Key answer: The cap is 5% of the monthly rent. Rent must be 5 days past due before any late fee may be charged.
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fee cap | 5% of the monthly rent |
| Grace period | 5 days |
| Must be in lease? | Recommended — safest way to enforce |
| Source | D.C. Code §42-3505.31 |
With monthly rent $1500, the maximum late fee is $75.
What is the maximum late fee a landlord can charge in Washington D.C.?
The cap is 5% of the monthly rent.
When can a Washington D.C. landlord charge a late fee?
Rent must be 5 days past due before any late fee may be charged.
Does the late fee have to be in the lease in Washington D.C.?
Check your lease. In Washington D.C. the fee must be reasonable, and having it clearly written in the lease is the safest way to enforce it.
Can a Washington D.C. landlord charge a daily late fee?
Only if the lease allows it and the total charge stays within the legal cap — a daily fee cannot be used to get around the limit.
What happens if a Washington D.C. landlord charges an illegal late fee?
A fee above the legal limit can be challenged; courts may void the fee or the entire clause as unconscionable.
We have not confirmed a statewide rent-increase cap for Washington D.C.. Notice requirements depend on the lease type (month-to-month vs. fixed term) — check your lease and local rules.
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 Washington D.C. late fee