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Tennessee Late Fee Laws

Last reviewed: July 10, 2026

Maximum late fee
10% of monthly rent
Grace period
5 days
Statute
Tenn. Code § 66-28-201(d)

Tennessee caps residential late fees at 10% of the monthly rent under Tenn. Code § 66-28-201(d). A lease can agree to less, but a fee above the statutory limit is generally unenforceable no matter what the lease says.

Timing matters as much as the amount: rent must be at least 5 days past due before a late fee can be assessed. A fee charged inside that window isn't collectible in Tennessee, even when the lease provides for it.

Tennessee caps the fee at 10% of the amount of rent past due, after a five-day grace period that includes the due date in the count. If day five falls on a Sunday or legal holiday and the tenant pays the next business day, no fee may be charged. The URLTA (including this rule) applies in Tennessee's larger counties.

Calculate a late fee with Tennessee's limits preloaded

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Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum late fee in Tennessee?
State law limits the fee to 10% of the monthly rent (Tenn. Code § 66-28-201(d)). Charging above that is generally unenforceable.
Is there a required grace period in Tennessee?
Yes — rent must be at least 5 days past due before a late fee can be charged under Tenn. Code § 66-28-201(d).
Where is this in Tennessee law?
The controlling provision is Tenn. Code § 66-28-201(d). Legislatures amend these rules, so always confirm the current text via the official source linked above.

This tool is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Rules vary by state and locality and change over time — confirm current requirements for your jurisdiction before acting.

Late fee laws in other states