Is a 5% late fee legal in Connecticut?

Yes, a late fee of up to 5% of the rent is legal in Connecticut.

What is the grace period for rent in Connecticut?

Connecticut offers a 9-day grace period for monthly rent and a 4-day grace period for weekly rent.

How do I calculate late fees in Connecticut?

To calculate late fees, use our calculator to determine if 5% of the rent or the lesser of $5/day (max $50) applies.

What are landlord rights for late fees in Connecticut?

Landlords in Connecticut can charge late fees as specified by law, but they must adhere to the maximum limits.

Can I dispute a late fee in Connecticut?

Yes, tenants can dispute late fees if they believe they exceed legal limits or are not properly communicated.

RentLateFee.com

Connecticut Rent Late Fee Calculator

Calculate rent late fees and verify compliance with Connecticut state regulations. Free instant calculator with legal compliance verification.

Late Fee Calculator

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Connecticut Regulations

State-specific late fee rules

Grace Period

9 days

Max Percentage

Max Flat Fee

$50

Daily Rates

Allowed

Lesser of $5/day (max $50) or 5% of rent. 9-day grace period for monthly rent, 4 days for weekly.

More Connecticut Rental Law Tools

Check other state-specific regulations and requirements

Grace Period Calculator

Find how many days before late fees can be charged in Connecticut

Check Grace Period

Security Deposit Calculator

Check maximum deposit limits and refund deadlines for Connecticut

Check Deposit Limits

Connecticut's Tenant-Protective Framework

Connecticut enforces a tenant-protective framework when it comes to rent late fee regulations. Landlords can charge a late fee that is the lesser of 5% of the rent or a specified daily rate, with restrictions on when these fees can commence. This ensures tenants are given a fair grace period before any additional charges are imposed.(CT Gen Stat § 47a-15a)

Primary Statute

CT Gen Stat § 47a-15a

Regulates the imposition of late fees on rent.

Related Statutes

CT Gen Stat § 47a-21

Security deposits and their management.

Understanding Connecticut's Cap on Late Fees

In Connecticut, rent late fees are capped at 5% of the rent amount. Alternatively, landlords can charge a daily fee of $5, up to a maximum of $50, but only after a grace period. This ensures that fees remain reasonable and tenants have adequate time to make payments.

Key Factors:

The lesser of 5% or $5 per day, max $50.
9-day grace period for monthly leases.
4-day grace period for weekly leases.

Typical Range: Common market practice in Connecticut involves charging the maximum permissible late fee after the grace period.

Court Guidance: Courts in Connecticut generally uphold late fees that adhere strictly to statutory limits, emphasizing tenant protection.

Municipal Regulations

Hartford

Hartford follows state law without additional municipal restrictions on late fees.

Learn more

New Haven

New Haven also adheres to state regulations, with no city-specific ordinances altering late fee rules.

Learn more

Recent Legislative Changes

July 2023

Clarification on Grace Periods

Legislation was updated to clearly define grace periods for both monthly and weekly rental agreements, ensuring statewide consistency.

Comparing Connecticut to Neighboring States

Connecticut's late fee regulations are generally more tenant-protective compared to neighboring states, which may have higher caps or shorter grace periods.

New York

5% of monthly rent after 5 days.

5 day grace period

Massachusetts

No statutory maximum, but fees must be reasonable.

0 day grace period

Rhode Island

No statutory maximum, reasonableness standard applied.

0 day grace period

Best Practices for Landlords and Tenants

Landlord Best Practices:

•Clearly state late fee terms in the lease agreement.
•Provide reminders to tenants as the grace period ends.
•Avoid exceeding the statutory cap on late fees.

Tenant Best Practices:

•Understand the grace period applicable to your lease.
•Communicate proactively with landlords if payment delays are anticipated.
•Familiarize yourself with state regulations to ensure fees are charged correctly.

Official Resources and Legal Assistance

Connecticut Judicial Branch

Provides resources for landlord-tenant disputes and legal guidance.

Connecticut Fair Housing Center

Offers assistance and information on housing rights and landlord-tenant law.

Frequently Asked Questions - Connecticut

Get Connecticut Rental Law Updates

Stay informed about Connecticut late fee regulations, grace period changes, and landlord compliance tips.

State Regulations Reference

Official source for Connecticut rent late fee regulations

Lesser of $5/day (max $50) or 5% of rent. 9-day grace period for monthly rent, 4 days for weekly.

View Official State Law →

Updated October 2025