If a tenant is late on rent, what is a typical consequence?

When a tenant is late on rent, one of the most common consequences is the imposition of a late fee charged to their account. This practice serves as a financial deterrent against late payments and incentivizes tenants to prioritize their rent obligations. Late fees are often outlined in the lease agreement and are designed to cover some of the additional costs and administrative efforts incurred by the landlord due to the late payment.

Charging a late fee is consistent with typical landlord-tenant laws that permit such charges, provided they are reasonable and clearly defined in the lease. This standard approach helps maintain the financial stability of the landlord while ensuring that tenants remain aware of their responsibilities regarding timely rent payments. Notably, some jurisdictions have specific regulations regarding how late fees can be assessed, including limits on the amount that can be charged after a certain period of non-payment.