Clayton, NM Late Fee Limits 2026
Late fees in Clayton are capped at 10% of rent ($97 at median rent). Charge more and tenants sue to recover — courts void excessive fees regardless of what the lease says.
In New Mexico, late fees must be reasonable and proportional to actual damages from late payment. The cap is 10% of rent. Grace periods are typically set by the lease.
This applies to properties in Clayton, NM. Check all requirements for your property →
Key Takeaways — Clayton Late Fee Limits
- Key rule: 10% Max or Tenants Sue
- Violation risk: face a lawsuit
Late Fee Limits in Clayton
Clayton landlords must follow New Mexico state law on late fee limits. Understanding the specific rules, deadlines, and penalties can prevent costly violations.
$973
median 2BR rent
10% Max or Tenants Sue
key requirement
Penalty Warning
Violate New Mexico late fee limits rules in Clayton and you could face a lawsuit. At Clayton's median rent of $973/month, even a single violation adds up fast.
Clayton Rental Market Context
Clayton is the 42nd-largest city in New Mexico (population 2,581). With a median 2-bedroom rent of $973/month, it falls in the budget range for New Mexico rental costs — 6% below the state median of $1,040/month.
How Clayton Compares in Union County
Clayton ranks #1 of 4 cities in Union 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clayton | 2,581 | $973/mo | $97 max |
| Des Moines | 112 | $973/mo | $97 max |
| Folsom | 47 | $973/mo | $97 max |
| Grenville | 25 | $973/mo | $97 max |
Rents based on HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2026) for Union County, New Mexico. All cities follow New Mexico state law unless a local ordinance applies.
Don’t risk it. Let LeaseBase handle the compliance.
LeaseBase automatically calculates legal maximums, enforces grace periods, and generates compliant fee notices — so you never miss a deadline.
Start Managing FreeFree to explore · No credit card required
Late Fee Limits by Unit Size in Clayton
Late fee caps scale with rent. Here's the maximum by unit type:
| Unit Size | Median Rent | Max Late Fee (10%) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $723/mo | $72 |
| 1-Bedroom | $770/mo | $77 |
| 2-Bedroom | $973/mo | $97 |
| 3-Bedroom | $1,332/mo | $133 |
Rents based on HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2026) for Union County.
Calculate Your Limits
Enter your Clayton rent amount to see exact limits and penalty exposure.
Free Calculator →No signup required.
More Clayton Landlord Laws
Late Fee Limits in Nearby Cities
Own properties in multiple cities? Rules may differ locally:
Track Clayton Compliance Automatically
LeaseBase monitors New Mexico landlord-tenant laws and alerts you before deadlines.
Never miss a late fee limits deadline in Clayton
LeaseBase calculates legal maximums, enforces grace periods, and generates compliant fee notices automatically.
Free to explore · No credit card required
Not ready to start? Get the free Late Fee Limits checklist for New Mexico 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.
