Late Fees (rentals, tenants, live)

[Rehanna]

Hi, I'm hoping y'all can help me.

For the first time in my life, it looks like I forgot to pay my rent on time (EEK!). I can't figure out /how/ I manged to forget, but then that really isn't the point.
Now, if I have to pay it, fine, it's my fault; but it was my understanding that late fees are illegal in California, even if they're written into the lease.

For the record, they're charging $25 for the first four days and $3/day there after.

If anyone has any information or advice, please let me know.

Thanks

Erin

[Paula Lynn]

I'm not sure about the amount every day after. I think that's harsh, but I am not giving out legal advise.

My tenants rents are due on the first - after the 3rd there is a $50/late charge. But if they have a good history with me, I just waive that late fee ........

[Ultrarunner]

I tend to be on the lenient side... My rule of thumb is I will waive the late fee once every 12 months if the rent is only a few days late.

Things do happen to good people and I think giving a little latitude goes a long way to fostering a good working relationship.

Several months ago, I stopped by one of my long term residents to mention that it was the 10th and I had not received her rent. I could see the blood drain from her face and I thought she was going into shock. She showed me her checkbook with a journal entry from 11 days prior for the rent.

Anyway, she gave me a new check on the spot and offered to pay any late fees which I told her would not be necessary.

About three weeks later, I received an official Post Office Plastic envelope containing a mangled and mutilated envelope along with the explanation that the letter inside had found stuck in a sorting machine... the letter contained the missing rent check and it was so badly mangled that I doubt the bank would have accepted it.

[Paula Lynn]

You can never rely on the postal service. I also manage vacation rentals - during the peak year (Memorial Day through Labor Day), I have beach front rentals that go for $2900/week. (otherwise, they rent for $1900/week for "off peak") Once one of my guest sent me a check - never received it, (And it was OVER NIGHT DELIVERY), and she replaced it. 8 months later I received it ...