How to Calculate Prorated Rent When Moving Out: Complete Guide 2025

By RentLateFee Team • January 28, 2025 • 14 min read
prorated rentmoving outrent calculationtenant rightslease terminationsecurity depositmove-out notice

What is Prorated Rent When Moving Out?

Prorated rent when moving out means paying only for the actual days you occupy the rental property in your final month, rather than the full monthly amount. Whether you're giving 30 days notice and moving mid-month, or your lease ends on the 15th, understanding how to calculate prorated rent ensures you pay fairly and avoid disputes with your landlord.

According to prorated rent calculations, approximately 60% of lease terminations don't fall on the first or last day of the month, making prorated rent a common concern for millions of American renters annually.

Why Prorated Rent Matters When Moving Out

When ending your tenancy mid-month, you should only pay for the days you actually lived in the property. Here's why proper calculation is critical:

Standard Move-Out Prorated Rent Formula

The most common and fair method for calculating prorated rent when moving out is the daily rate method:

Prorated Rent = (Monthly Rent ÷ Days in Month) × Days Occupied

Step-by-Step Calculation Process

  1. Determine your monthly rent: Use your base rent amount (exclude utilities unless they're included in rent)
  2. Count days in the month: The month you're moving out (28-31 days depending on the month)
  3. Calculate daily rate: Divide monthly rent by total days in that month
  4. Count occupancy days: From the 1st through your move-out date (inclusive)
  5. Multiply: Daily rate × days occupied = your prorated rent

Real-World Move-Out Examples

Example 1: Mid-Month Move-Out (Most Common)

Scenario: Moving out on March 15th with $1,500 monthly rent

Result: You save $774.15 compared to paying the full month's rent!

Example 2: End-of-Month Move-Out

Scenario: Moving out on February 28th with $2,000 monthly rent

Note: Moving out on the last day of the month means you pay the full rent amount.

Example 3: Early Month Move-Out

Scenario: Moving out on April 5th with $1,800 monthly rent

Result: You save $1,500 by prorating rather than paying the full month!

State-Specific Move-Out Proration Laws

California Move-Out Requirements

California Civil Code § 1946 requires 30 days written notice to terminate month-to-month tenancies. For move-out prorated rent:

Source: California Civil Code § 1946, § 1950.5

New York Move-Out Proration

New York's Real Property Law governs lease terminations and prorated rent:

Source: NY Real Property Law § 232-b

Texas Move-Out Guidelines

Texas Property Code § 91.001 addresses lease termination and proration:

Source: Texas Property Code § 91.001, § 92.103

Common Move-Out Proration Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not Giving Proper Notice

Problem: Moving out without the required notice period (typically 30 days)

Consequence: You may owe rent for the full notice period, even if you've already moved

Solution: Always give written notice as required by your lease or state law, dated and delivered properly

2. Confusing Move-Out Date with Lease End Date

Problem: Thinking your lease ends when you hand in keys, not on the date specified in your notice

Consequence: Owing additional days of rent you didn't anticipate

Solution: Your move-out date should match your notice termination date; return keys by that date or earlier

3. Including Utilities in Proration Incorrectly

Problem: Prorating utilities that are billed separately or metered individually

Consequence: Incorrect calculations and potential disputes

Solution: Only prorate amounts included in your monthly rent; separate utility bills are handled independently

4. Forgetting About the Lease Agreement

Problem: Assuming daily rate proration when your lease specifies a different method

Consequence: Disagreements with landlord over the correct calculation

Solution: Review your lease agreement for any specific proration clauses before calculating

5. Not Documenting the Agreement

Problem: Verbal agreement on prorated amount without written confirmation

Consequence: Disputes over what was agreed upon, potential security deposit deductions

Solution: Get prorated rent amount in writing via email or addendum to your move-out notice

Alternative Proration Methods

While daily rate is the standard, some leases may specify different methods:

Banker's Month Method (30-Day Month)

Treats every month as having 30 days regardless of actual calendar days:

Formula: (Monthly Rent ÷ 30) × Days Occupied

Example: $1,500 rent, moving out March 15th
Daily rate: $1,500 ÷ 30 = $50.00
Prorated rent: $50.00 × 15 = $750.00

Note: This method slightly favors landlords in 31-day months and tenants in February.

Calendar Month Method (Actual Days)

This is the standard daily rate method described above, using actual calendar days.

