Virginia rent late fee law & calculator
Under Va. Code §55.1-1204(E): Lesser of 10% of the periodic rent or 10% of the balance due. Grace period: none — the lease sets it.
Late fee due
$75.00
Paid 9 days late; grace ends 5 days after due
Virginia maximum for this rent
$150.00
lesser of 10% of the periodic rent or 10% of the remaining balance actually owed — 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 Va. Code §55.1-1204(E) requires
- Maximum fee: Lesser of 10% of the periodic rent or 10% of the balance due
- Grace period: None — the lease sets it
- Lease requirement: the fee must be authorized in the written rental agreement — an unauthorized fee is uncollectible.
- Because it's the lesser of the two 10% figures, a tenant who paid most of the rent owes a fee computed on the small remaining balance, not the full rent
- The fee must be provided for in the written rental agreement
Rules as of August 2026. Statutes change — verify with the current text of Va. Code §55.1-1204(E) before relying on a number, and check city and county ordinances, which can be stricter. This is general information, not legal advice; consult a Virginia attorney for your situation.
Not in Virginia? Every state's late-fee rules → Also for Virginia 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.