Can't Pay Rent in Washington, DC: What Are My Options?

1. If you cannot pay rent on time, tell your landlord in writing before the due date. Ask for more time and keep a copy of your message.

   RenterLaw editorial

2. In Washington, DC, a landlord can charge a late fee of no more than 5% of the full rent due. On $1,500 rent, 5% is $75.

   RenterLaw editorial D.C. Code § 42-3505.31(a)

   ✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026

3. In Washington, DC, a landlord may charge a late fee only if the written lease tells you the most the late fee can be.

   D.C. Code § 42-3505.31(b)

   ✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026

4. In Washington, DC, a late fee is allowed only if you have not paid the full rent within 5 days after the due date. The lease may give a longer grace period (extra days to pay before late fees start).

   D.C. Code § 42-3505.31(b)

   ✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026

5. In Washington, DC, a landlord cannot charge interest on a late fee. A landlord also cannot charge a late fee more than one time on each late payment.

   D.C. Code § 42-3505.31(c)

   ✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026

6. In Washington, DC, a landlord cannot take a late fee out of a later rent payment.

   D.C. Code § 42-3505.31(c)

   ✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026

7. In Washington, DC, a landlord cannot evict you because you did not pay a late fee.

   D.C. Code § 42-3505.31(c)

   ✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026

8. In Washington, DC, you cannot be charged a late fee on rent that a rent subsidy provider must pay.

   D.C. Code § 42-3505.31(c)

   ✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026

9. In Washington, DC, a landlord may bill you for a late fee after the grace period (extra days to pay before late fees start). The late fee must be lawfully imposed. The bill must be paid within 30 days after the date it is issued.

   D.C. Code § 42-3505.31(d)

   ✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026

10. In Washington, DC, a landlord may bill you for a lawfully imposed late fee. If you do not pay the late fee within 30 days, the landlord may take it out of your security deposit. That happens at the end of the tenancy (when your renting ends).

    D.C. Code § 42-3505.31(d)

    ✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026

11. Keep proof of every rent payment and every message with your landlord about late rent. Save copies of bank records, receipts and texts.

    RenterLaw editorial

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