What Is the Grace Period for Most Apartment Rent?

Apartment landlords typically have no legal obligation to allow a grace period on rent. In fact, a landlord may offer what is referred to as a "pay or quit" notice as soon as the day after a missed payment. However, many landlords do provide a grace period up to five days before taking such actions against tenants. These terms are usually spelled out in your agreement.

The grace period may or may not apply to late fees. In most states, landlords have the legal right to charge reasonable late fees after a missed payment. Your landlord may charge such a fee for each day missed following the payment date, or following the end of the grace period.