How do you calculate prorated rent?

To calculate prorated rent, divide the monthly rent by the number of days in the month to get the daily rate, then multiply by the number of days the tenant occupies the property. Formula: (Monthly Rent ÷ Days in Month) × Days Occupied = Prorated Rent Example: $2,000 ÷ 30 days = $66.67/day $66.67 × 15 days = $1,000 prorated rent

When should landlords prorate rent?

Landlords prorate rent whenever a tenant occupies the property for only part of a month. Common situations include: • Mid-month move-ins • Early move-outs • Lease start dates that don't fall on the 1st • Lease end dates that don't fall on the last day of the month Prorating ensures tenants are billed only for the days they have possession of the property.

Is prorated rent based on 30 or 31 days?

Prorated rent is usually calculated using the actual number of days in the specific month (28-31 days). However, some property managers use a standard 30-day proration method for simplicity. Unless your lease specifies otherwise, using actual days in the month is the most accurate and transparent method.

Are landlords required to prorate rent by law?

There is no federal law requiring landlords to prorate rent, and many states do not explicitly mandate it. However: • Rent generally cannot be charged before a tenant takes possession • Many leases include prorated-rent clauses • Prorating is considered best practice and reduces tenant disputes Always follow your lease terms and local landlord-tenant regulations.

How do landlords prorate the first month's rent?

If a tenant moves in after the first day of the month, prorate the rent from the move-in date through the end of that month. Example: Tenant moves in on the 10th of a 31-day month → Charge rent for 22 days (10th-31st)

How do I prorate rent for a 30-day vs. 31-day month?

Use the actual number of days in that month unless your lease says otherwise. • 30-day month: Rent ÷ 30 × days occupied • 31-day month: Rent ÷ 31 × days occupied • February: Rent ÷ 28 or 29 × days occupied This method ensures accurate, fair billing.

What is the correct formula for prorated rent?

The most widely accepted formula is: (Monthly Rent ÷ Days in the Month) × Days Occupied This ensures proportional billing and is easy to verify with tenants.

Should landlords round prorated rent up or down?

Most landlords round to the nearest cent using standard rounding rules. Property management software typically does the same. Some states or management companies may specify rounding rules, so consistency is key.

How do landlords prorate rent for move-outs?

For mid-month move-outs, prorate rent from the first of the month through the tenant's final day of occupancy unless your lease states otherwise. Example: Tenant moves out on the 18th → Charge rent for 18 days.

What if a tenant moves in on the last day of the month?

Charge rent for one day, calculated by dividing the monthly rent by the number of days in that month. This amount is often added to the first full month's rent.

Free Prorated Rent Calculator

Prorated rent calculator

Calculate prorated rent for tenant move-ins or move-outs. All fields are required.

What is the monthly rent?

When is the tenant moving in?

Save my prorated rent→

Prorated rent amount

Nov 15 - Nov 30, 2025

$1,066.67

Daily Rate$66.67

Days Occupied16 days

Full Monthly Rent$2,000.00

How It's Calculated

Step 1: Calculate daily rate

$2,000.00 ÷ 30 days = $66.67/day

Step 2: Multiply by days occupied(Nov 15 - Nov 30)

$66.67/day × 16 days = $1,066.67

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about using this calculator

Understanding Prorated Rent

Prorated rent ensures fair payment for partial months. Learn when to use it and how it benefits both landlords and tenants.

When to Prorate Rent

Prorate rent when a tenant moves in or out mid-month, ensuring they only pay for days occupied. Common scenarios include mid-month lease starts, early move-outs, or lease modifications.

Most states require prorated rent for partial months as a fair housing practice. This protects tenants from overpaying and helps landlords maintain accurate financial records. Automate your rent tracking with Rentlab.

How Proration Works

The calculation divides monthly rent by the actual days in that month to find the daily rate. This daily rate is then multiplied by the number of days the tenant will occupy the property.

Using actual days (28-31) instead of a fixed 30 days ensures accuracy across all months. This method is widely accepted and considered the fairest approach for both parties.

Benefits for Landlords

Prorating rent demonstrates professionalism and fair business practices. It helps attract quality tenants who appreciate transparency and builds trust from the start of the lease.

Accurate proration also simplifies accounting, ensures compliance with local regulations, and reduces disputes about payment amounts during move-in or move-out periods. Explore more rental property calculators to streamline your property management.

Benefits for Tenants

Tenants avoid overpaying for days they don't occupy the property. This is especially important for those with tight moving budgets or overlapping lease periods.

Understanding prorated rent empowers tenants to verify correct charges and ensures fair treatment. It also provides clarity on what to expect when signing or ending a lease mid-month. Use our rental property ROI calculator to evaluate investment opportunities.

Other calculators for you

More free tools to help you manage your rental property

Simple Rental ROI Calculator

Quick 10-second gut check for rental property investments. Calculate ROI with 4 simple inputs.

Rental Property ROI Calculator (Advanced)

Comprehensive analysis with cash flow, cap rate, appreciation, and detailed expense breakdown.

Track rent payments automatically with Rentlab

Stop calculating manually. Rentlab automates rent tracking, expense management, and tax reports for landlords.

Start free trial Learn more about Rentlab

No credit card required · 30-day free trial