Rental Period Method

Some leases define a "rental month" as the period from rent due date to the day before the next due date:

Example: If rent is due on the 1st, the rental month is 1st-31st (or last day of month)
Moving out on the 20th means you occupied 20 days of that rental period.

How to Request Prorated Rent from Your Landlord

Step 1: Review Your Lease Agreement

Step 2: Calculate Your Prorated Amount

Step 3: Submit Written Move-Out Notice

Include the following in your notice:

Step 4: Get Written Confirmation

Request your landlord confirm in writing:

Sample Move-Out Notice Language

Dear [Landlord Name],

This letter serves as my 30-day notice to vacate the premises located at [Address]. My final day of occupancy will be [Date].

Based on my move-out date of [Date], I have calculated my prorated rent as follows:

  • Monthly rent: $[Amount]
  • Days in [Month]: [Number]
  • Daily rate: $[Amount] ÷ [Days] = $[Daily Rate]
  • Days occupied: [Number] days
  • Prorated rent: $[Daily Rate] × [Days] = $[Total]

Please confirm this calculation and provide final payment instructions. My forwarding address for security deposit return is: [Address]

Thank you,
[Your Name]
[Date]

Prorated Rent and Security Deposit

Many tenants wonder how prorated rent affects their security deposit return:

Can Landlords Deduct Final Rent from Security Deposit?

In most states, no - landlords cannot automatically deduct final month's rent from your security deposit unless:

Best Practice: Pay your prorated rent separately from security deposit expectations. This keeps accounting clear and protects your deposit from improper deductions.

State-Specific Security Deposit Rules

What If Your Landlord Won't Prorate?

If your landlord refuses to prorate rent for your partial move-out month:

Step 1: Review Your Lease

Step 2: Check State Law

Step 3: Document Everything

Step 4: Send Formal Demand

Send a certified letter requesting:

Step 5: Consider Small Claims Court

If the landlord still refuses and the amount is significant:

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I pay prorated rent if I move out early with landlord permission?

Yes, you should only pay for days occupied even if ending your lease early by mutual agreement. Get the prorated amount and move-out terms in writing as a lease amendment.

What if my move-out falls on a weekend or holiday?

The actual date still counts for proration purposes. If your lease requires key return to the office during business hours, clarify with your landlord whether the preceding business day or following business day is your official move-out date.

Can I be charged prorated rent for partial move-in AND move-out months?

Absolutely. If you move in mid-month and move out mid-month, both partial months should be prorated. This is especially common with short-term leases or when coordinating with another property's availability.

How does prorated rent work with rent-controlled apartments?

Rent control doesn't change proration requirements. You still only owe rent for days occupied. However, some rent-controlled jurisdictions have specific regulations about calculation methods - check with your local rent control board.

What if I paid first and last month's rent upfront?

If you paid "last month's rent" upfront and it covers your final full month, you may still owe prorated rent if you stay into an additional partial month. Conversely, if you leave before using the full "last month," you should receive a prorated refund.

Do utilities get prorated when moving out?

Utilities included in your rent should be prorated as part of your total rent calculation. Separately metered utilities (where you pay the utility company directly) will be billed based on actual usage through your final meter reading.

Can landlords charge a full month's rent as a "cleaning fee" when you move out?

No. Cleaning fees must be reasonable and documented as actual cleaning costs. Charging a full month's rent disguised as a cleaning fee is illegal in most states and may violate security deposit laws.

What if my lease says "no proration on move-out"?

Such clauses may be unenforceable depending on your state. Many states' tenant protection laws override lease clauses that violate basic fairness principles. Consult with a local tenant rights organization or attorney.

Best Practices for Smooth Move-Out Proration

For Tenants:

For Landlords:

Tools and Resources

Free Prorated Rent Calculator

Use our free prorated rent calculator to instantly calculate your move-out prorated rent for any month and rental amount. Features include:

State-Specific Resources

Legal Assistance

Conclusion: Know Your Rights, Calculate Accurately

Understanding how to calculate prorated rent when moving out protects your finances and ensures fair treatment. The daily rate method - dividing monthly rent by days in the month and multiplying by days occupied - is the standard, fair approach recognized across most states.

Key takeaways for tenants moving out:

Use the free prorated rent calculator to ensure accuracy, and always review your lease agreement and state laws before your move-out date. With proper planning and clear communication, prorated rent calculations can be straightforward and dispute-free.

Last updated: January 2025