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View Full Version : No Grace period given for rent, can this be done?


gulfbrzrealtor
Nov 5, 2013, 08:55 AM
I recently signed a lease and Broker stated rent is due on the 1st of each month and no grace period is given. For every day late, there is a $25 late fee. I do not get paid but once a month on the 5th and I explained this and told her I could pay her on the 5th of each month. This wasn't accepted and said I would be paying late fees. I thought Florida law gave a 5 day grace period. If this be the case, then I could pay my rent on the 5th, when I get paid and last day of grace period, and would not have to accure late charges.
1- Am I correct? Please inform if a Broker can do this, also,
2-Would my rent be considered late if paid on the 5th of each month?
Thank you and I look forward to your response.

smoothy
Nov 5, 2013, 09:05 AM
You might want to give us your location as this is an international site and actual laws might vary.

But in a general sense, no they don't HAVE to give a grace period most places.. its due on the first... its upon you to keep enough in the bank to pay it by the first. Due on the first means that's the latest you have to pay them... you should have sent it in before then.

ballengerb1
Nov 5, 2013, 09:17 AM
I agree, grace period is not required by law in most areas, countries. If your lease says due on the first then you would be late if paid on the 5th. If you do not like the terms you may have to look somewhere else

ScottGem
Nov 5, 2013, 09:28 AM
I don't see anything in Florida law mandating a grace period. Therefore, this is something you can negotiate with the landlord. If your landlord tells you rent is due on the first and will charge late fees for late payment then you have to comply.

My advice is to get your first month's rent in before the first, then put the next month's rental aside from your paycheck on the 5th. So you can pay it on the first.

joypulv
Nov 5, 2013, 09:40 AM
Other states do have grace periods.
Florida has some of the least tenant friendly laws in the nation.
I'm sorry you don't have enough saved so that you have a cushion, instead of being broke until the 5th of each month. Figure out a way to have a month's rent in advance. Borrow from family, sell something - anything to avoid $25/day. Even the rates on some loans would be cheaper. If you borrowed from family, you could pay 4% and they would be thrilled. You could pay it back over 4 months, and then you'd always have a month's cushion. As long as you know not to touch it in your account. It takes discipline.