Mahngebühren

Mahngebühren, also known as late fees or dunning charges, are additional amounts charged by a creditor to a debtor for failing to make a payment by the due date. These fees are intended to compensate the creditor for the administrative costs and potential loss of interest incurred due to the delayed payment. The specific amount of Mahngebühren can vary widely depending on the agreement between the parties, statutory regulations, or the creditor's general terms and conditions.

In many jurisdictions, there are legal limits on the amount that can be charged as Mahngebühren. These limits are often designed to prevent creditors from imposing excessively high fees that could be considered punitive. The debtor is typically informed of the possibility of Mahngebühren in the initial contract or terms of service. When a payment is overdue, the creditor will usually send a reminder or a dunning letter, which may include the calculation of the Mahngebühren.

It is important for debtors to be aware of their payment due dates and to make payments on time to avoid incurring Mahngebühren. If a debtor believes that Mahngebühren have been charged unfairly or incorrectly, they have the right to dispute the charges with the creditor. In cases where a resolution cannot be reached, further steps such as consumer protection agencies or legal advice may be sought.