Late fee calculator
Some states cap the late fee a self storage owner can charge, and some have no limit we could find. Pick your state and enter the rent and your proposed fee to see whether it is over the cap, with the statute cited.
Your late fee
Your results will show here
Choose a state, enter the monthly rent and a proposed late fee to compare it with the state limit.
How it works
- Percent fee = monthly rent x percent
- State limit = the greater (or lesser) of a flat amount and a percent of monthly rent, as the statute states
- Over the limit by = proposed fee − state limit
Two kinds of limits appear. A hard cap says a late fee may not exceed the amount. A safe harbor says a fee up to the amount is reasonable and not a penalty, so a higher fee is not banned outright, but you may have to show it is reasonable. The tool treats both as the line to stay under.
When the tool says no cap was found, it means our research found no statutory limit. It does not mean none exists. Other state law and your rental agreement may still apply.
Some states also bar a late fee until rent is a set number of days late. The tool shows that when we found one.
Frequently asked questions
How much can a storage unit charge for a late fee?
It depends on the state. Several states cap it at the greater of $20 or 20 percent of monthly rent, others differ, and some have no limit we found. Pick your state to see the rule and citation.
What does "no cap found" mean?
Our research did not find a statute that limits the late fee. It is not a guarantee that no limit applies. Ask your attorney.
What is the difference between a hard cap and a safe harbor?
A hard cap is a maximum. A safe harbor says fees up to an amount are treated as reasonable. Above it you may have to prove the fee is reasonable.
Does the cap include interest and collection costs?
Many statutes treat late fees separately from interest, collection costs and sale expenses. Read the rule text shown for your state and ask your attorney.
Is anything I enter saved?
No. The check runs in your browser.