1. What is Prorated Rent?

Prorated rent is a calculated amount that tenants pay when they move in or out of a rental property partway through a month. It ensures tenants only pay for the days they actually occupy the unit.

2. How Prorated Rent is Calculated

The standard formula for prorated rent is:

Where:

• Monthly Rent — The full monthly rental amount
• Days in Month — Total days in the month (typically 28-31)
• Days Occupied — Number of days the tenant will occupy the unit that month

Example: If rent is $1200/month, moving in on the 15th of a 30-day month, the prorated rent would be ($1200/30) × 16 = $640 (including the 15th as a full day).

3. When is Prorated Rent Used?

Common scenarios:

• Moving in mid-month
• Moving out before the end of the month
• Lease start/end dates that don't align with the first/last day of the month
• Month-to-month rental agreements

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Enter the full monthly rent amount
• Specify the exact number of days in the month (28, 29, 30, or 31)
• Count all days of occupancy (including move-in/move-out day)
• Check your lease agreement for any special prorating terms

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is prorated rent required by law?
A: Laws vary by location, but most jurisdictions require landlords to charge only for occupied days.

Q2: How are partial days counted?
A: Typically, move-in day counts as a full day regardless of move-in time.

Q3: What if my lease specifies a different calculation method?
A: Lease terms generally override standard practices if properly disclosed.

Q4: Does this work for security deposits too?
A: No, security deposits are typically fixed amounts regardless of move-in date.

Q5: How is February handled in non-leap years?
A: Use 28 days for February unless it's a leap year (29 days).