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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2011
    Posts
    1

    Question Late Fees and Returned Check Charges

    My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: Washington
    My rental agreement states that "If rent is paid more than 5 days after due date, late charges of $5 per day will be incurred, up to a maximum $35. Late charges apply even if part of the rent is paid on time, until the full amount is paid. The late payment charge shall be deemed an item of additional rent and part of the rent due for the premises. If any rent payment check is dishonored by the drawee bank, the tenant, in addition to paying late payment charges until the payment is made, shall pay all further rent payments by cash or money order. In addition, the lessee shall pay to lessor the amount of $30.00 for any check which is dishonored or returned unpaid by the drawee institution for any reason. Additional collection charge of $40 plus 12% interest per annum may be incurred if check is not paid within 15 days of notice of dishonor. Landlords may evict tenant for failure to pay rent. "
    Is this considered reasonable & legal? (Monthly rent is $350)

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    Behind a Desk
    Posts
    98,846

    Default Re: Late Fees and Returned Check Charges

    On it's face, nothing sounds unreasonable. If you're a landlord, you should have your lawyer vet your lease agreement. If you're a tenant, you're free to argue to an eviction court that the provisions are unreasonable and see how the court rules.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Cinnaminson, New Jersey, United States
    Posts
    205

    Default Re: Late Fees and Returned Check Charges

    There is nothing unreasonable about this stipulation.

    You can check with your local HUD office to make sure that these late fee provisions are legal in your state. Laws vary by state.

    You can find HUD here. HUD

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