When is Rent Due? Rent Grace Period by State

Jeanne Sanford | July 26, 2024 | 11 min read

Last updated July 26th, 2024

In the world of renting, one of the most fundamental questions that both tenants and landlords often grapple with is “When is rent due?” While it may seem straightforward, the answer can vary widely based on state regulations, lease agreements, and customary practices. As a landlord, it’s essential to clearly communicate the rent due date to your tenants to ensure timely payments, and as a tenant, it’s crucial to understand your obligations to avoid any potential fees or legal issues.

Explore the intricacies of rent due dates, including common due dates, grace periods, and what happens if you move in mid-month. Whether you’re signing your first lease or have been in the rental business for years, staying informed about when rent is due helps keep the landlord-tenant relationship running smoothly.

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Alabama

Rent Due: On the due date (no grace period)
Statute: § 35–9A-161(c)

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Alaska

Rent Due: On the due date (no grace period)
Statute: AS 34.03.020(c)

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Arizona

Rent Due: On the due date (no grace period)
Statute: ARS 33–1314(c)

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Arkansas

Rent Due: On the due date in the lease, but there is a 5-day grace period before a late fee may be imposed
Statute: § 18–17–401(b)(1), § 18–17–701(b)

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California

Rent Due: On the due date (no grace period)
Statute: CIV Code 1947

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Colorado

Rent Due: Not defined, but there is a 7-day grace period before a late fee may be imposed
Statute: C.R.S. § 38–12–105

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Connecticut

Rent Due: 9-day grace period.
Statute: § 47a-3a(a), § 47a-15a

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Delaware

Rent Due: On the due date in the lease, but there is a 5-day grace period before a late fee may be imposed
Statute: Title 25, § 5501(b), Title 25, § 5501(d)

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Florida

Rent Due: On the due date (no grace period)
Statute: § 83.46(1)

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Georgia

Rent Due: Not defined
Statute: No statute

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Hawaii

Rent Due: On the due date (no grace period)
Statute: § 521–68(a)

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Idaho

Rent Due: Not defined
Statute: Idaho Code 28-22-105

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Illinois

Rent Due: Not defined
Statute: No statute

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Cook County, Illinois

Rent Due: 5 day grace period

Statute: Residential Landlord-Tenant Ordinance

Resource:

Indiana

Rent Due: Not defined
Statute: IN Code Sect. 24-7-5-5

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Iowa

Rent Due: On the due date (no grace period)
Statute: 562A.9(3)

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Kansas

Rent Due: On the due date (no grace period)
Statute: § 58–2545(c)

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Kentucky

Rent Due: On the due date (no grace period)
Statute: § 383.565(2)

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Louisiana

Rent Due: On the due date (no grace period)
Statute: La. Civ. Code art. 2703(1)

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Maine

Rent Due: 15-day grace period
Statute: Chapter 710, §6028(1)

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Maryland

Rent Due: On the due date (no grace period)
Statute: § 8–401(a)

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Baltimore, Maryland

Rent Due: On the due date, 10 day grace period
Reference: Baltimore City Rental and Housing Laws

Montgomery County, Maryland

Rent Due: On the due date, 10 day grace period
Reference: Montgomery County Dept Housing

Massachusetts

Rent Due: 30-day grace period.
Statute: Chapter 186, Section 15B

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Michigan

Rent Due: On the due date (no grace period)
Statute: § 554.131

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Minnesota

Rent Due: Not defined
Statute: No statute

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Mississippi

Rent Due: Not defined
Statute: No statute

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Missouri

Rent Due: Not defined
Statute: No statute

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Montana

Rent Due: On the due date (no grace period)
Statute: § 70–24–201(2)(c)

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Nebraska

Rent Due: On the due date (no grace period)
Statute: § 76–1414(3)

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Nevada

Rent Due: 3 day grace periodStatute: NRS 118A.210(1)

