How to Calculate Prorated Rent for Move-In: Free Calculator & Step-by-Step Guide 2025
What is Prorated Rent for Move-In?
When you move into a new apartment or rental home mid-month, you don't pay the full month's rent. Instead, you pay prorated rent—a proportional amount based on the actual days you'll occupy the unit during that first partial month.
How much will my prorated rent be? That depends on three factors:
- Your monthly rent amount
- Your move-in date
- The number of days in that month
For example, if you're moving in on January 15th with $1,500 monthly rent, your prorated amount would be approximately $822.58 (17 days at $48.39/day).
How to Calculate Prorated Rent: The Simple Formula
Here's the formula landlords and property managers use to determine prorated rent:
Prorated Rent Formula:
(Monthly Rent ÷ Days in Month) × Days You'll Occupy = Prorated Rent Amount
Step-by-Step Example: Prorated Calculator for Move-In
Let's walk through exactly how to calculate prorated rent for a move-in date:
Scenario: You're moving in on March 10th, and your monthly rent is $1,800.
- Find the daily rate: $1,800 ÷ 31 days (March) = $58.06/day
- Count days occupied: March 10-31 = 22 days
- Calculate prorated rent: $58.06 × 22 = $1,277.42
This is your first month prorated rent—the amount you'll pay at move-in to cover your partial first month.
Quick Reference: First Month Prorated Rent Examples
Use this table to quickly estimate your prorated rent amount based on common move-in dates:
| Move-In Date | Days Remaining (31-day month) | % of Full Rent | Prorated Amount ($1,500 rent) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 31 days | 100% | $1,500.00 |
| 5th | 27 days | 87% | $1,306.45 |
| 10th | 22 days | 71% | $1,064.52 |
| 15th (Mid-month) | 17 days | 55% | $822.58 |
| 20th | 12 days | 39% | $580.65 |
| 25th | 7 days | 23% | $338.71 |
Note: These calculations use the daily rate method (actual days in month). Your landlord may use slightly different methods. Use our free prorated rent calculator for exact amounts.
How to Prorate Rent for the Month: 3 Common Methods
Landlords and property managers use different methods to prorate rent for partial month occupancy. Understanding these methods helps you verify your landlord's calculation.
Method 1: Daily Rate Method (Recommended)
This is the most accurate and legally preferred method in most states:
- Formula: (Monthly Rent ÷ Actual Days in Month) × Days Occupied
- Why it's best: Accounts for varying month lengths (28-31 days)
- Required in: California, New York, and other tenant-protection states
Method 2: 30-Day Month Method (Less Accurate)
Some landlords use a simplified method assuming every month has 30 days:
- Formula: (Monthly Rent ÷ 30) × Days Occupied
- Problem: Overcharges in February, undercharges in 31-day months
- Caution: May not be legally compliant in all states
Method 3: Annual Rate Method (Commercial Leases)
Primarily used for commercial properties:
- Formula: ((Monthly Rent × 12) ÷ 365) × Days Occupied
- Use case: Commercial leases and corporate housing
Tip: Verify Your Calculation
Always check which method your landlord uses by reading your lease agreement. If the prorated amount seems higher than expected, use our rent proration tool to verify the calculation.
What is My Prorated Rent? Real-World Examples
Let's look at common prorated rent amount scenarios to help you understand what to expect:
Example 1: Apartment Move-In on the 15th
- Monthly rent: $1,200
- Move-in date: January 15
- Days in January: 31
- Days occupied: 17 (Jan 15-31)
- Daily rate: $1,200 ÷ 31 = $38.71
- Prorated rent: $38.71 × 17 = $658.07
Example 2: February Move-In (Shortest Month)
- Monthly rent: $1,800
- Move-in date: February 10 (non-leap year)
- Days in February: 28
- Days occupied: 19 (Feb 10-28)
- Daily rate: $1,800 ÷ 28 = $64.29
- Prorated rent: $64.29 × 19 = $1,221.51
Notice how February's daily rate is higher because there are fewer days in the month!
Example 3: Late-Month Move-In on the 25th
- Monthly rent: $2,000
- Move-in date: March 25
- Days in March: 31
- Days occupied: 7 (Mar 25-31)
- Daily rate: $2,000 ÷ 31 = $64.52
- Prorated rent: $64.52 × 7 = $451.64
Total Move-In Costs: Beyond Prorated Rent
When calculating your first month prorated rent, remember that your total move-in costs typically include:
| Cost Item | Typical Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Prorated First Month | Varies by move-in date | Use our calculator for exact amount |
| Security Deposit | 1-2 months rent | State laws limit maximum amounts |
| Last Month's Rent | 1 month (sometimes) | Not required in all states |
| Application Fee | $25-$75 | Varies by property |
| Pet Deposit | $200-$500 | If applicable |
Example total move-in cost for a $1,500/month apartment moving in on the 15th:
- Prorated first month: $822.58
- Security deposit: $1,500.00
- Last month's rent: $1,500.00
- Application fee: $50.00
- Total due at signing: $3,872.58
FAQs: Prorated Rent for Move-In
How much will my prorated rent be if I move in mid-month?
If you move in exactly mid-month (the 15th or 16th), you'll typically pay about 50-55% of your full monthly rent. Use our free prorated rent calculator for your exact amount based on your specific move-in date and rent.
Do I also pay full rent for the second month?
Yes. Your first month is prorated, then starting the 1st of the following month, you pay the full monthly rent. For example, if you move in January 15th, you pay prorated rent for January 15-31, then full rent starting February 1st.
Can I negotiate my prorated rent amount?
While the calculation is typically straightforward, you may be able to negotiate your move-in date to minimize upfront costs. Moving in later in the month means lower prorated rent but a shorter period before full rent kicks in.
What if my landlord uses a different calculation method?
Check your lease agreement for the specified proration method. If your landlord uses the 30-day method instead of actual days, you may be overcharged in February or undercharged in months with 31 days. Most tenant-friendly states require the daily rate (actual days) method.
Is prorated rent due at move-in or later?
Prorated first month rent is typically due at move-in along with your security deposit and any other fees. Some landlords may allow the prorated amount to be included with your first full rent payment.
State Laws on Prorated Rent Calculations
While most states allow landlords flexibility in choosing calculation methods, several require specific approaches:
- California: Courts favor the daily rate method as most reasonable
- New York: Actual-day calculations required for rent-stabilized units
- Texas: No statutory requirement; lease agreement governs
- Florida: Must be "reasonable" — daily rate method recommended
See our complete state-by-state prorated rent guide for detailed information about your state's requirements.
Related Rental Calculators
Planning your move? These tools can help you understand all your rental costs:
- Security Deposit Calculator — Know your state's limits
- Late Fee Calculator — Understand late payment penalties
- Lease Analyzer — Review your lease terms