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.

A Price for Being Late

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.

References

• NOLO: Signing a Lease or Rental Agreement FAQ: Do Landlords Have to Allow a Grace Period for Late Rent Before They Charge Late Fees?
• NOLO: Grace Periods and Rent Due Dates

About the Author

Neil Kokemuller has been an active business, finance and education writer and content media website developer since 2007. He has been a college marketing professor since 2004. Kokemuller has additional professional experience in marketing, retail and small business. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Iowa State University.

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