What is the maximum late fee in North Carolina?

The statutory maximum late fee in North Carolina is $75.00 on a rent of $1,500.00 — the greater of $15.00 or 5% of the monthly rent (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-46). 5-day grace period. Cap for monthly rent: the GREATER of $15 or 5% of the monthly rent (weekly rent: greater of $4 or 5%). Charged once per late payment.

Does North Carolina require a grace period for late fees?

Yes, North Carolina law requires a 5-day grace period (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-46). No late fee can be charged during this period.

Free Tool

North Carolina Late Fee Calculator

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

State

Monthly Rent

Days Late

Your Proposed Fee

Your Late Fee

$75.00

Compliant

Your proposed fee of $75.00 is within North Carolina's statutory maximum of $75.00 (the greater of $15.00 or 5% of the monthly rent).

Rent + Fee

$1,575.00

Grace Period

5 days (required)

Statutory Maximum in North Carolina

$75.00

North Carolina Late Fee Law

Grace period: 5 days (required by law)

Fee cap: $75.00 — the greater of $15.00 or 5% of the monthly rent

Daily fees: Not typical

Statute: N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-46

5-day grace period. Cap for monthly rent: the GREATER of $15 or 5% of the monthly rent (weekly rent: greater of $4 or 5%). Charged once per late payment.

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

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Next Step

Generate the late fee notice

Turn this calculation into a printable, North Carolina-compliant notice you can send to your tenant today — with the statute reference included.

Your Name (Landlord)

Tenant Name

Property Address

Rent Due Date

Fill in the four fields above to generate your notice.

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North Carolina Late Fee Rules for Landlords

North Carolina requires a 5-day grace period before any late fee can be charged (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-46). The late fee is capped by statute at the greater of $15.00 or 5% of the monthly rent (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-46).

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

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