What is the maximum late fee in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts has no statutory cap on late fees, but fees must be reasonable — courts generally accept up to about $75.00 (5% of the monthly rent) on a rent of $1,500.00. No fee may be imposed until rent is 30 days overdue. No statutory cap after that, but the fee must be reasonable — courts commonly accept 4-5%.

Does Massachusetts require a grace period for late fees?

Yes, Massachusetts law requires a 30-day grace period (Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 15B(1)(c)). No late fee can be charged during this period.

Free Tool

Massachusetts Late Fee Calculator

Calculate the maximum late fee you can legally charge in Massachusetts. Check grace periods, fee caps, and compliance with Massachusetts state law.

State

Monthly Rent

Days Late

Your Proposed Fee

Your Late Fee

$0.00

In Grace Period

Still within the 30-day grace period required in Massachusetts. No late fee can be charged yet.

Rent + Fee

$1,500.00

Grace Period

30 days (required)

Court-Accepted Guideline in Massachusetts (no statutory cap)

$75.00

Massachusetts Late Fee Law

Grace period: 30 days (required by law)

Fee cap: $75.00 — 5% of the monthly rent (guideline, not a statutory cap)

Daily fees: Not typical

Statute: Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 15B(1)(c)

No fee may be imposed until rent is 30 days overdue. No statutory cap after that, but the fee must be reasonable — courts commonly accept 4-5%.

Laws change quietly. Colorado rewrote its late-fee rules in 2021, Connecticut in 2023. Get an email when Massachusetts changes its rules — and what to update in your lease.

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You're still inside Massachusetts's required 30-day grace period — a late fee can't be charged yet, so there's no notice to send.

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Massachusetts Late Fee Rules for Landlords

Massachusetts requires a 30-day grace period before any late fee can be charged (Mass. Gen. Laws c. 186 § 15B(1)(c)). There is no statutory cap, but the fee must be reasonable — courts generally accept up to about 5% of the monthly rent.

Use the calculator above to check if your proposed late fee complies with Massachusetts law. Need more tools? Check the Massachusetts security deposit calculator, or try our prorated rent calculator and rent estimate tool.

For a complete guide to Massachusetts landlord-tenant law, read our Massachusetts Landlord-Tenant Law 2026 guide.