But it is an inevitable consequence of a system that rewards certain behaviors and punishes the poor. 

This is a crucial step that I missed and as you can tell by my first statement, its punishing me!

Are you looking to motivate a tenant to follow the terms of the lease or you are trying to punish or profit off every little mistake? 

It punishes those who can't.

. § 41a(b). 18% is the typical interest rate that would apply to the kinds of loans offered by online lenders.Violating Vermont’s interest rate caps carries a criminal punishment (misdemeanor) of up to $500 or six months’ imprisonment, as well as forfeiting the right to collect any interest or charges, and half the principal. 9 V.S.A. § 50(c).

They are there for punishment / threat purposes to create a penalty for being late.  

So you think I should be fearful of the state misinterpreting my actions and thus do something I don’t want to do because otherwise a wrongheaded judge may punish me?    

Nothing lowers standards like punishment and deadlines.  

There are also some things to note (I wouldn't call them disadvantages): the NAR (National Assoc. of Realtors) keeps a very watchful eye on what licensed people do and if you step out of line or do anything questionable they will not be slack on doling out the proper punishment.

However, in practice this isn't a punishable offense.