Prorated Rent Calculator: Exactly What You Owe When Moving Out Mid-Month
Prorated rent = (Monthly Rent ÷ Days in the Month) × Days Occupied. Example: $1,800/month, moving out March 15 (31-day month) → $1,800 ÷ 31 × 15 = $870.97. That's $929 less than a full month. California Civil Code §1947 requires landlords to prorate using the actual number of days in the month.
Prorated Rent = (Monthly Rent ÷ Days in Month) × Days Occupied
When you move out mid-month you shouldn't pay for days you don't occupy the apartment. This prorated rent calculator gives you the exact amount you owe for a partial month in seconds, so you can check your landlord's math and avoid overpaying. The calculation is simple but varies slightly depending on whether your lease uses actual calendar days or a flat 30-day month — both are covered below.
Most leases require written notice (typically 30–60 days) before moving out. Some states make proration mandatory: California Civil Code §1947 explicitly requires landlords to prorate rent by the actual number of days in each month. Check your lease and local tenant law via your state's HUD office to confirm your rights.
What This Means
Your prorated rent amount is what you owe for the partial month based on the days you occupied the unit. Keep documentation of your move-out date — a dated, signed notice to vacate, forwarded-mail confirmation, and timestamped photos of the empty unit. If your landlord bills a full month instead of prorating, send them this calculation in writing: in most states (and explicitly in California under Civil Code §1947) you are owed the difference back. Any overpayment should be reconciled in your security-deposit accounting.
Recommended Moving Supplies
Editor's picks to make your move easier and more affordable
Medium Moving Boxes (20-Pack)
Sturdy 18x14x12" corrugated boxes. Ideal for kitchenware, books, and general household items.
Check Price on AmazonScotch Heavy Duty Packing Tape (6-Pack)
Industrial-strength tape with dispenser. Seals boxes securely for long-distance moves.
Check Price on AmazonMoving Labels Color Coded
Color-coded labels by room. Makes unpacking organized and efficient.
Check Price on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases. This does not affect our editorial recommendations.
How to Calculate Prorated Rent
There are two common methods for calculating prorated rent. Check your lease to see which one applies:
Method 1: Calendar Days (Most Common & Most Tenant-Friendly)
Divide monthly rent by the actual number of days in the move-out month, then multiply by the number of days you occupied the unit. This is the method courts apply when a lease is silent, and the method California law requires.
Formula: Prorated Rent = (Monthly Rent ÷ Days in Move-Out Month) × Days Occupied
Method 2: Standard 30-Day Month (Banker's Month)
Some leases use a flat 30-day month regardless of the actual calendar month. This simplifies the math but slightly overcharges in a 31-day month and undercharges in February.
Formula: Prorated Rent = (Monthly Rent ÷ 30) × Days Occupied
Quick Reference: Daily Rent Rate by Monthly Rent
| Monthly Rent | Daily Rate (30-day) | Daily Rate (31-day) | Daily Rate (28-day Feb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | $33.33 | $32.26 | $35.71 |
| $1,500 | $50.00 | $48.39 | $53.57 |
| $2,000 | $66.67 | $64.52 | $71.43 |
| $2,500 | $83.33 | $80.65 | $89.29 |
| $3,000 | $100.00 | $96.77 | $107.14 |
Tip: in a 31-day month the calendar-day method is cheaper for you than the 30-day method; in February it's the opposite. If your lease doesn't specify, the calendar-day method is the legal default.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Moving Out Mid-March
Rent: $1,800/month. Move-out date: March 15. March has 31 days.
| Step | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Daily rate | $1,800 ÷ 31 | $58.06 |
| Days occupied (March 1–15) | 15 days | — |
| Prorated rent | $58.06 × 15 | $870.97 |
| Savings vs. full month | $1,800 – $870.97 | $929.03 |
Example 2: Moving Out Late Month
Rent: $2,200/month. Move-out date: April 25. April has 30 days.
| Step | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Daily rate | $2,200 ÷ 30 | $73.33 |
| Days occupied (April 1–25) | 25 days | — |
| Prorated rent | $73.33 × 25 | $1,833.33 |
| Savings vs. full month | $2,200 – $1,833.33 | $366.67 |
Prorated Rent When Moving In
Proration also applies when you move into a new apartment mid-month. Your first month's payment should be prorated from your move-in date through the end of the month, plus the next full month's rent.
