Prorated Rent Calculator
Enter your monthly rent, move-in day, and the number of days in the month to calculate your prorated rent. This tells you exactly how much you owe for a partial month when moving in mid-month.
Results are estimates for informational purposes only. Not financial advice. Full disclaimer.
What is Prorated Rent?
Prorated rent is the amount a tenant owes for occupying a rental unit for only part of a month. When you move into an apartment on any day other than the first of the month, your landlord should charge you only for the days you actually occupy the unit — not the full month's rent. The most common method for calculating prorated rent is the daily rate method: divide the monthly rent by the number of days in the month to get a daily rate, then multiply by the number of days you will occupy the unit. This is the method used by most landlords and property management companies because it accounts for the varying number of days in different months. Some landlords use a 30-day month regardless of the actual month length (the "banker's month" method). This simplifies calculations but can slightly overcharge or undercharge tenants depending on the month. For transparency and fairness, the actual-days method (used by this calculator) is generally preferred and may be required in some jurisdictions. Prorated rent typically applies at move-in and sometimes at move-out. If you give proper notice and move out mid-month, you may receive a prorated refund of the final month's rent — though this depends entirely on your lease terms and local rules. Some leases require rent through the end of the notice period regardless of when you vacate. Check your lease for the specific terms. The daily rate can seem surprisingly low compared to monthly rent. A $1,500/month apartment has a daily rate of about $50 in a 30-day month. This daily rate is useful beyond proration — it helps you understand the true cost per day and can inform decisions about lease start dates, early termination costs, and temporary housing alternatives.
How to Calculate
- Enter your full monthly rent amount
- Enter the day of the month you move in (e.g., 15 for the 15th)
- Enter the number of days in the move-in month (28, 29, 30, or 31)
- Review your prorated rent, daily rate, and number of days charged
- Your first full monthly rent payment typically begins the following month
Formula
Daily Rate = Monthly Rent ÷ Days in Month Days Charged = Days in Month − Move-In Day + 1 Prorated Rent = Daily Rate × Days Charged The "+ 1" in the days charged formula is because you are charged for the move-in day itself. If you move in on the 15th of a 30-day month, you occupy the unit for days 15 through 30, which is 16 days (30 − 15 + 1 = 16).
Example Calculation
For a monthly rent of $1,500, moving in on the 15th of a 30-day month: Daily Rate = $1,500 ÷ 30 = $50.00 Days Charged = 30 − 15 + 1 = 16 days Prorated Rent = $50.00 × 16 = $800.00 You would owe $800.00 for the partial month. Your first full payment of $1,500 would be due on the 1st of the following month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is prorated rent legally required?
In most states, there is no law that specifically requires proration — it depends on your lease agreement. However, charging full rent for a partial month when the lease starts mid-month could be challenged as unfair. Most standard lease agreements include proration language. Always check your lease and ask your landlord to confirm the prorated amount in writing before you pay.
Does prorated rent include the move-in day?
Yes. Standard practice is to charge for the move-in day itself. If you move in on the 15th, you are charged for the 15th through the last day of the month. This calculator includes the move-in day in the count. If your landlord does not charge for the move-in day, subtract one from the days charged.
How is prorated rent different from a security deposit?
Prorated rent is payment for the days you occupy the unit in a partial month — it is applied to your rent obligation. A security deposit is a separate refundable payment held by the landlord to cover potential damages or unpaid rent. At move-in, you typically pay both: prorated rent for the partial first month, plus a security deposit (usually one month's rent, though limits vary by state).
Should I use 30 days or the actual days in the month?
Use the actual number of days in the move-in month for the most accurate calculation. February has 28 or 29 days, April/June/September/November have 30, and the remaining months have 31. Using 30 days for all months (the banker's method) is a common simplification but can result in slight overpayment or underpayment.
Can I be charged prorated rent at move-out?
It depends on your lease terms. If you give proper notice and your lease allows mid-month move-out, you should only be charged for the days you occupy the unit. However, some leases require rent through the end of the calendar month or the end of the notice period, regardless of when you actually vacate. Read your lease carefully.
When is prorated rent due?
Prorated rent for your first partial month is typically due at move-in, along with the security deposit and sometimes the first full month's rent. Confirm with your landlord — some require only the prorated amount at move-in, while others require both the prorated amount and the next full month's rent upfront.