Prorated Rent Calculator: How to Calculate Mid-Month Move-In/Move-Out Rent

By Jessica Taylor, Real Estate Consultant • November 7, 2025 • 14 min read
prorated rentrent calculatormove-inmove-outrental math

Prorated Rent Calculator: How to Calculate Mid-Month Move-In/Move-Out Rent

Moving in or out mid-month? Understanding how to calculate prorated rent ensures fair payment for both landlords and tenants. This comprehensive guide covers prorated rent calculations, state-specific rules, and free calculators for all 51 states.

What is Prorated Rent?

Prorated rent is a partial month's rent calculated proportionally for the exact number of days a tenant occupies the property. Instead of paying full monthly rent when moving in on the 15th, you pay only for the days from the 15th through month-end.

When is Rent Prorated?

  1. Mid-month move-in: Tenant starts lease before the 1st
  2. Mid-month move-out: Tenant ends lease before month-end
  3. Lease start date changes: Agreed move-in date shifts
  4. Broken lease early termination: Exit before lease expiration

How to Calculate Prorated Rent: 3 Methods

Method 1: Days in Month Method (Most Common)

Formula:

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

Example - Move in October 15th:

Monthly Rent: $1,500
Days in October: 31
Days Occupied: 17 (Oct 15-31)
Prorated Rent = ($1,500 ÷ 31) × 17 = $822.58

Pros: Simple, fair, adjusts for month length
Cons: Different calculation each month (28-31 days)

Method 2: 30-Day Month Method

Formula:

Prorated Rent = (Monthly Rent ÷ 30) × Days Occupied

Example - Move in October 15th:

Monthly Rent: $1,500
Assumed Days: 30
Days Occupied: 17
Prorated Rent = ($1,500 ÷ 30) × 17 = $850.00

Pros: Consistent calculation year-round
Cons: Slightly overpays in short months, underpays in long months

Method 3: Annual Method (365 Days)

Formula:

Daily Rate = (Monthly Rent × 12) ÷ 365
Prorated Rent = Daily Rate × Days Occupied

Example - Move in October 15th:

Monthly Rent: $1,500
Annual Rent: $1,500 × 12 = $18,000
Daily Rate: $18,000 ÷ 365 = $49.32
Days Occupied: 17
Prorated Rent = $49.32 × 17 = $838.44

Pros: Most accurate over full year
Cons: More complex calculation

State-by-State Prorated Rent Rules

States Requiring Specific Methods

California:

Calculate California prorated rent

New York:

Calculate New York prorated rent

Florida:

Calculate Florida prorated rent

Texas:

Calculate Texas prorated rent

Prorated Rent Examples by Scenario

Scenario 1: Mid-Month Move-In (15th of Month)

Details:

Calculation:

Daily Rate: $2,000 ÷ 30 = $66.67
Prorated Rent: $66.67 × 16 = $1,066.72

What Tenant Pays:

Scenario 2: Mid-Month Move-Out (20th of Month)

Details:

Calculation:

Daily Rate: $1,800 ÷ 30 = $60.00
Prorated Rent: $60 × 20 = $1,200.00

What Tenant Owes:

Scenario 3: Lease Break Early Termination

Details:

Calculation:

Daily Rate: $2,500 ÷ 31 = $80.65
Prorated Rent: $80.65 × 10 = $806.50

What Tenant Owes:

Scenario 4: February Move-In (Leap Year vs Regular Year)

Regular Year (28 days):

Monthly Rent: $1,200
Move-in: Feb 15
Days occupied: 14
Prorated Rent: ($1,200 ÷ 28) × 14 = $600.00

Leap Year (29 days):

Monthly Rent: $1,200
Move-in: Feb 15
Days occupied: 15
Prorated Rent: ($1,200 ÷ 29) × 15 = $620.69

This $20.69 difference shows why the method matters!

