Not a landlord, but landlords have financial obligations they need to meet as well, and not getting rent can create issues there. They still have to pay taxes, insurance, repairs, etc.
I think late fees are fine, but shouldn't be enforceable in the event the lease is cancelled by either party (ie eviction or early termination). Tenants would still owe back rent, but not punitive fines for being unable to pay.
I'd also say there should be some method to punish landlords for illegal terms in leases, like late fees in excess of what the law allows. I watch court streams sometimes and the percentage of landlords who have illegally high late fees is shocking and I've never seen a punishment beyond "you can only tack on late fees of $X by law".
Yeah, I get that landlords have financial obligations too, which is why I'm torn on it.
The mechanism exists so good landlords (who take the responsibility of having a tenant seriously) aren't scammed out by bad renters, but, it seems like most landlords aren't that way, instead utilizing every tool available to maximize their property value and minimize the ability for renters to own their own properties, regardless of the social harm they cause.
I think late fees are fine, but shouldn't be enforceable in the event the lease is cancelled by either party (ie eviction or early termination). Tenants would still owe back rent, but not punitive fines for being unable to pay.
I'd also say there should be some method to punish landlords for illegal terms in leases, like late fees in excess of what the law allows. I watch court streams sometimes and the percentage of landlords who have illegally high late fees is shocking and I've never seen a punishment beyond "you can only tack on late fees of $X by law".