How much a landlord can charge as a late fee in Massachusetts, whether there's a required grace period, and the rule that controls — verified July 2026.
No dollar/percentage cap — lease must state the amount and it must be reasonable. A clause imposing a penalty before the 30th day is void even once rent is more than 30 days late.
30 days — no fee or interest until rent is 30 full days overdue. Read M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B(1)(c) for the exact conditions.
Use our free late fee calculator to work out the charge from your lease terms, or compare every state in the late fee laws by state directory.
Yes, if the written lease provides for it. Massachusetts limits the amount: No dollar/percentage cap — lease must state the amount and it must be reasonable.. A clause imposing a penalty before the 30th day is void even once rent is more than 30 days late. Verified July 2026 against M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B(1)(c) — confirm with the current statute or an attorney.
No dollar/percentage cap — lease must state the amount and it must be reasonable.
30 days — no fee or interest until rent is 30 full days overdue.
M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B(1)(c). The source is published at https://www.masslegalhelp.org/housing-apartments-shelter/rent/paying-rent.
No. This is a best-effort summary compiled from a cited source and verified July 2026. Late-fee rules change and some cities add stricter local caps a summary can't capture. Confirm with the current statute or a licensed attorney before relying on it.
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