As a Joplin rental property owner, setting distinct expectations for your renter is crucial. One aspect of this is assuring appropriate consequences for violating certain terms in your lease. One way to encourage renters to uphold their lease agreement is to issue fines for violations. But are such fines or penalties legal? And how much should the fines be? Are there limits on the amount you can fine a renter? The answers to these and similar queries will be explored in the following sections.
Are fines or penalties legal?
Generally speaking, yes. But fines and penalties must be specifically detailed in your lease agreement before you can charge them. If it’s not in the lease, you cannot charge extra fees. As long as your lease agreement includes language specifying the penalties and the violations they apply to, you are within your rights to issue fines.
How much should a fine or penalty be?
When resolving suitable fine amounts, consider the severity of the violation and the impact it has on you as the Joplin property manager. It’s important to keep in mind that fines should not be excessive or unjustly retaliatory. If the penalty you charge is higher than the incurred damages, chances are that it will be considered unenforceable, and you probably won’t win your case in court.
Another consideration is your ability to collect the charges from your renter. Fining a renter should only be used as a last resort since it carries such a high risk of permanently damaging any positive relations you may have with them. If you feel trapped, you may, then setting reasonable fine amounts enhances the likelihood that you’ll be able to collect it. Renters are much more likely to refuse to pay excessive fines or to sue you to avoid paying them. It’s important to weigh the potential benefit of collecting a fine against the consequences, such as losing a renter or facing a legal dispute.
Are there limits on the amount you can charge?
It’s important to note that some states do have limits on how much can be charged for certain violations. For example, states like Delaware, Nevada, and Washington, D.C. limit late rent payment fees to 5% of the monthly rent amount. Other states have regulations that state the late fee must be “reasonable” and that it must be specifically detailed in the lease.
Various states may have other limitations relating to fines for lease violations. For this reason, it’s crucial to verify state and local laws before setting fine amounts in your lease agreement. It is also a good idea to consult a lawyer or local rental market expert before setting fine amounts in your lease agreement.
In conclusion, fines and penalties for lease violations can be useful for encouraging renters to uphold their agreements. But it’s important to ensure that any fines or penalties you charge are legal, sensible, and in line with state and local laws.
Real Property Management Momentum has expert experience with all things property management, including lease agreements and tenant relations. If you need feedback regarding a lease agreement or any other matter involving your rental property, contact us online to see what we can do for you.
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