California Rent Late Fee Calculator
Calculate rent late fees and verify compliance with California state regulations. Free instant calculator with legal compliance verification.
California law does not impose a statutory cap on late fees, instead applying a reasonableness standard. Late fees must reflect the landlord’s actual costs incurred due to the tenant’s late payment, as stipulated under California Civil Code §1671(d). This approach seeks to ensure fees are not punitive and are proportionate to administrative expenses incurred by the landlord.(Civil Code §1671(d))
Related Statutes
In California, late fees imposed by landlords must adhere to a reasonableness standard. This means the fees should be a genuine pre-estimate of the damages likely to be suffered by the landlord due to late payment, rather than an arbitrary or punitive measure. The burden of proof typically falls on the landlord to justify the fee amount as reasonable and reflective of actual costs.
Key Factors:
- The actual administrative costs incurred by the landlord.
- The impact of the late payment on the landlord’s cash flow.
- The proportionality of the fee compared to the rent amount.
San Francisco
San Francisco imposes specific limits on late fees, requiring them to be no more than 5% of the monthly rent.
Learn moreLos Angeles
Los Angeles mandates that late fees must be reasonable and reflect actual damages, with a common practice capping fees at 5% of the rent.
Learn moreSecurity Deposit Legislation Update
AB 12, effective July 1, 2024, modifies the allowable security deposit amounts, limiting them to one month’s rent for most leases, with specific exceptions for small landlords. This change aims to alleviate financial burdens on tenants while balancing landlord interests.
Oregon
Oregon caps late fees at 5% of the monthly rent, with a 4-day grace period.
Nevada
Nevada allows late fees up to 5% of the monthly rent with a 3-day grace period.
Arizona
Arizona does not impose a statutory cap but requires fees to be reasonable.
Landlord Best Practices:
- •Document all administrative costs associated with late payments to justify fees.
- •Ensure that lease agreements clearly outline the late fee structure and reasoning.
- •Stay informed about local ordinances that may impose specific limits on late fees.
Tenant Best Practices:
- •Request clear documentation from landlords on how late fees are calculated.
- •Understand local city regulations that might offer additional protections.
- •Engage in open communication with landlords if financial difficulties arise to negotiate potential accommodations.
California Department of Consumer Affairs
Provides consumer protection and guidance on landlord-tenant laws.
California Courts Self-Help Guide
Offers resources and legal assistance information for tenants and landlords.
San Francisco Rent Board
Offers information on rent control and tenant rights specific to San Francisco.
Frequently Asked Questions - California
No statutory cap on late fees. Reasonableness standard per Civil Code §1671(d) - fees must reflect actual damages, not be punitive. Courts assess based on proportionality and actual administrative costs. Local ordinances (SF, LA) may impose specific limits. Security deposits governed by Civil Code §1950.5 (AB 12, effective July 1, 2024).
View Official State Law →Updated October 2025