---
title: "How to Add a Returned Payment Fee"
description: "Automatically charge a renter when a bank payment (ACH) is returned."
url: https://support.payrent.com/en/articles/11132588-how-to-add-a-returned-payment-fee
collection: "Landlord Help"
updated: 2026-10-05
language: en
---

# How to Add a Returned Payment Fee

Automatically charge a renter when a bank payment (ACH) is returned.

A returned payment fee is an amount you charge a renter when a bank payment (ACH) is returned. You set the amount on the unit. PayRent posts that fee to the renter’s balance automatically when the return happens.

## Before you start

-   Your service plan must include **additional assessments** (auto-bill additional charges and credits).
    
-   If that feature is not on your plan, the returned payment fee switch is locked. A prompt offers **Auto-bill additional charges and credits**. Upgrade the plan, or contact PayRent support, to turn it on.
    
-   The fee applies to **ACH returns only**. A card dispute does not add this fee.
    

## Where to set it

Set it on the unit that should charge the fee. Portfolio defaults apply when you add a new unit. An existing unit keeps its own amount until you edit that unit.

### One unit

1.  Sign in to PayRent as a landlord.
    
2.  Go to **Properties**.
    
3.  Open the unit’s menu and select **Edit Unit**.
    
4.  Under **Additional Assessments**, find **returned payment fee**.
    
5.  Enter the dollar amount.
    
6.  Turn the switch on.
    
7.  Select **SAVE**.
    

The amount is required while the switch is on, and it must be greater than zero.

### Portfolio default for new units

1.  Go to **Properties**.
    
2.  Open **Property Group Settings** (gear icon) for the portfolio.
    
3.  Under **Additional Assessments**, enter the **returned payment fee** amount and turn the switch on.
    
4.  Save.
    

New units can start from this default. Change an existing unit from **Edit Unit** if that unit should use a different amount, or no fee.

## What happens when a payment is returned

When an ACH payment on that unit is returned:

-   PayRent adds the fee you set to the renter’s balance.
    
-   The charge appears on your transactions and on the renter’s transactions as **Returned payment fee**.
    
-   The memo names the returned payment.
    
-   The fee is posted once for that payment. A second notice for the same return does not add the fee again.
    

The fee is not posted when any of these are true:

-   The switch is off, or the amount is not greater than zero.
    
-   Your plan does not include additional assessments.
    
-   The return is a card dispute, not an ACH return.
    

Turn it off

1.  Open **Edit Unit** for that unit.
    
2.  Turn the **returned payment fee** switch off.
    
3.  Select **SAVE**.
    

Returns that happen after you save do not add the fee. A fee already posted stays on the renter’s balance.