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Texas late fee law

How much a landlord can charge as a late fee in Texas, whether there's a required grace period, and the rule that controls — verified July 2026.

Best-effort summary, verified July 2026. Late-fee rules change and cities can add stricter local caps a summary can't capture. Confirm with the linked source or a licensed attorney. This is not legal advice.
Maximum late fee
Must be 'reasonable'
Required grace period
Rent must be unpaid at least 2 full days after the due date before any fee
Controlling rule
Tex. Prop. Code § 92.019

Late fee limit in Texas

Must be 'reasonable'; safe harbor deems ≤ 12% of one month's rent reasonable (≤4 units) or ≤ 10% (5+ units). Must be in the written lease; above the safe harbor is allowed only if it reasonably estimates hard-to-ascertain damages.

Grace period

Rent must be unpaid at least 2 full days after the due date before any fee. Read Tex. Prop. Code § 92.019 for the exact conditions.

Put a number on it

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.

Frequently asked questions

Can a landlord charge a late fee in Texas?

Yes, if the written lease provides for it. Texas limits the amount: Must be 'reasonable'; safe harbor deems ≤ 12% of one month's rent reasonable (≤4 units) or ≤ 10% (5+ units).. Must be in the written lease; above the safe harbor is allowed only if it reasonably estimates hard-to-ascertain damages. Verified July 2026 against Tex. Prop. Code § 92.019 — confirm with the current statute or an attorney.

How much can a late fee be in Texas?

Must be 'reasonable'; safe harbor deems ≤ 12% of one month's rent reasonable (≤4 units) or ≤ 10% (5+ units).

Is there a grace period for rent in Texas?

Rent must be unpaid at least 2 full days after the due date before any fee.

What statute governs late fees in Texas?

Tex. Prop. Code § 92.019. The source is published at https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PR/htm/PR.92.htm.

Is this legal advice?

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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Late fee law in every state

Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

Free reference by Hatchkeep — property management software, free for 50 properties and unlimited units. Related: late fee calculator · deposit laws by state · rent receipt generator