District of Columbia Late Fee Laws
5% of monthly rentDistrict of Columbia generally caps late fees at 5% of monthly rent — one of 16 US jurisdictions with a statutory cap. The FAQ below covers how the cap applies.
Educational information: generated from our District of Columbia law database (last updated 2024-01-01). Not legal advice.
How District of Columbia compares
16 of 51 US jurisdictions cap late fees by statute (as a percentage, dollar amount, or formula); the rest rely on reasonableness standards or set no limit. Here is how District of Columbia compares with other states in our database.
Frequently asked questions
- Is there a limit on late fees in District of Columbia?
- Yes — late fees are generally capped at 5% of monthly rent. Late fees cannot exceed 5% of rent. 5-day grace period required. Can only charge once per late payment. Tenant payments apply to rent before late fees. Cannot charge to subsidized tenants for subsidy payment delays.
- Is there a grace period before late fees in District of Columbia?
- Yes — District of Columbia generally provides a 5-day grace period before a late fee can be charged (see the rent grace period guide for the conditions).
- Can I dispute an excessive late fee in District of Columbia?
- Yes. Fees that are disproportionate to the landlord's actual costs can be challenged as unreasonable penalties.
Check Your Lease Against District of Columbia Law
Not sure whether your lease complies with District of Columbia law? Upload it and our analyzer flags problem clauses — deposit terms, entry rights, fees and prohibited provisions — using the same statute-backed database this page is generated from.
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More District of Columbia lease law guides
- District of Columbia rental lease laws — overview
- District of Columbia security deposit limit
- District of Columbia deposit return deadline
- District of Columbia deposit interest rules
- District of Columbia landlord entry notice
- District of Columbia rent grace period
- District of Columbia prohibited lease clauses
- District of Columbia required disclosures
Educational information generated from state statute data — not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in District of Columbia for your specific situation.