Key answer: No statewide cap — some cities and counties have caps. 5 days — no fee until rent is more than 5 days past due.
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fee cap | No statewide cap — some cities and counties have caps |
| Grace period | 5 days — no fee until rent is more than 5 days past due |
| Must be in lease? | Best practice — state the fee in the lease |
| Source | RCW 59.18.170 |
With monthly rent $1500, there is no statewide maximum. The fee cannot be charged until rent is more than 5 days past due, and some cities and counties set their own caps.
What is the maximum late fee a landlord can charge in Washington?
No statewide cap — some cities and counties have caps.
When can a landlord charge a late fee in Washington?
In Washington, a late fee cannot be charged until rent is more than 5 days past due.
Does the late fee have to be in the lease in Washington?
Best practice — state the fee in the lease.
Can a landlord charge a daily late fee in Washington?
Only if the lease allows it and the total charge stays reasonable — courts may treat very high daily charges as penalties.
What happens if a landlord charges an excessive late fee in Washington?
A fee the court considers a penalty rather than compensation may be refused or voided as unconscionable.
Washington: rent increases generally need 90 days' notice; EHB 1217 (2025) caps annual increases at 7% + CPI (maximum 10%) and bars increases in the first 12 months of a tenancy.
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Not legal advice. Verify against your lease and local rules.
Calculate your Washington late fee