Paying for part of a month
Leases rarely start exactly on the 1st. When you move in on the 19th, or move out mid-month, you owe rent only for the days you occupy the home. Prorated rent is that partial amount, and this calculator works it out with the three methods landlords commonly use.
The three methods
- Days in the actual month: daily rate = monthly rent ÷ number of days in that month. The most common method; the daily rate changes from month to month.
- 365-day year: daily rate = monthly rent × 12 ÷ 365. The same daily rate all year.
- 30-day banker’s month: daily rate = monthly rent ÷ 30, whatever the month.
Prorated rent = daily rate × days occupied. Count the move-in day and every day through the end of the month. For a move-out, count from the 1st through the last day you have possession.
Worked example
Monthly rent is $1,800. You move in on September 19th. September has 30 days, so you occupy days 19 to 30: 12 days.
- Daily rate: 1,800 ÷ 30 = $60.
- Prorated rent: 60 × 12 = $720.
- That is 40% of a full month, and $1,080 less than a full month’s rent.
In a 31-day month, the same 12 days would cost 1,800 ÷ 31 × 12 = $696.77 with the first method, but $720 with the banker’s method.
Prorated rent by days occupied
| Days occupied | Prorated rent ($1,800, 30-day month) | Share of a month |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | $300 | 16.7% |
| 10 | $600 | 33.3% |
| 12 | $720 | 40.0% |
| 15 | $900 | 50.0% |
| 20 | $1,200 | 66.7% |
| 25 | $1,500 | 83.3% |
Things to check in your lease
- Which method applies: the lease or local law may specify it. If nothing is written, ask before you sign.
- First month timing: some landlords collect a full month at signing and prorate the second month instead.
- Move-out notice: many leases require 30 or 60 days’ notice and do not prorate the last month unless the unit is re-rented.
- Other charges: parking, pet rent and utilities billed by the landlord can be prorated the same way.
Prorating is fair to both sides: the tenant pays only for the days used, and the landlord is paid for every day the unit is occupied. Keep the calculation in writing with your move-in documents.