charging late fees

ALABAMA

Can a small business charge late fees on a balance? I mean, can they just decide at the drop of a hat to start charging any amount and calling it a late fee? Please advise. Thanks!

(trying to keep this short please let me know if you require more info.)

[JETX]

Generally, someone can't just arbitrarily tack on charges to an existing bill.

However, there are a lot of possible scenarios that would allow this to happen. Some are:
1) was it allowed by any prior agreement (application, etc.)??
2) did any prior agreement (application, etc.) include a provision for possible charges upon sufficient notice?

to answer your questions:

"no" to both. I am referring to a child care center. There was only a registration form (did not mention late fees.) There was however, a sign posted stating that late charges would apply. (this amount changed from time to time-$10 per week to $10 per day to $20 per day) I never signed anything stating that late charges would apply if I didn't pay on time. I have gotten behind in payment and the center is charging me $200 in late fees and will not negotiate payment.

[JETX]

The signs suffice as notice. This means that you were (or should have been) aware of them in time to prevent you from incurring them.

Sounds like they got you.