Washington Statewide Rule
Washington Rent Late Fee Rules
Key Facts
- Grace period
- No late fee within 5 days of due date (RCW 59.18.170)
- When fees may start
- Rent more than 5 days past due
- Statutory dollar cap
- No specific statutory requirement (state law)
- Assistance recipients
- May request due date matching benefit timing
Summary
Under RCW 59.18.170, a Washington landlord may not charge any late fee on rent paid within five days of its due date; a fee may begin only once rent is more than five days past due. The statute sets no specific dollar cap, though some cities and counties impose stricter local limits.
The landlord may not charge a late fee for rent that is paid within five days following its due date. If rent is more than five days past due, the landlord may charge late fees commencing from the first day after the due date until paid.
Full Breakdown
RCW 59.18.170 provides that 'the landlord may not charge a late fee for rent that is paid within five days following its due date,' and that 'if rent is more than five days past due, the landlord may charge late fees commencing from the first day after the due date until paid.' The Residential Landlord-Tenant Act sets no specific maximum dollar amount or percentage for the late fee itself: the statutory restriction is the mandatory five-day grace period. A tenant whose primary source of income is monthly governmental assistance received after the rent due date may request, and the landlord must allow, a later due date matching that schedule. Some cities and counties impose stricter local caps.
Violations & Penalties
No specific statutory penalty. A late fee charged within the five-day grace period violates RCW 59.18.170 and is unenforceable; an unlawful fee cannot be the basis for a nonpayment eviction, and a tenant may recover it along with costs in an appropriate action.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can a Washington landlord charge a late fee?
Is there a cap on late fees in Washington?
Sources
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.