $5 per day up to $50, or 5% of the late payment |
| Lease requirement | A valid written agreement to pay a late charge |
Connecticut FAQ
How much can a Connecticut landlord charge for late rent?
The lesser of $5 a day up to $50, or 5% of the late payment, under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-15a.
When can I charge the fee?
Only after the 9-day grace period, or 4 days for a one-week tenancy.
Does the lease need to say anything?
Yes. It must contain a valid written agreement to pay a late charge.
Sources for this section: Conn. Gen. Stat. § 47a-15a (checked 2026-10-23)
Same topic in neighboring states
All Connecticut landlord-tenant law · Connecticut landlord FAQ · Security deposit limit · Deposit return deadline · Notice to enter · Required lease disclosures · Required disclosures (mold, lead, radon, bedbug, asbestos, flood zone)
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