CA Landlords: Your Late Fee Provision May Be Illegal

09/11/2025 1h 4min
CA Landlords: Your Late Fee Provision May Be Illegal

Listen "CA Landlords: Your Late Fee Provision May Be Illegal"

Episode Synopsis

Are you a California landlord charging late fees? You might be surprised to learn that many common late fee provisions are actually illegal under California law! In this essential seminar, we break down the critical legal requirements for enforcing late charges in California. We'll cover: The "Liquidated Damages" Rule: Understand why your late fees must be treated as liquidated damages, not a penalty, and how to ensure compliance with Civil Code Section 1671(d). Key Lease Language: Discover the specific wording your lease agreement must contain to make late charges legally enforceable. Learn what makes a late fee a "reasonable pre-estimate" of your costs. What NOT to Do: Avoid common pitfalls, such as including late fees in a 3-day notice to pay rent or quit, and understand how tenant payments should be applied. Eviction & Late Charges: Get clarity on whether a court will evict for a late charge and important considerations for Section 8 tenancies. Don't risk legal trouble! Watch this seminar to ensure your late fee provisions are fully compliant and enforceable.