Late fees and 3 day notice

[Roy Lam]

I have two tenants that is always late with the rent, lately it's been worst. I would like to amend the lease and charge them late fees. What is the maximum a landlord can charge in California? Today, one of them paid me half the rent (which is her share), but the other one is still giving me the run around. Should I give her a 3 day notice?

[Jon Holdman]

If they have a valid lease, you can't just unilaterally change it. If they're on month to month, then you can change it starting next month.

I would post (not mail) a three day notice as soon as the rent was late, unless arrangements were made. And start the eviction notice as soon as possible.

If a tenant is consistently late, discuss with them if there is some reason. Sometimes people don't get money until some date into the month. If the struggle with the 1st, but could pay on the 10th, have them pay one third of the month then reset the lease to have the rent due on the 10th.