How Much Can a Landlord Charge for Bounced Checks?

Last Updated: November 5, 2024 by Roberto Valenzuela

The maximum bounced check fee varies by state but is typically $20 to $50. Even if there is no limit to the maximum bounced check fee, state law requires that all provisions of a lease agreement be reasonable.

State Maximum Bounced Check Fee
Alabama $30 or actual bank fees
(whichever is greater)
Alaska $30
Arizona $25 + actual bank fees
Arkansas $30 + actual bank fees within first 15 days
California $25 for first check
$35 for each additional check
Colorado $20
Connecticut $20
Delaware $40 unless otherwise agreed in a valid writing
Florida $25 (checks < $50)
$30 (checks for $50 to $300)
$40 or 5%, whichever is higher (checks > $300)
Georgia $30 or 5% of the check (whichever is greater) + actual bank fees
Hawaii $30
Idaho $20, plus interest at a yearly rate of 12% from the date of dishonor
Illinois $30 or all costs incurred from collection, whichever is greater
Indiana $25
Iowa $30 (only if explicitly and conspicuously disclosed)
Kansas $30
Kentucky $50
Louisiana $25 or 5% of the check (whichever is greater, and only if explicitly and conspicuously disclosed)
Maine Court costs + processing charges, including interest at a 12% yearly rate from date of dishonor
Maryland $35 (if paid within 30 days)
Massachusetts $25 (or 1% of total check value, for checks over $2500 value)
Michigan $25 (if paid within 7 business days)
$35 (if paid after 7 business days but within 30 days)
$250 plus damages (after 30 days)
Minnesota $30 (only if explicitly and conspicuously disclosed)
Mississippi $40
Missouri $25 + actual bank fees
Montana $30
Nebraska $10 + actual bank fees
Nevada $25
New Hampshire $25, unless more is authorized by express written agreement
New Jersey No statute before 35 days past due; afterward, up to $500 plus costs
New Mexico No statute before 10 days past due; afterward, $100-$500
New York $20
North Carolina $35
North Dakota $40
Ohio $30 or 10% of the check’s face value (whichever is greater)
Oklahoma $25 (indirectly, through the Bogus Check Restitution Program)
Oregon $35 + actual bank fees
Pennsylvania $50 (unless the actual cost is higher)
Rhode Island $25 (in a civil claim)
South Carolina $30
South Dakota $60
Tennessee $30
Texas $30
Utah $20 if paid within 15 days of mailed notice; otherwise, $55
Vermont No statute
Virginia $50
Washington $40 + interest up to 12% yearly rate
Washington D.C. $15, only for rent-stabilized property
West Virginia $25
Wisconsin “All reasonable costs and expenses in connection with the collection” (state default is $15)
Wyoming $30

 What is a Reasonable Bounced Check Fee?

“Reasonable,” as a legal term, means the standard depends on individual circumstances, case by case. In places where there is no statute for bounced checks, a “reasonable” bounced check fee is one which reflects the real costs involved in a dishonored transaction.

Based on existing state laws, $20 to $40 is in most cases a reasonable amount to charge for a bounced check (most states do not allow a check fee of $50 or more). Determining a fee based on actual costs will also be held reasonable by almost all courts.

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