District of Columbia Late fees
Can a landlord charge a late fee in District of Columbia, and how much?
Only after rent is 5 days late (or a longer lease grace period); maximum 5% of the rent due, once per late payment; the lease must state the maximum fee, and a tenant cannot be evicted for an unpaid late fee.
Verified Source: D.C. Code § 42-3505.31 · last checked 2026-10-23
How this works in District of Columbia
D.C. caps late fees at 5% of the rent due, and you can charge it only once per late payment and only after rent is 5 days late, or longer if the lease grants a longer grace period. The lease has to tell the tenant the maximum fee. A tenant can't be evicted for an unpaid late fee.
Worked example for District of Columbia
Say rent of $2,000 is due on the 1st and the lease gives the standard 5-day grace period. If rent is still unpaid after day 5, the most you can charge is 5% of $2,000, or $100, once for that late payment. If the tenant pays rent but not the $100, you can't evict over the fee.
District of Columbia timelines and limits
| Grace period | 5 days, or a longer lease grace period |
|---|---|
| Cap | 5% of the rent due, once per late payment |
| Lease requirement | Must state the maximum late fee |
| Eviction | Not allowed for an unpaid late fee |
District of Columbia FAQ
How much is the maximum late fee in D.C.?
5% of the rent due, charged once per late payment, under D.C. Code § 42-3505.31.
When can a D.C. landlord charge a late fee?
After rent is 5 days late, or after any longer lease grace period.
Can I evict for an unpaid late fee in D.C.?
No.
Sources for this section: D.C. Code § 42-3505.31 (checked 2026-10-23)
Same topic in neighboring states
All District of Columbia landlord-tenant law · District of Columbia 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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