About Prorated Rent
Almost nobody moves on the 1st. When a lease starts mid-month, you owe rent only for the days you actually have the keys — prorated rent — and the same logic applies in reverse for an approved mid-month move-out. Landlords calculate it; you should be able to check it.
Pick move-in or move-out, set the date and monthly rent, and choose the method. You get the exact amount, the daily rate with its working, and the day count. If the figure differs from what you were quoted, the difference is almost always the method (30-day vs actual) or whether the move day itself is charged — both worth a polite question.
Comparing renting against buying? Run the ownership side with the Mortgage Calculator.
The Proration Math
Two steps — a daily rate, then a day count:
Daily rate = monthly rent ÷ days in month (or ÷ 30 flat) Move-in: owed = daily rate × (days from move-in through month end) Move-out: owed = daily rate × (days from the 1st through move-out)
Worked example: moving in July 20 at $1,500/month — July has 31 days, so the daily rate is $48.39, and 12 occupied days (20th through 31st) come to $580.65. The flat 30-day method makes it $600.00 — a $19 difference from the method choice alone.
Daily Rates at Common Rents
Rent ÷ days in month — why the same rent has three daily prices:
| Monthly rent | 31-day month | 30-day month | February (28) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | $32.26 | $33.33 | $35.71 |
| $1,500 | $48.39 | $50.00 | $53.57 |
| $2,000 | $64.52 | $66.67 | $71.43 |
| $2,500 | $80.65 | $83.33 | $89.29 |
February quirk: actual-days proration makes each day MORE expensive than in long months — the flat 30-day method flips which party benefits depending on the month.
Lease Fine Print Worth Reading
Three clauses decide prorated math before arithmetic does: the proration method (actual vs 30-day — some leases even prorate on a 365-day annual rate: rent × 12 ÷ 365 per day); whether the lease charges the full first month up front and prorates the SECOND month instead (common where rent is due on the 1st); and move-out notice rules — an improper notice date can make you liable for days you don't occupy.
Also worth knowing: proration typically applies to base rent, not fixed fees (parking, pet rent may or may not prorate — ask); and security deposits are never prorated. Put the agreed figure in writing before key handover; a screenshot of this calculator's breakdown makes a fine attachment.