Is there a limit on late fees in Washington?

Washington sets no fixed percentage cap, but late fees must be reasonable and can be challenged if punitive. Late fees must be reasonable (some sources cite max of $20 or 20% of rent). 5-day grace period before late fees can be charged. Bounced check fee limited to $40.

Is there a grace period before late fees in Washington?

Yes — Washington 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 Washington?

Yes. Fees that are disproportionate to the landlord's actual costs can be challenged as unreasonable penalties.

Washington Late Fee Laws

no statutory percentage cap

Washington has no statutory percentage cap on late fees (16 of 51 US jurisdictions cap them), but fees must still be reasonable — courts can strike down excessive charges. The FAQ below covers any other statutory limits that apply.

Educational information: generated from our Washington law database (last updated 2024-01-01). Not legal advice.

How Washington 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 Washington compares with other states in our database.

State	Late Fee Laws
Washington	no statutory percentage cap
West Virginia	no statutory percentage cap
Wisconsin	no statutory percentage cap
Wyoming	no statutory percentage cap
Alabama	no statutory percentage cap

Frequently asked questions

Is there a limit on late fees in Washington?: Washington sets no fixed percentage cap, but late fees must be reasonable and can be challenged if punitive. Late fees must be reasonable (some sources cite max of $20 or 20% of rent). 5-day grace period before late fees can be charged. Bounced check fee limited to $40.
Is there a grace period before late fees in Washington?: Yes — Washington 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 Washington?: Yes. Fees that are disproportionate to the landlord's actual costs can be challenged as unreasonable penalties.

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More Washington lease law guides

Educational information generated from state statute data — not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in Washington for your specific situation.