What to do if…
a landlord or contractor demands immediate payment for late fees you cannot verify

What to do now

1. Create a pause.
   Say: “I cannot approve any extra charge without written details. Please send the amount, the calculation, and the contract term you rely on.” Then stop negotiating live.

2. Move the demand into writing.
   Ask for:

   • the amount claimed
   • the dates it covers
   • how it was calculated
   • the exact tenancy, letting, or contractor clause relied on
   • a rent statement, account ledger, or itemised invoice

3. Check that the payment request is genuine.
   Use a contact method you already trust, such as the number or email on your signed tenancy agreement, previous rent statements, original contractor paperwork, or the website you used before. Do not rely only on a number, email address, or payment link in a sudden message.

4. Check what you already agreed to.
   For rent, look for a late-payment term in your tenancy or licence agreement. For contractor work, look for any term about late payment, interest, admin charges, payment dates, and written variations.

5. If this is rent in England, check the late-rent fee rule before paying the fee.
   A late-payment default fee for rent in England generally has to be written into the tenancy agreement, can only be charged once rent has been outstanding for 14 days or more, and must not be more than interest at 3% APR above the Bank of England base rate. You should not be charged by both the landlord and the agent for the same late-payment default. If you are elsewhere in the UK, or you are not sure what type of agreement you have, treat the fee as disputed and get local housing advice before paying the extra charge.

6. Pay only the undisputed amount, if anything is due.
   If you owe normal rent or an agreed invoice amount, pay that by your usual traceable method. Use a clear reference such as “April rent” or “invoice 104 labour only”. Do not label a disputed payment as “late fees”.

7. Send one clear dispute message.
   Use wording like: “I dispute the late fee because I cannot verify it. Please send the calculation, the contract clause, and the account statement or itemised invoice. I will respond in writing once I have checked it.”

8. If they escalate, respond to the process, not the pressure.
   If a landlord, letting agent, or anyone acting for them threatens eviction, lock changes, removal of belongings, or harassment, keep the messages and contact your local council’s housing or private renting team. If you are in immediate danger, call 999. If a contractor threatens debt collectors, repeat in writing that the fee is disputed and that you need evidence of the charge.

9. Save a simple evidence folder.
   Keep screenshots of messages, emails, voicemails, letters, invoices, payment requests, bank details, rent statements, and proof of any payment you do make.