Carthage, TN Late Fee Limits 2026
Late fees in Carthage are capped at 10% of rent ($105 at median rent). Charge more and tenants sue to recover — courts void excessive fees regardless of what the lease says.
In Tennessee, late fees must be reasonable and proportional to actual damages from late payment. The cap is 10% of rent. A 5-day grace period applies.
This applies to properties in Carthage, TN. Check all requirements for your property →
Key Takeaways — Carthage Late Fee Limits
- Key rule: 10% Max or Tenants Sue
- Violation risk: face a lawsuit
Late Fee Limits in Carthage
Carthage landlords must follow Tennessee state law on late fee limits. Understanding the specific rules, deadlines, and penalties can prevent costly violations.
$1,051
median 2BR rent
10% Max or Tenants Sue
key requirement
Penalty Warning
Violate Tennessee late fee limits rules in Carthage and you could face a lawsuit. At Carthage's median rent of $1,051/month, even a single violation adds up fast.
Carthage Rental Market Context
Carthage is the 159th-largest city in Tennessee (population 2,264). With a median 2-bedroom rent of $1,051/month, it falls in the above-average range for Tennessee rental costs — 8% above the state median of $975/month.
How Carthage Compares in Smith County
Carthage ranks #1 of 2 cities in Smith County by population. Because late fee limits rules are often tied to rent amounts, costs vary across the county.
| City | Population | Median Rent | Late Fee Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carthage | 2,264 | $1,051/mo | $105 max |
| Gordonsville | 1,380 | $1,051/mo | $105 max |
Rents based on HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2026) for Smith County, Tennessee. All cities follow Tennessee state law unless a local ordinance applies.
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Late Fee Limits by Unit Size in Carthage
Late fee caps scale with rent. Here's the maximum by unit type:
| Unit Size | Median Rent | Max Late Fee (10%) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $796/mo | $79 |
| 1-Bedroom | $801/mo | $80 |
| 2-Bedroom | $1,051/mo | $105 |
| 3-Bedroom | $1,368/mo | $136 |
Rents based on HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2026) for Smith County.
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More Carthage Landlord Laws
Late Fee Limits in Nearby Cities
Own properties in multiple cities? Rules may differ locally:
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Not ready to start? Get the free Late Fee Limits checklist for Tennessee landlords.
Download Free ChecklistReviewed by Rachid Abadli
Founder & CEO, LeaseBase · Sacramento landlord · Self-managing since 2019
LeaseBase is a property management platform — not a law firm. Consult an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.
