Free download, no email required
Free late rent notice template for landlords
Four documents for every stage of late rent: a friendly reminder, a past-due notice with an itemized balance, a payment plan both sides sign, and a log of what you sent and when. Clear, polite and consistent, so it works on the first try more often than a threat does.
The Word file opens in Microsoft Word, Google Docs and Pages. The printable PDF has blank lines to fill in by hand.
What's inside
- Friendly reminder: a short, warm note for when rent is late but before a late fee applies. Most late rent is a forgotten transfer.
- Late rent notice: once the grace period has passed. It itemizes rent, any late fee your lease allows, other charges and payments received, then gives the total due, a pay-by date and how to pay.
- Payment plan agreement: an installment schedule and plain terms, signed by you and your tenant, with regular rent still due as normal.
- Delivery and contact log: every reminder, notice, call and reply in one timeline.
How to handle late rent, step by step
- Send a friendly reminder first. Assume it was forgotten. A polite note the day after rent is due gets most payments in without a fee or a fight.
- After the grace period, send the late rent notice. Show the math: rent, late fee, other charges, payments received and the total. Attach a statement from your rent ledger so the numbers are easy to check.
- Offer a payment plan when it helps. If your tenant can't pay in full, a written plan with dates and amounts beats an open-ended promise.
- Know when you need a formal notice. If rent still isn't paid, most states require a specific written notice before you can file for eviction, such as Illinois's 5-day notice (735 ILCS 5/9-209). Those notices have strict wording and delivery rules, so use your state or county's official form or talk to a local landlord attorney. That notice isn't included in this kit.
Rules that keep you on solid ground
- Charge only the late fee your lease allows and your state and city permit. Some cities cap late fees.
- Send the same letters on the same schedule to every tenant.
- Keep a copy of everything, and write down how and when each letter was delivered.
- Stay factual and polite. No threats, no lockouts, no shutting off utilities.
Pair it with the free rent ledger kit: its Tenant Statement tab prints the account history to attach to your notice.
In Chicago? Late fees are capped and nonpayment notices have their own rules. Read our guide to Chicago's late rent and late fee rules.
Raising the rent at renewal? Try the free rent increase letter kit. Tenant moving out? Use the free security deposit return kit.
Want the reminders to go out on their own?
Landlord's Desk runs this same path for you: a friendly reminder, an overdue reminder, a payment plan and a notice ready when you need it. You approve anything with a fee or a deadline. Founding members get up to 60 days free, then 30% off their first year.
These templates are provided as-is and are not legal advice. Landlord-tenant rules, including late fees and notice requirements, vary by state and city. Check the rules where your property is, or talk to a local attorney.