Frequently Asked Questions

Help & Support – FAQs

• Why do property managers keep late fees?

  Great question—and one that often surprises new clients. At Navigate, we keep late fees for a few key reasons:

  • They cover the extra administrative work required when tenants pay late—think follow-ups, documentation, and account updates.
  • They act as a built-in incentive for us to enforce rent collection quickly and consistently.
  • It’s also an industry standard, used to offset the risk and effort involved in managing delinquent payments.

  Ultimately, it helps us keep operations running smoothly while encouraging residents to pay on time.

• Can late fees be split or structured differently?

  Absolutely. While our standard agreement allows Navigate to retain late fees, we’re open to discussing terms that work for you. If you have a different compensation preference, we can explore options that align with your goals—just bring it up when we review your agreement.

• Are late fees even necessary?

  They are—but only when they're used responsibly. Late fees discourage chronic delays and help cover the added workload late payments create. Think of them as a tool to protect your cash flow, not a profit grab.

• Is this written into my agreement?

  Yes. Everything about how fees are handled is clearly outlined in your Property Management Agreement. We make sure there are no surprises. If you ever want to revisit the terms, we’re happy to walk through them with you.

• What if I don’t want any late fees charged to my tenants?

  That’s your call. If you prefer a softer approach or want to waive late fees entirely, we can accommodate that—though we’ll also share the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision.