CALL TO ACTION: Support Bill Support for HB2273 Modification of late fees for rent from 30 days to 10 day

Dear Joint Committee on Judiciary Chairs, Vice Chairs and Members,

I would like to see Chris Walsh’s bill HB2273 passed out of committee
and voted into law.

At this time, landlords are not allowed to charge a late fee unless
the rent is 30 days late. This change would allow landlords to
charge a late fee when the rent is 10 days late. Please see attached
study done by the MA Realtors showing how all other states in the
nation have a more equitable position on this matter.

Businesses such as mortgage companies, credit card companies etc are
able to charge late fees. It is unclear why landlords are not able to
do this. Most landlords have mortgage payments to make. If the rent
is not delivered on time, then the mortgage payment is not made and
the landlord is charged a late fee. It is unfair for the landlord to
not be able to charge a late fee to, at minimum, cover this cost.

The late fee can also be a motivator for some tenants to pay the rent.
It is another tool the landlord has to make sure payment is made.
Currently, the only tool the landlord has is the 14 day notice to
quit. This creates an adversarial relationship with the tenant which
is not in the best interest of anyone.

I would appreciate it if you would report this bill favorably and support it though passage into law.


Bill Text for HB2273 (HD2135) of 2011-2012 Session
An Act relative to the modification of late fees
Prime sponsor: Representative Chris Walsh (D)
04/30/2012 - H Extension order filed until 06/08/2012

Section 15B-1C of Chapter 186 of the General Laws, as apprearing in
the 2008 Official Edition, is hereby amended by deleting the word
"thirty"; and inserting the word "ten" in line 26.