Rhode Island rent late fee law & calculator
Under R.I. Gen. Laws §34-18-35: No statutory cap — enforcement can't start until day 15. Grace period: none for the fee — but no rent demand until day 15.
Late fee due
$75.00
Paid 9 days late; grace ends 5 days after due
A late fee is only collectible if your lease authorizes it. General information, not legal advice.
What R.I. Gen. Laws §34-18-35 requires
- Maximum fee: No statutory cap — enforcement can't start until day 15
- Grace period: None for the fee — but no rent demand until day 15
- Lease requirement: the fee must be authorized in the written rental agreement — an unauthorized fee is uncollectible.
- No cap on the fee itself, but a landlord can't send the eviction demand notice until rent is 15 days late — which functions as a de-facto grace window
- Since Jan. 1, 2025, all fees must be disclosed in writing, and payment 'convenience fees' require a free payment option
Rules as of August 2026. Statutes change — verify with the current text of R.I. Gen. Laws §34-18-35 before relying on a number, and check city and county ordinances, which can be stricter. This is general information, not legal advice; consult a Rhode Island attorney for your situation.
Not in Rhode Island? Every state's late-fee rules → Also for Rhode Island 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.