Unfair Apartment Late Fees

Summary

Landlords in Indiana can charge late fees only if specified in the lease and must provide proper notice. If your apartment complex is adding fees without notifying you, you may have grounds to dispute these charges. Document all communications and review your lease terms. Consult a local tenant rights organization or legal aid for further assistance.

Full Conversation

Basically my apartment complex charged me a late fee. Yes originally the late fee is added after the 3rd of the month. This was for July. The office was closed therefore I didn't know it would still add a fee.
Hello Kenecia, I understand your frustration. Could you please tell me the location of your apartment complex? The rules about late fees can vary by state or even city.
I live in Indiana
Hello Kenecia,
In Indiana:
- Late fees can only be charged if it's in the lease agreement.
- Fees should be reasonable and not penalize tenants.
- Landlords need to provide proper notice before charging a late fee.
Consult with a local tenant rights organization for assistance.
I reached out because I noticed other irregularities with my account that had never been brought to my attention. When they charge a late fee they don't send a letter or anything its added to your account and days go by they charge you for the days .. and if you don't Happ8to check it could be 15o more than the original balance. A decent change came to the policy starting this. So they went back and added fee to a month when they said in the email it would be. * can provide the email.
Hello Kenecia,
Notifying tenants about charges or changes in lease terms is generally required. Here's what you can do in Indiana:
- Review your lease for terms on late fees and notification.
- Document all communication with your landlord.
- Consult a local tenant rights organization or legal aid.
Okay they never send communication or any fees it's just there and if you don't check your account then they keep charging you without ever notifying you
Hello Kenecia,
In Indiana, landlords are generally required to provide notice for any additional charges. If they don't, you may have grounds to dispute. Consider seeking legal advice, possibly from a local legal aid office.