1. What is Prorated Rent?

Prorated rent is a calculation that determines the fair amount of rent to charge when a tenant occupies a property for only part of a rental period (month). It's commonly used in California when tenants move in or out mid-month.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard prorated rent formula:

Where:

• Monthly Rent — The full monthly rent amount
• Days Occupied — Number of days the tenant will occupy the property
• Days in Month — Total days in the specific month (typically 30 or 31)

Explanation: The formula calculates the daily rent rate and multiplies it by the number of days the tenant will actually occupy the property.

3. Importance of Prorated Rent Calculation

Details: Accurate prorated rent calculations ensure fairness for both landlords and tenants, comply with California rental laws, and prevent disputes over partial-month charges.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the full monthly rent amount, the number of days the tenant will occupy the property, and the total days in the month (default is 30). All values must be valid positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is prorated rent required by law in California?
A: While not explicitly required, California law expects fair rental charges, making prorated rent the standard practice for partial-month occupancy.

Q2: How are days in month typically calculated?
A: Most landlords use 30 days for simplicity, but exact calculation based on actual month days is more accurate.

Q3: What if the move-in date is the first of the month?
A: No proration is needed - charge the full month's rent.

Q4: Does this apply to security deposits too?
A: No, security deposits are typically a fixed amount (often equal to one month's rent) regardless of move-in date.

Q5: How should prorated rent be documented?
A: Include it in the lease agreement or a separate addendum specifying the prorated amount and calculation method.