← All topics

Late fees

Chicago caps how much your landlord can charge for late rent.

The limit

  • $10 a month on the first $500 of rent, plus 5% of any rent above $500.
  • Example: on $1,200 rent, the most a landlord can charge is $10 + $35 = $45.
  • A lease clause charging more than this can't be enforced.

Tip: The rent log shows the maximum legal late fee for your rent.

Source: Chicago Municipal Code 5-12-140(h)