Key answer: Tennessee caps a rent late fee at 10% of the amount past due. The statutory five-day grace period begins on the due date itself, and the fee cannot be charged until that period has ended.
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fee cap | 10% of the amount of rent past due |
| Grace period | 5 days, counting the due date as day one |
| Must be in lease? | Recommended — safest way to enforce |
| Source | Tenn. Code §66-28-201(d) |
If $1,500 rent is due on the 1st, the due date counts as day one of Tennessee's five-day grace period. The maximum late fee is $150. If the final grace-period day falls on a Sunday or legal holiday, no fee may be imposed when the tenant pays on the next business day.
What is the maximum late fee a landlord can charge in Tennessee?
The cap is 10% of the amount of rent past due.
When can a Tennessee landlord charge a late fee?
Only after the statutory five-day grace period has ended. The rent due date is included as day one.
Does the late fee have to be in the lease in Tennessee?
Check your lease. In Tennessee the fee must be reasonable, and having it clearly written in the lease is the safest way to enforce it.
Can a Tennessee landlord charge a daily late fee?
Only if the lease allows it and the total charge stays within the legal cap — a daily fee cannot be used to get around the limit.
What happens if a Tennessee landlord charges an illegal late fee?
A fee above the legal limit can be challenged; courts may void the fee or the entire clause as unconscionable.
We have not confirmed a statewide rent-increase cap for Tennessee. Notice requirements depend on the lease type (month-to-month vs. fixed term) — check your lease and local rules.
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Not legal advice. Verify against your lease and local rules.
Calculate your Tennessee late fee