Example: Moving into a $1,600/month apartment on March 20. March has 31 days.
- Days remaining in March: 12 (March 20–31)
- Daily rate: $1,600 ÷ 31 = $51.61
- Prorated March rent: $51.61 × 12 = $619.35
- Amount due at move-in: $619.35 (prorated March) + $1,600 (April rent) + security deposit
Coordinate your move-out proration at the old place with the move-in proration at the new place to minimize overlap. Ideally, your last day at the old apartment is the day before your first day at the new one.
Your Rights Regarding Prorated Rent
Prorated rent policies vary by state and lease terms:
- Lease terms control. If your lease specifies a proration method, that method applies. If the lease is silent, most courts apply the calendar-day method.
- State law can override the lease. California Civil Code §1947 mandates calendar-day proration regardless of lease wording; several other states have similar tenant protections. Check your state.
- Month-to-month tenancy. If you give proper notice (usually 30 days), you're entitled to prorated rent for the partial month. Giving notice on March 5 means you pay through April 5 and owe prorated April rent only.
- Fixed-term lease. If your fixed-term lease ends mid-month, you pay only through the lease end date — the landlord cannot charge for days after the lease ends. If you break the lease early, proration depends on state law and lease terms.
- Security deposit timing. Most state laws require deposit return within 14–30 days of move-out. Any prorated overpayment should be applied to your final accounting.
For state-specific tenant rights, consult your local HUD office or a tenant-rights organization.
Sources and Methodology
Our prorated rent calculator uses the standard calendar-day method recommended by tenant-rights organizations and required by California Civil Code §1947. Sources include:
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) tenant-rights guidelines.
- State landlord-tenant law summaries from Nolo.com, including California Civil Code §1947.
- Fair Housing Act regulations regarding rent-calculation standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate prorated rent when moving out mid-month?
Divide your monthly rent by the number of days in the move-out month, then multiply by the days you occupied (the 1st through your move-out date). Example: $1,800 rent, moving out March 15 in a 31-day month → $1,800 ÷ 31 × 15 = $870.97. Enter your numbers in the calculator above to get the exact figure instantly.
Do I have to pay a full month's rent if I move out mid-month?
In most cases, no. If you give proper notice (typically 30 days for month-to-month leases), you should only pay rent through your move-out date or the end of the notice period, whichever your lease specifies. Some leases require rent through the end of the notice period rather than the physical move-out date — for example, 30-day notice given March 10 may mean rent owed through April 10. Always check your lease and state law.
How do I calculate prorated rent for moving in?
Divide the monthly rent by the number of days in the move-in month, then multiply by the days remaining (including move-in day). Moving in on the 20th of a 30-day month with $1,500 rent: $1,500 ÷ 30 × 11 = $550 for the partial month. You'll typically pay this prorated amount plus the next full month's rent and security deposit at move-in.
Can a landlord refuse to prorate rent?
It depends. If your lease ends mid-month (fixed-term expiration), the landlord must prorate — you can't be charged for days after the lease ends. In states like California, Civil Code §1947 requires calendar-day proration regardless of lease wording. For early termination or month-to-month with proper notice, most states require proration but some lease clauses may attempt to override it. If you break a lease without cause, the landlord may not be required to prorate. Consult a local tenant-rights organization for disputes.
Is it better to move at the beginning or end of the month?
Moving at the beginning (1st–5th) is generally best: you minimize overlap between old and new rent, most leases align with calendar months, and you avoid paying for days you're not living in either place. End-of-month moves mean near-full rent at the old place plus move-in proration at the new place. Mid-month moves offer the most flexibility but the highest risk of double-paying during the overlap.