Late Payment Fees in Costa Rica

Disclaimer: This guide provides general legal information for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Landlord-tenant laws change frequently. Always consult with a qualified attorney in Costa Rica for advice specific to your situation. Last verified: March 2026.

Grace Period

Under Law No. 7527, Costa Rican tenants enjoy a legal "grace period" of seven (7) calendar days, counted from the exact date the rent payment is due. During this period, the landlord must accept the rent in full and is not generally empowered to begin eviction processes for default or to establish "penalty charges."

If the agreed payment day is the first (1st) of the month, the tenant will only be in formal default starting at the end of the eighth (8th) day.

Structuring Late Fees or Penalties

In Costa Rica, a charge commonly worded as default interest (interés moratorio) can be applied to the rent not received during the days of delay exceeding the grace period. However, these conventional interest penalties are limited by the general rules that regulate the maximum level of usury set by the Central Bank of Costa Rica. Any interest rate legally classified as disproportionate is prohibited.