Can a landlord charge fees for late rent in Oregon?

In Oregon, a landlord can charge fees for late rent, provided that the fee is reasonable and clearly specified in the lease agreement. This means that both the amount of the late fee and the conditions under which it applies must be communicated to the tenant at the time the lease is signed. The stipulation for the fee to be reasonable ensures that the landlord cannot impose exorbitant charges that might exploit tenants. This approach encourages transparency and allows tenants to be aware of potential costs associated with late payments.

While there may be other conditions relating to the timing of late fees, such as a grace period that is often established by landlords, the primary requirement is that any fee structure must be agreed upon in the lease. This makes it essential for landlords to outline such terms clearly in their rental agreements.