New Jersey sets no general statutory cap on residential late fees, leaving the amount to the lease subject to reasonableness. For senior citizens on government pensions and recipients of Social Security Disability, SSI, or Work First New Jersey, N.J.S.A. 2A:42-6.1 requires a five-business-day grace period during which no late charge may be imposed.
There is no statutory requirement capping late fees for tenants generally in New Jersey; a late fee must be set in the lease and be reasonable. A protected grace period does exist for certain tenants. N.J.S.A. 2A:42-6.1 provides that a person to whom rent is due on the first of the month "shall allow a period of five business days grace in which the rent due shall be paid. No delinquency or other late charge shall be made which includes the grace period of five business days." A "business day" excludes Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Under N.J.S.A. 2A:42-6.3 this applies only to senior citizens on Social Security old-age, railroad, or like government pensions, and recipients of Social Security Disability, SSI, or Work First New Jersey benefits.
Under N.J.S.A. 2A:42-6.2, a landlord who charges a late fee within the protected five-business-day grace period for a covered senior or benefit recipient "shall be a disorderly person," exposing the landlord to disorderly-persons penalties.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Plainfield, NJ
Plainfield's animal ordinance (Ch. 5) prohibits permitting any dog or animal to annoy or injure any person or animal, or to run at large. Dogs must be on a l...
Plainfield, NJ
Plainfield prohibits construction noise on Sundays entirely and weekdays between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. within 1,000 feet of any dwelling or business. Emerg...
Plainfield, NJ
Plainfield's noise ordinance (Ch. 5, Offenses Against Public Peace and Order) prohibits unreasonable noise that disturbs the peace. NJDEP statewide limits of...
Plainfield, NJ
Plainfield's zoning code (Ch. 17) regulates vehicle storage in residential zones. Off-street parking lots may not be used as thoroughfares. Contact the Zonin...
Plainfield, NJ
Plainfield requires zoning permits for driveways under Ch. 17. Impervious coverage subject to stormwater management requirements. Stormwater shall not be dis...
Plainfield, NJ
Plainfield regulates parking under Ch. 7 (Vehicles and Traffic). City-owned downtown lots prohibit parking 2:00 a.m.–6:00 a.m. Street parking subject to post...
See how Plainfield'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.