A business that leases real estate and improvements (buildings, etc.) in the form of space for offices, a warehouse, a restaurant, a nail or hair salon, a clothing store, a coffee shop, or other commercial (nonresidential) space will usually be required to sign a written contract known as a commercial lease agreement.

If the tenant (the business occupying the space) who signs a commercial lease agreement fails to pay the rent on time, the landlord may have the right to charge late fees, terminate the lease, and lock the commercial tenant out of the space by changing the locks.

A commercial landlord’s ability to charge late fees generally depends on the specific language in the written lease agreement and the state's contract law.

Contract law in most states recognizes an implied duty of good faith and fair dealing between parties to a contract, and a commercial landlord who charges late fees because the tenant is an hour late paying the rent may be in breach of the landlord’s implied duty of good faith and fair dealing—unless, for example, the lease agreement specifies an hour (12:00 p.m.) of the day by which rent is due and states that time is of the essence.

In Oklahoma, a commercial lease agreement is a binding contract between a landlord and a tenant for the rental of nonresidential property, such as office spaces, warehouses, or retail locations. The terms of the lease, including the payment of rent and the consequences of late payments, are governed by the specific language of the lease agreement itself. If a tenant fails to pay rent on time, the landlord may impose late fees, terminate the lease, or lock out the tenant, provided these remedies are outlined in the lease agreement. Oklahoma contract law also includes an implied duty of good faith and fair dealing, which requires both parties to act honestly and fairly in the performance and enforcement of the contract. A landlord's right to charge late fees or take other punitive actions must be reasonable and not violate this implied duty. For instance, charging late fees for rent that is only an hour late may be seen as a breach of good faith unless the lease explicitly states that rent is due by a specific time and emphasizes that timing is critical. It is advisable for both landlords and tenants to carefully review and understand the terms of a commercial lease agreement before signing, and to consult with an attorney for any clarifications or legal advice.