Common Prorated Rent Mistakes

Mistake 1: Not Specifying Method in Lease

Problem: Lease says "prorated rent due at move-in" but doesn't specify calculation
Result: Landlord uses 30-day method ($850), tenant expects days-in-month ($822)
Solution: Always specify method in lease: "Prorated rent calculated using actual days in month"

Mistake 2: Forgetting to Adjust for Utilities

Problem: Prorating rent but charging full month of utilities
Solution: Prorate utilities proportionally:

Electric Bill: $120/month
Days occupied: 15 out of 30
Prorated Electric: ($120 ÷ 30) × 15 = $60

Mistake 3: Not Accounting for Lease Start Time

Problem: Lease says "begins June 15" but doesn't specify time
Question: Does tenant owe rent for full June 15th or from 12:01 AM?
Solution: Specify "Lease begins June 15 at 12:00 PM (noon)" in agreement

Mistake 4: Charging Full Rent for Partial Month

Problem: Tenant moves in Sept 28, landlord charges $2,000 (full month)
Actual Owed:

Days in Sept: 30
Days occupied: 3 (Sept 28-30)
Prorated Rent: ($2,000 ÷ 30) × 3 = $200

Overcharge: $1,800 (illegal in most states)

Free Prorated Rent Calculator

Use our free calculator for instant, accurate prorated rent calculations:

Calculate Prorated Rent Now

Features:

Prorated Rent + Late Fees

What happens if prorated rent is paid late?

Scenario: Late Prorated Rent Payment

Details:

Late Fee Calculation:
Late fees apply to the prorated amount, not full monthly rent.

California Example (5% cap):

Late Fee = $750 × 5% = $37.50 (not $75)

Texas Example (10% cap):

Late Fee = Lesser of ($750 × 10% = $75) OR $100 = $75

Calculate late fees on prorated rent

Best Practices for Landlords

1. Specify Calculation Method in Lease

"Prorated rent shall be calculated using the actual number of days 
in the month of occupancy. Daily rent rate = monthly rent ÷ days in month."

2. Provide Prorated Rent Breakdown

Send tenants a clear calculation:

Monthly Rent: $1,800
Move-in Date: March 10
Days in March: 31
Days Occupied: 22 (March 10-31)
Daily Rate: $1,800 ÷ 31 = $58.06
Prorated Rent: $58.06 × 22 = $1,277.42

3. Use Professional Tools

Automate proration calculations with property management software. Our Premium Plan ($9/month) includes:

4. Be Consistent

Use the same calculation method for all tenants. Inconsistent application can be considered discrimination.

Best Practices for Tenants

1. Verify the Calculation

Always double-check landlord's prorated rent calculation:

Landlord's Calculation: $900
Your Calculation: ($1,500 ÷ 30) × 18 = $900 ✓

2. Get It in Writing

Request a written breakdown before paying:

3. Keep Records

Save all prorated rent calculations and payments:

4. Ask About Utilities

Confirm whether utilities are prorated:

Prorated Rent vs Security Deposit

Common Question: Is prorated rent part of the security deposit?

Answer: No. Prorated rent and security deposits are separate:

Typical Move-In Costs:

Prorated Rent (June 15-30): $800
Security Deposit: $1,600 (1 month)
First Full Month (July 1-31): $1,600
Total Due: $4,000

Security deposits are held for damages/unpaid rent and returned after move-out (minus deductions).

State-Specific Prorated Rent Calculators

Calculate prorated rent for your state:

Frequently Asked Questions

Is prorated rent required by law?
Most states don't require proration, but it's standard practice. If the lease specifies proration, it's legally binding.

Can I charge full month's rent for a mid-month move-in?
Generally no, unless explicitly agreed in writing. Courts favor proportional payment for partial occupancy.

What if my lease doesn't mention proration?
State law or local custom applies. Most courts default to days-in-month method.

How do I prorate rent for a 31-day month?
Use actual days: ($1,500 ÷ 31) × days occupied

Do I prorate the last month of a lease?
Yes, unless tenant pays through month-end. If moving out on the 20th, tenant pays for 20 days only.

Can late fees apply to prorated rent?
Yes. Late fees are calculated based on the prorated amount due.

Conclusion

Prorated rent ensures fair payment for partial month occupancy. Key takeaways:

  1. ✅ Use days-in-month method for most accurate calculation
  2. ✅ Specify calculation method in lease agreement
  3. ✅ Prorate utilities proportionally when applicable
  4. ✅ Verify calculations before paying or charging
  5. ✅ Use our free calculator for instant results

Calculate Your Prorated Rent - Free for all 51 states.

Last Updated: November 2024 | Reviewed by Real Estate Professionals