Massachusetts strictly limits late fees. Under M.G.L. c. 186 § 15B(1)(c), no lease or rental agreement may impose any interest or penalty for late rent until the rent is at least 30 days overdue. A late fee charged before that 30-day mark is unlawful.
M.G.L. c. 186 § 15B(1)(c) provides that "No lease or other rental agreement shall impose any interest or penalty for failure to pay rent until thirty days after such rent shall have been due." This means a Massachusetts landlord cannot charge a late fee, penalty, or interest the moment rent is a few days late — the rent must be at least 30 days overdue before any such charge can be imposed. The statute does not set a maximum dollar amount or percentage for the late fee itself; its core restriction is the 30-day waiting period. A lease clause purporting to charge a late fee sooner is contrary to the statute and unenforceable.
No fixed statutory fine; a late fee or interest charged before rent is 30 days overdue violates § 15B(1)(c) and is unenforceable, and the tenant may contest or recover an improperly collected charge.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Brockton, MA
Brockton enforces a Noise Control Ordinance that prohibits excessive noise disturbing the peace and quiet of residents. Nighttime noise restrictions are stri...
Brockton, MA
Brockton's Noise Control Ordinance addresses construction noise. Construction is generally permitted during daytime hours on weekdays and Saturdays, with res...
Brockton, MA
Brockton's Noise Control Ordinance specifically addresses animal and bird noises. Persistent barking dogs that disturb neighbors are considered a nuisance un...
Brockton, MA
Brockton requires driveways to be properly constructed and maintained. Parking on unpaved front yard areas is prohibited under the property maintenance code.
Brockton, MA
Brockton regulates street parking with time limits, overnight restrictions, and winter snow emergency parking bans. The city enforces parking through the Pol...
Brockton, MA
Brockton restricts parking of large commercial vehicles in residential areas. Heavy trucks and equipment must be stored at appropriately zoned locations.
See how Brockton's late fees & grace periods rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.