tenant pays late : ezLandlordForms

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Heather B

started a topic over 14 years ago

I have a tenant who is making a pattern of paying late. My lease states that she has a 5-day grace period. This is in the state of Arizona. I want to decrease the number of days grace period and I want to increase the late fee. So, I have two questions: 1) What is the minimum number of days grace period I have to give her in the state of Arizona? and 2) What is considered a "reasonable" late fee? Currently, I charge her $5 per day that the rent is late. I want to increase that fee to $25 to $30 dollars per day. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Heather

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Beth T

said over 14 years ago

Heather, when you made up your lease on this website, it should have let you know what the AZ law limits are about late rent. I believe most if not all states give a tenants 5 days grace period. Also, I charge my NJ tenant 5% of the rent as a late fee. Also, if my tenants are late 3 times within a 12 month period it can be used as a cause for eviction. I hope this helps you somewhat.

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Heather B

said over 14 years ago

Thanks for your response, Beth. I guess according to Arizona Revised Statutes, the minimum grace period is 5 days, which my lease does state. I guess my confusion lies in what actually constitutes a late payment. Twice she has paid within the 5 day grace period and once she has paid 7 days late. I guess legally her rent isn't late until after the 5 day grace? Thanks, again. Heather

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Beth T

said over 14 years ago

I have dealt with this issue too. They have until the 6th of every month to pay. If I receive the check on the 7th it is considered late. At renewal time please look into how much of a percentage you can charge as a late fee. As I said, I am allowed to charge 5%, this may deter your tenants from paying late. Wishing you the best! Beth

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Heather B

said over 14 years ago

Thanks again, Beth.