Washington Rent Grace Period
5 daysTenants in Washington generally get a 5-day grace period after the rent due date before late fees may be charged — Washington is one of 14 US jurisdictions with a mandated statewide grace period. The FAQ below covers who the rule protects.
Educational information: generated from our Washington law database (last updated 2024-01-01). Not legal advice.
How Washington compares
14 of 51 US jurisdictions mandate a general statewide grace period before late fees; elsewhere any grace period is local, conditional, or set by the lease. Here is how Washington compares with other states in our database.
| State | Rent Grace Period |
|---|---|
| Washington | 5 days |
| West Virginia | 5 days (per some sources) |
| Wisconsin | no statutory grace period |
| Wyoming | no statutory grace period |
| Alabama | no statutory grace period |
Frequently asked questions
- How many days late can rent be before fees in Washington?
- Washington generally provides a 5-day grace period before late fees. 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.
- How large can the late fee itself be in Washington?
- Washington sets no statutory percentage cap on late fees, but fees must be reasonable.
- Can a landlord charge a late fee the day after rent is due in Washington?
- Generally no — a 5-day grace period applies first in covered tenancies.
Check Your Lease Against Washington Law
Not sure whether your lease complies with Washington 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.
Analyze My Lease FreeEducational tool — not legal advice. First analysis is free, no signup required.
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.