Dealing with Late Rent Payment and Pet Fees/Deposit

[Renee Z.]

Dear All, 

I would like your input on dealing with late rent payments and pet fees/deposit. 

Here is our county law about late rent payment: 

"While the Montgomery County Code prohibits the landlord from charging a late fee until after the tenth of the month, this is not a grace period. If you pay after the first, your rent is late. You can be sued for Failure to Pay Rent before the 10th of the month. Not paying your rent on time constitutes a breach of lease. Untimely rent payments can be the basis for not renewing your lease and can make it difficult to obtain housing in the future;"

So landlord are not allowed to charge a late fee for late rent before the 10th of the month, but can sue tenant before that. In this situation, what is the best way to approach late rent? My biggest fear is if tenants take advantage of this law and just get used to paying rent late, as long as it is before the 10th. Of course you can sue them, but who wants to sue just because your tenant is several days late for rent? 

Here is our county law about pet fees/deposit: 

"Non-Refundable Fees -- Non-refundable fees such as reservation or holding fees, move-in, redecorating or cleaning fees, pet fees/deposits etc., may not be charged or imposed by a landlord. Note: In certain condominium communities, these fees are allowed in the by-laws."

So if my condo associate allow pet fees/deposit, does that mean it is allowed even the county says it may not be charged? Does the same go with holding fees? Can I charge it if my condo association allows it? 

I would really love to have your input and and advice. Really appreciate it!