Spanish Phrase
Pueden aplicarse cargos por pago atrasado según el contrato de alquiler.
Meaning
This phrase explains that financial penalties can be incurred if a payment is made after the specified deadline. It emphasizes that these consequences are dictated by the terms of a signed lease or contract. It is a formal way to state legal or financial consequences regarding housing or services.
When to use
Use this phrase in formal or legal settings, specifically when discussing lease agreements or rental terms. It is common in written notices or verbal warnings from landlords or property managers.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Puedenaplicarsecargospor pago atrasadosegúnel contrato de alquiler
Pueden aplicarse
This uses the passive 'se' construction with the modal verb 'poder' to indicate that charges are the recipient of the action.
Según
This preposition means 'according to' and is used to cite an authority, a document, or someone's opinion.
🗨In Conversation
¿Qué sucede si me olvido de pagar la renta un día?
What happens if I forget to pay the rent for one day?
Pueden aplicarse cargos por pago atrasado según el contrato de alquiler.
Late payment charges may apply according to the rental agreement.
✕Common Mistakes
Pueden aplicar cargos por pago atrasado.
The reflexive 'se' is needed (aplicarse) to form the passive voice, meaning 'charges may be applied'.
Pueden aplicarse cargos por pago tarde.
While 'tarde' means late, 'atrasado' is the correct adjective to describe a payment that is overdue.
↔Alternatives
Hay multas por pagar fuera de plazo.
There are fines for paying outside the deadline.
Se cobrarán recargos si el pago se demora.
Surcharges will be collected if the payment is delayed.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish-speaking countries, rental laws vary significantly. While the contract (contrato) is the primary legal document, some regions have mandatory grace periods (periodos de gracia) before a 'cargo' can be legally enforced. Always check local housing laws in addition to the contract.