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When can a landlord charge a late fee for rent in Washington, and how much?
Short answer
Late fees: none for rent paid within 5 days after the due date
When: No late fee for rent paid within 5 days after the due date; after that, fees may run from the day after the due date
A landlord may not charge a late fee for rent paid within five days after its due date. If rent is more than five days past due, late fees may be charged from the first day after the due date until paid. A notice to pay or vacate can still be served any time after rent is due.
"The landlord may not charge a late fee for rent that is paid within five days following its due date. If rent is more than five days past due, the landlord may charge late fees commencing from the first day after the due date until paid." app.leg.wa.gov
Late fees: none for rent paid within 5 days after the due date Verified
Deadline: No late fee for rent paid within 5 days after the due date; after that, fees may run from the day after the due date
A landlord may not charge a late fee for rent paid within five days after its due date. If rent is more than five days past due, late fees may be charged from the first day after the due date until paid. A notice to pay or vacate can still be served any time after rent is due.
"The landlord may not charge a late fee for rent that is paid within five days following its due date. If rent is more than five days past due, the landlord may charge late fees commencing from the first day after the due date until paid." app.leg.wa.gov
Notes: RCW 59.18.170(2).
Last verified 2026-10-24 · Confidence: high · Status: verified · Report a correction