WA - state law changed (effective 6/11/20) so that we have to allow a 5 day grace period but if they exceed that the penalties can go back to the first day they were late. Example from a LL association: "if rent is due on the 1st then the tenant has through the 6th of each month to pay before the late fees are legal. However, if the rent is not paid until the 7th or the later than the landlord may be able to charge late fees all the way back from the 2nd, assuming the rental agreement allows for that."
My leases all say rent due on the 1st and penalties start after the 5th. As I see it, if they pay on the 7th then I can charge a penalty for the 6th & 7th. That would be the same as I would do today (before the effective day of the law change.)
My questions:
- Do I need to notify my tenants of this change that there will be no penalty if paid on the 6th?
- Would the idea that I would assess the penalty from the 6th change what I need to tell them?
My leases all say rent due on the 1st and penalties start after the 5th. As I see it, if they pay on the 7th then I can charge a penalty for the 6th & 7th. That would be the same as I would do today (before the effective day of the law change.)
My questions:
- Do I need to notify my tenants of this change that there will be no penalty if paid on the 6th?
- Would the idea that I would assess the penalty from the 6th change what I need to tell them?