Washington Prorated Rent Calculator & Laws 2025: Complete Guide

Washington Prorated Rent Overview

Washington landlords and tenants navigate one of the nation's most expensive rental markets, with strong tenant protections under the Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW 59.18). While the law does not explicitly mandate a specific proration method, industry best practices and local ordinances strongly recommend using the daily rate method to ensure fairness in Washington's competitive rental markets, where median rents range from $1,850 statewide to over $2,200 in Seattle.

With median rents in Seattle averaging $2,200, Bellevue around $2,600, and eastern Washington cities like Spokane near $1,100, accurate proration calculations can save tenants hundreds of dollars and protect landlords from legal challenges. Our free Washington prorated rent calculator provides instant, industry-standard calculations.

Washington Prorated Rent Laws

Legal Framework

Washington approaches prorated rent through comprehensive state statutes:

RCW 59.18 - Residential Landlord-Tenant Act: Governs residential landlord-tenant relationships but does not explicitly mandate proration methods. Washington follows the principle of contractual freedom, allowing landlords and tenants to agree on any reasonable proration method in their lease.

RCW 59.18.310 - Rental Agreements: Requires rental agreements to be fair and reasonable, which courts interpret to include reasonable proration for partial months.

RCW 59.18.280 - Termination Notices: Governs notice requirements for lease termination, which impacts move-out proration calculations.

Reasonableness Standard: Washington courts actively void unreasonable lease clauses, including proration methods that systematically overcharge tenants or violate principles of fairness.

Industry Standards in Washington

The Washington Multi-Family Housing Association and property management associations recommend in standard lease forms:

• Daily rate method preferred: Calculate rent using actual calendar days
• Transparency requirement: Clearly specify calculation method in lease
• Consistency mandate: Apply same method to all tenants to avoid discrimination claims
• Written disclosure: Provide move-in cost breakdown before tenant signs lease

Seattle-Specific Requirements

Seattle tenants have additional protections under local ordinances:

• Just Cause Eviction: Landlords can only terminate leases for specific reasons
• Move-in fee limits: Total move-in costs (including deposits) cannot exceed one month's rent
• Payment plan options: Tenants can request installment plans for deposits
• Relocation assistance: Required in some eviction scenarios

How to Calculate Washington Prorated Rent

The Daily Rate Method (Recommended)

Formula:

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

Example 1: Seattle Mid-Month Move-In

Scenario: Apartment in Capitol Hill, $2,400/month rent, move-in March 18

Calculation:

• Monthly rent: $2,400
• Days in March: 31
• Move-in date: March 18
• Days occupied: 14 (March 18-31)
• Daily rate: $2,400 ÷ 31 = $77.42/day
• Prorated March rent: $77.42 × 14 = $1,083.88

Total move-in costs:

• Prorated March rent: $1,083.88
• Full April rent: $2,400.00
• Security deposit: $2,400.00 (typical one month)
• Total: $5,883.88

Note: Seattle's move-in fee limits may cap total deposits differently. Consult local ordinances.

Example 2: Bellevue Tech Worker Move-In

Scenario: Luxury apartment near Microsoft, $2,800/month rent, move-in August 20

Calculation:

• Monthly rent: $2,800
• Days in August: 31
• Days occupied: 12 (Aug 20-31)
• Daily rate: $2,800 ÷ 31 = $90.32/day
• Prorated August rent: $90.32 × 12 = $1,083.84

Example 3: Spokane Move-Out

Scenario: Apartment in Kendall Yards, $1,200/month rent, 20-day notice given, move-out February 20

Calculation:

• Days in February: 28 (non-leap year)
• Days occupied in February: 20 (Feb 1-20)
• Daily rate: $1,200 ÷ 28 = $42.86/day
• Prorated February rent: $42.86 × 20 = $857.20

Washington Security Deposit Rules

Washington has specific laws governing security deposits under RCW 59.18.260-59.18.285:

• No statutory maximum: Washington law doesn't cap security deposits, though one to two months' rent is typical
• Move-in inspection: Landlords must provide written checklist of unit condition
• Return timeline: 21 days after move-out with itemized statement
• Allowable deductions: Unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear, cleaning if necessary
• Interest requirement: No interest required on deposits
• Penalties: Landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits may owe double the amount plus attorney fees

