District of Columbia rent late fee law & calculator
Under D.C. Code §42-3505.31: 5% of the rent due. Grace period: 5 days.
Late fee due
$75.00
Paid 9 days late; grace ends 5 days after due
District of Columbia maximum for this rent
$75.00
of the full amount of rent due — assuming the full month's rent is unpaid
A late fee is only collectible if your lease authorizes it. General information, not legal advice.
What D.C. Code §42-3505.31 requires
- Maximum fee: 5% of the rent due
- Grace period: 5 days
- Lease requirement: the fee must be authorized in the written rental agreement — an unauthorized fee is uncollectible.
- No fee unless rent is unpaid 5 days after the due date (or any longer grace period in the lease)
- One late fee per late payment; no interest or fee-on-fee; a late fee can't be deducted from a later rent payment; nonpayment of the fee alone isn't grounds for eviction (Late Fee Fairness Amendment Act)
Rules as of August 2026. Statutes change — verify with the current text of D.C. Code §42-3505.31 before relying on a number, and check city and county ordinances, which can be stricter. This is general information, not legal advice; consult a District of Columbia attorney for your situation.
Not in District of Columbia? Every state's late-fee rules → Also for District of Columbia landlords: the security-deposit return deadline →
Late fees that apply themselves
Set the rule once — LetsGoLandlord applies fees on schedule, on their own ledger line. Free for 14 days.