Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in California

Late Fee

My property owner wants to charge a late fee to my monthly rent. I turned in the check into the drop box on the third, they claim that it wasn't there on the morning of the fourth. The property requires that the check be turned in no later than the 3rd of each month. My check is dated for the third, as was the envelope it was in. Is it psosible for them to add this late fee if it is there word against mine?


Asked on 10/05/06, 7:44 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert F. Cohen Law Office of Robert F. Cohen

Re: Late Fee

Unless the late fee is in your rental agreement or lease, the answer is probably "no". If there's no written agreement, you're at their mercy. A suggestion: Make alternative arrangements to pay the rent in a timely manner -- i.e. by the 1st day of the month. Perhaps a wire transfer, or certified return receipt mail or, better yet, handing it to a living and breathing person! Good luck.

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Answered on 10/05/06, 8:14 pm


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