I pay $1300 a month for rent. Is a $2200 late fee for rent excessive in CA?

Question

I pay $1300 a month for rent. Is a $2200 late fee for rent excessive in CA?

Answer

If I were the judge, I would say yes. But I am not the judge. The late fee should be set forth in the rental agreement and be a reasonable calculation of what the landlord loses when you pay your rent late. If the court thinks it is a penalty, it will not enforce it.

Answer

For a single instance of being late? Almost for sure. For being late ten days for ten months in a row at $22/day? Almost certainly not excessive. See, it depends on the per day and the number of days and times you were late.