Connecticut Rent Late Fee Laws for Landlords (2026)

Key answer: The cap is the LESSER of $5/day (max $50) or 5% of the delinquent rent. Rent must be 9 days past due before any late fee may be charged.

RuleDetail
Fee cap$5/day up to $50, and no more than 5% of delinquent rent
Grace period9 days
Must be in lease?Required — no clause, no fee
SourceConn. Gen. Stat. §47a-15a

Example

With monthly rent $1500, the maximum late fee is $50. — this is the lesser of $50 ($5/day for 10 days), the $50 daily maximum, or 5% of the delinquent rent.

Common mistakes

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum late fee a landlord can charge in Connecticut?
The cap is the LESSER of $5/day (max $50) or 5% of the delinquent rent.

When can a Connecticut landlord charge a late fee?
Rent must be 9 days past due before any late fee may be charged.

Does the late fee have to be in the lease in Connecticut?
Yes. The fee must be in the written rental agreement to be enforceable.

Can a Connecticut landlord charge a daily late fee?
Yes — up to $5 per day with a $50 maximum, but the total cannot exceed 5% of the delinquent rent.

What happens if a Connecticut landlord charges an illegal late fee?
An unlawful late fee can be challenged and the clause may be unenforceable — tenants can dispute the charge in court.

Does Connecticut allow daily late fees?
Yes — up to $5 per day with a $50 maximum, but the total cannot exceed 5% of the delinquent rent.

Rent increase rules

We have not confirmed a statewide rent-increase cap for Connecticut. Notice requirements depend on the lease type (month-to-month vs. fixed term) — check your lease and local rules.

Sources

State guides: Alabama · Alaska · Arizona · Arkansas · California · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · Florida · Georgia · Hawaii · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Missouri · Montana · Nebraska · Nevada · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Carolina · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · South Dakota · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Vermont · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming · Washington D.C.

Not legal advice. Verify against your lease and local rules.

Calculate your Connecticut late fee
Educational tool - not legal advice. Verify against official statutes and your lease.
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