How much a landlord can charge as a late fee in North Carolina, whether there's a required grace period, and the rule that controls — verified July 2026.
Greater of $15 or 5% of the monthly rent (monthly installments). May be charged only once per late payment; must be authorized in a written lease.
5 calendar days (fee allowed only once payment is 5+ days late). Read N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-46(a) 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. North Carolina limits the amount: Greater of $15 or 5% of the monthly rent (monthly installments).. May be charged only once per late payment; must be authorized in a written lease. Verified July 2026 against N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-46(a) — confirm with the current statute or an attorney.
Greater of $15 or 5% of the monthly rent (monthly installments).
5 calendar days (fee allowed only once payment is 5+ days late).
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-46(a). The source is published at https://www.ncleg.net/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/bysection/chapter_42/gs_42-46.html.
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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