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New Hampshire

Rent Due: Not defined
Statute: No statute

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New Jersey

Rent Due: 5 business day grace period for senior citizens and recipients of social security benefits. No grace period for all others
Statute: § 2A:42–6.1(1)

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New Mexico

Rent Due: On the due date (no grace period)
Statute: § 47–8–15(B)

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New York

Rent Due: 5-day grace period
Statute: Housing Stability and Tenant Protection act of 2019
- NY Real Property Law Sect. 238-A

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North Carolina

Rent Due: 5-day grace period
Statute: § 42–46(a)

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North Dakota

Rent Due: Not defined
Statute: No statute

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Ohio

Rent Due: Not defined
Statute: Sect. 5322.05, Ohio Revised Code

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Oklahoma

Rent Due: On the due date (no grace period)
Statute: § 41–109(B)

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Oregon

Rent Due: On the due date in the lease, but there is a 4-day grace period before a late fee may be imposed
Statute: ORS 90.220(7)(a), ORS 90.260(1)(a)

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Pennsylvania

Rent Due: Not defined
Statute: No statute

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Rhode Island

Rent Due: On the due date (no grace period)
Statute: § 34–18–15(c)

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South Carolina

Rent Due: On the due date (no grace period)
Statute: § 27–40–310(c)

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South Dakota

Rent Due: Not defined
Statute: No statute

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Tennessee

Rent Due: On the due date in the lease, but there is a 5-day grace period before a late fee may be imposed
Statute: § 66–28–201(c), § 66–28–201(d)

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Texas

Rent Due: On the 1st. 2 day grace period
Statute: Section 92.109 of Texas Property Code

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Utah

Rent Due: Not defined
Statute: No statute

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Vermont

Rent Due: On the due date (no grace period)
Statute: 9 V.S.A. § 4455

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Virginia

Rent Due: On the due date in the lease, but there is a 5-day grace period before a late fee may be imposed
Statute: § 55.1–1204(C)(4), § 55.1–1204(C)(5)

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Washington

Rent Due: 5-day grace period
Statute: RCW 59.18.170

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Washington, D.C.

Rent Due: 5-day grace period
Statute: D.C. Law 21-172

Reference Landlord Tenant Law

West Virginia

Rent Due: Not defined
Statute: No statute

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Wyoming

Rent Due: Not defined
Statute: No statute

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What Is The Grace Period For Rent?

A grace period for rent is a set amount of time after the rent’s due date during which a tenant can pay without facing any penalty, such as a late fee. The length of a grace period, or even its existence, can vary depending on the state law and the terms of the lease agreement. Some states mandate a specific grace period, while others leave it to the discretion of the landlord and tenant to agree upon within the lease.

Is There A Grace Period For Rent?

Whether there is a grace period for rent depends on state laws and the terms agreed upon in the lease. Some states require a grace period by law, typically ranging from a few days to a month. In other states, a grace period may only be included if it is explicitly stated in the lease agreement. If no grace period is mandated or agreed upon, rent is due on the specified due date without any extension.

Is Rent Always Due On The 1st?

Rent is not always due on the 1st of the month. The due date for rent payments is determined by the lease agreement between the landlord and tenant. While the 1st of the month is a common due date, the lease may specify another date that rent is due each month. Tenants should refer to their lease to confirm their specific rent due date.

When You Move Into An Apartment When Is Rent Due?

When you move into an apartment, the first rent payment is typically due on the date specified in the lease agreement, which could be the day you move in or another agreed-upon date. Some landlords may prorate the first month’s rent if you move in on a day other than the usual rent due date, meaning you only pay for the days you occupy the apartment during that first month.

When Is Rent Typically Due?

Rent is typically due on the date specified in the lease agreement. While the 1st of the month is a common due date, it can vary. The lease should clearly state when rent is due, and it may also outline any grace periods or late fees that apply if the rent is not paid by the due date. Tenants should always refer to their lease for the most accurate information regarding their rent due date.