Late Rent Notice Template
A late rent notice tells your tenant their rent is overdue and documents any late fees. It's the professional way to prompt payment before escalating to eviction.
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What Your Late Rent Notice Must Include
A late rent notice creates the paper trail you need if this goes further. Include everything so there's no confusion about what's owed.
- Rent amount due — The base rent that was missed
- Original due date — When the rent was supposed to be paid
- Late fee amount — As specified in your lease agreement
- Total amount now due — Rent plus all applicable fees
- Payment deadline — When you expect payment
- Consequences — What happens if they don't pay
Important: Only charge late fees if they're specified in your lease. Many states cap late fees at 5-10% of rent or a flat amount. Check your state law.
4 Late Notice Mistakes That Cause Problems
Charging fees not in the lease
You can only charge late fees if they're specified in the lease. Making up fees creates legal problems and tenant disputes.
Sending too early
Many leases have a grace period (3-5 days). Sending a late notice before the grace period ends is premature and can damage tenant relations.
Vague consequences
Don't just say "further action." Be specific: "If not paid by [date], we will serve a 3-day notice to pay or quit."
Confusing it with a 3-day notice
A late rent notice is informal — it's a reminder. A 3-day notice to pay or quit is a formal legal document that starts eviction. Different purposes.
Late Rent Notice Example
LATE RENT NOTICE
Date: [Notice Date]
To: [Tenant Name]
Re: [Property Address]
This notice is to inform you that your rent payment is past due.
Rent amount due: $[Rent]
Original due date: [Due Date]
Late fee: $[Fee]
Total amount now due: $[Total]
Please remit payment immediately to avoid further action. If payment is not received by [Deadline], we will proceed with formal eviction proceedings.
Landlord: [Landlord Name]
This is a simplified example. The generator above creates a complete notice with all required fields.
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Late fees calculated
Enter your amounts. We calculate the total due. No math mistakes.
Professional tone
Firm but professional language that gets results without creating unnecessary conflict.
Creates documentation
If this escalates, you'll have proof you notified the tenant and when. Paper trails matter.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should I send a late rent notice?
After any grace period in your lease expires. If your lease says rent is due on the 1st with a 5-day grace period, send the notice on the 6th or 7th.
Is a late rent notice the same as a 3-day notice?
No. A late rent notice is informal — a reminder with late fees. A 3-day notice is a formal legal document that starts the eviction process. Use the late notice first as a courtesy.
Can I charge a late fee if it's not in the lease?
Generally no. Late fees must be specified in your lease agreement. If your lease doesn't mention late fees, you likely can't charge them.
What's a reasonable late fee?
Most states cap late fees at 5-10% of monthly rent or a flat amount ($50-100). Some states have specific limits. The fee must be in your lease and comply with state law.
What if they still don't pay after the late notice?
Escalate to a formal 3-day notice to pay or quit. This is the legal notice required before you can file for eviction. Keep copies of all notices.
Should I accept partial payment?
Be careful. In some states, accepting partial payment after serving an eviction notice can void the notice. Consult your state's laws or an attorney.
Get Paid Faster
Professional notices get taken seriously. A proper late rent notice often prompts payment before you have to escalate.
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