Free Late Rent Notice Template
Most late rent is settled by a clear letter sent early. This one states what is owed, what late fee the lease allows, and the date you expect payment. It keeps the tone factual and gives you a dated record that you asked.
This is a reminder, not the formal notice that starts an eviction. That notice has a required form, wording and waiting period set by your state, and using a reminder letter in its place can cost you weeks. If the rent stays unpaid, read your state's rule before sending anything further.
The template
Late Rent Notice
- Date
- Tenant name(s)
- Rental address and unit
Our records show that rent of $________ for the period of ________________ was due on ________________ and has not been received in full.
Under the lease, a late fee of $________ applies. The total now due is $________.
Please pay this amount by ________________. Payment can be made by ________________________________.
If you have already paid, please disregard this notice and send us the date and method of payment so we can correct our records. If you cannot pay in full by the date above, contact us before then.
This letter is a reminder. It is not a notice to vacate and does not waive any right under the lease or the law.
How to fill it in
- Check the lease first. Charge the late fee only if the lease provides for it and any grace period has run out.
- Check your state's cap on late fees. Some states limit the amount or require a minimum grace period before any fee.
- State one total and one date. A letter with several figures gets several answers.
- Deliver it the way your lease says notices are delivered, and keep a dated copy.
- Record the late fee on the tenant's ledger on the day it is charged, so the balance in your letter matches your books.
Common questions
Is a late rent notice the same as a notice to pay or quit?
No. A notice to pay or quit (the name varies by state) is the legal first step of an eviction and has to follow your state's form and timing exactly. A late rent notice is a courtesy reminder with no legal deadline attached.
How soon can I send one?
The day after the grace period ends, if your lease or state gives one. Sending early and consistently, to every tenant on the same schedule, is the safest practice.
Rules differ by state. See the landlord-tenant law guides for yours. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Or let the ledger do it
Corbica assesses the late fee your lease sets once the grace period ends and posts it to the tenant's ledger, so the amount you ask for and the amount on your books are the same number.
Want the next template when it is ready?
Four short emails over the next two weeks on how Corbica works, then landlord tips about once a month. Unsubscribe anytime.