Sample Letter 4- Disputing a Late Fee

(DATE)

Dear (Landlord's Name),

I am writing this letter concerning the late fee of $XXX that I was charged last month.  This fee is too high.  For a late fee to be legal under Michigan law, it is supposed to compensate for the actual damages suffered by the landlord because the rent is late.

A late fee of $XXX is unacceptable because it is far beyond any loss that you may have suffered.  That amount is more like a penalty to me (us). Penalties are illegal in all contracts in the State of Michigan and will not stand up in a court of law.  A lesser amount may be acceptable, but this is not.

Please contact me if you would like to discuss this matter further.

Sincerely,

(Name of Tenant)

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