Today, I received an email from my landlord. If I don't come up with over a thousand dollars in seven days, my family and I could face eviction. This terrifying situation isn't because I’m behind on rent. It's the excessive late fees that have ballooned the amount due. It's just me supporting my disabled wife, and without her receiving disability, it's incredibly tough. I work hard, putting in over 60 hours a week at minimum wage, yet the timing of my paychecks doesn't align with rent due dates, and these fees are making it impossible to stay afloat.

This isn’t just my story. Across the nation, families are facing the same unjust pressure. A quick hiccup in life, like my recent back injury, can create a financial calamity. Late fees should not be a catalyst for homelessness. They're disproportionately high and place significant weight on people who are just trying to get by.

I believe we need to stand together and advocate for the removal of late fees from rent... By doing so, we can protect countless families from the brink of eviction, preserving their dignity and homes. Late fees should serve as a mild deterrent—not an insurmountable barrier.

Rental late fees serve as a barrier for the low income or anyone whose been injured and had to miss a few days. In my case I don't make enough on the first so I try splitting the payment into two parts but being charged late fees for almost a whole month of rent is predatory and inane. Living check to check in this economy is almost impossible. What do the late fees even cover other than insurmountable greed? 

Join me in calling for legislative action to cap these punitive fees. By signing this petition, we can push for change that ensures fairer housing practices and helps keep families in their homes. Let's make sure that working hard means having a place to call home, even during hard times. Please sign and share this petition to demand action now.