Late fee rules in District of Columbia
In the District of Columbia, the late fee is at most 5% of the rent due. In the District of Columbia, no late fee until rent is unpaid for 5 full days after the due date, so the first fee is on the 7th.
Checked against the District of Columbia law on Oct 28, 2026.
What the District of Columbia law says
What is the maximum late fee a landlord can charge in the District of Columbia?
In the District of Columbia, the late fee is at most 5% of the rent due.
Source: D.C. Code § 42-3505.31(a), read Oct 28, 2026.
When can a landlord charge a late fee in the District of Columbia?
In the District of Columbia, no late fee until rent is unpaid for 5 full days after the due date, so the first fee is on the 7th.
Source: D.C. Code § 42-3505.31(b)(2), read Oct 28, 2026.
Check your city's rules too: a city or county can set stricter limits. This is general information, not legal advice.