Best Practices for Washington Landlords

1. Include explicit proration language in lease agreements specifying the daily rate method
2. Provide written calculations showing how prorated rent was computed
3. Use consistent methods across all properties to avoid discrimination claims
4. Document move-in/move-out dates with tenant signatures
5. Comply with RCW 59.18 Residential Landlord-Tenant Act requirements
6. Maintain transparency in all fee calculations and disclosures
7. Check local ordinances in Seattle, Tacoma, and other cities for additional requirements

Best Practices for Washington Tenants

1. Review lease carefully for proration terms before signing
2. Request written calculations of all prorated charges
3. Complete move-in checklist thoroughly and keep a copy
4. Understand your rights under RCW 59.18
5. Document unit condition with photos and video at move-in and move-out
6. Give proper notice (typically 20 days for month-to-month, per lease for fixed-term)
7. Use our calculator to independently verify landlord's calculations

Common Washington Prorated Rent Scenarios

Scenario 1: Mid-Month Lease Start (Seattle)

You're moving into a $2,500/month apartment on April 15. April has 30 days, so you owe for 16 days:

• Daily rate: $2,500 ÷ 30 = $83.33
• Prorated rent: $83.33 × 16 = $1,332.80
• Plus full May rent: $2,500.00
• Plus security deposit: $2,500.00
• Total move-in cost: $6,332.80

Scenario 2: Early Lease Termination (Tacoma)

You're moving out on November 18 from a $1,600/month apartment. November has 30 days:

• Days occupied: 18 (Nov 1-18)
• Daily rate: $1,600 ÷ 30 = $53.33
• Final month rent: $53.33 × 18 = $959.94

Scenario 3: February Move-In (Leap Year)

Moving into a $1,900/month apartment on February 25, 2024 (leap year with 29 days):

• Days occupied: 5 (Feb 25-29)
• Daily rate: $1,900 ÷ 29 = $65.52
• Prorated February rent: $65.52 × 5 = $327.60

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is prorated rent required in Washington?

No, Washington law (RCW 59.18) does not mandate prorated rent. It's determined by your lease agreement. However, most landlords use daily proration as a fair practice and to comply with reasonableness standards.

2. Can landlords charge a full month's rent for partial occupancy?

While not explicitly prohibited, courts may void such clauses as unreasonable under RCW 59.18.310. Most landlords prorate to avoid disputes.

3. What are Seattle's move-in fee limits?

Seattle ordinances limit total move-in costs (including deposits and fees) to one month's rent. Consult Seattle's Office of Housing for current requirements.

4. Do I get prorated rent when I move out?

Only if specified in your lease or agreed upon with your landlord. Give proper notice (20 days for month-to-month, per lease for fixed-term).

5. How much notice do I need to give to move out?

Typically 20 days for month-to-month tenancies, or as specified in your lease for fixed-term leases.

6. Can landlords use a 30-day month method in Washington?

Yes, if specified in the lease. However, the daily rate method (actual days) is more accurate and widely accepted as fair.

7. What is normal wear and tear in Washington?

Deterioration from ordinary use without negligence, carelessness, or abuse. Examples: carpet wear from foot traffic, minor wall scuffs, faded paint. Does not include damage beyond reasonable use.

8. Is prorated rent taxable income for landlords?

Yes, all rental income including prorated amounts is taxable. Consult a tax professional for specific guidance.

9. What if I disagree with my landlord's calculation?

Request a written breakdown. Use our calculator to verify. If still disputed, consult Washington's Tenant Union or an attorney.

10. Do security deposits get prorated?

No, security deposits are typically a fixed amount (usually one to two months' rent) regardless of move-in date. Only monthly rent is prorated.

Additional Washington Rental Resources

For more information about Washington rental laws and tenant rights, consult these resources:

• RCW 59.18 - Residential Landlord-Tenant Act
• Washington Multi-Family Housing Association - Industry best practices
• Washington State Attorney General - Landlord-Tenant Guide
• Seattle Office of Housing - Local tenant resources
• Washington Prorated Rent Calculator - Free calculation tool