Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

Late fees may only be attached if:

1. There is an agreement (e.g. a lease) that allows for late fees; and

2. Nothing in the law prohibits the type of late fees that are being charged.

Double check your lease agreement. Ordinarily, late fees kick in on the day AFTER the rent is due. In fact, many leases provide that rent is due on the 1st, but is not deemed late until the 3rd or 5th of the month.