Can a Massachusetts landlord charge a late fee?
For Massachusetts residential rentals, under the Attorney General fee regulation (940 CMR 38.00, since September 2, 2025) and M.G.L. c. 186, s. 15B.
Last reviewed November 1, 2026 against 940 CMR 38.00 and M.G.L. c. 186, s. 15B and the sources below · How we check facts
Only after 30 days
No late fee or interest may be charged until rent is 30 days late.
What the law says
No late fee or interest may be charged until rent is 30 days late. Disclose the amount in the ad and the lease.
Details
The statute sets no dollar cap on the late fee itself, only the 30-day wait. Under 940 CMR 38.00, the late fee amount must be disclosed with the price in the ad and in the lease. A fee that was never disclosed cannot be charged.
How to show it
Disclose it before the lease, with what it is for and its amount. If tenants can avoid it, say how. Example wording:
Late fee: $30, charged only if rent is still unpaid 30 days after the due date.
For renters
If a required fee was not part of the Total Price you were shown, it cannot be charged later. Ask the landlord about it in writing. Massachusetts renter guide.
Check every fee at once and get the price to advertise: Total Price calculator.
Other Massachusetts fees
Amenity fee · Application fee · Broker fee · Cleaning fee · Fee that was not disclosed · Holding or reservation fee · Last month's rent · Lock change fee · Move-in or administrative fee · Optional fee · Parking fee · Payment processing fee · Pet deposit or upfront pet fee · Pet rent · Security deposit · Trash fee · Utility charge
Frequently asked questions
Can a Massachusetts landlord charge a late fee?
Only after 30 days. No late fee or interest may be charged until rent is 30 days late. Disclose the amount in the ad and the lease.
Does a late fee have to be in the Massachusetts Total Price?
Only if every tenant must pay it. Optional or conditional charges are disclosed separately, with how to avoid them.
Related
Not legal advice. Confirm your lease with a Massachusetts attorney.