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When a tenant occupies a room for only a partial term (month, week, day, etc.), the amount a landlord charges is known as “prorated rent.” 

Prorated rent is charged only for the number of days the unit is occupied. It’s based on a monthly rate rather than daily since a daily rate tends to be pricier. 

Here’s everything you need to know about prorating rent.

Why prorate? 

If your tenant moves in or out in the middle of the month or sublets to someone else, then it’s practical to use prorated rent. For example, if your tenant moves in on the 15th, which they often do, you can charge them a prorated amount for those days and then set the regular rent due on the first day of their first full month.

Prorating rent isn’t a landlord’s legal responsibility, but it does help establish a good relationship with your tenant. A good relationship is essential. It makes your tenant more likely to re-sign (reducing the likelihood of vacancies), recommend other potential tenants to your properties, be a good tenant, and follow any rules you may have (like your fire prevention tips). 

How do I prorate rent?

There are four methods to calculate prorated rent. 

A Quick Math Lesson

Before moving on to the actual formulas for calculating rent, here’s a quick high school math lesson about performing the proper order of operations for mathematical equations. You’ll need to know this because the formulas for calculating rent tend to require multiple operations.

1. Parenthesis
2. Exponents
3. Multiplication
4. Division
5. Addition
6. Subtraction

The mnemonic device for this is PEMDAS, or “Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally.”

Method 1: Number of Days in the Year

This is the most accurate way to prorate rent when dealing with a year-long lease. Here’s the formula. 

((Monthly Rent X # Months in a Year) ÷ Number of Days in a Year) X Number of Days the Tenant is Paying For = Prorated Rent

Here’s the formula with a move-in date of September 15th with a rent of $1,500.

( ( $1,500 x 12 ) ÷ 365 ) X 15 = $739.73

This formula is slightly more confusing than the monthly one, so your tenants may require more explaining. The extra amount of money you'd make isn't worth the effort because a confusing formula may make your tenants feel like something fishy's going on. Best to keep things simple.

Method 2: Number of Days in an Average Month

This formula is based on the number of days per month, given that 365 days per year divided by 12 months is 30.42 average days. Here’s the formula:

((Rent ÷ 30.42) x Number of Days Occupied) 

Here’s the formula for when your rent is $1,200 per month, and the tenant is staying for ten days.

($1,200 ÷ 30.42) x 10 = $394.50

Method 3: Flat 30 Days (Banker’s Month)

This method entails diving the monthly rent by 30, no matter how many days are in the month. In some states, like California, this is the exclusive method used to calculate prorated rent. Here’s the formula.

((Rent ÷ 30) x Number of Days Occupied) 

Here’s the formula for when your rent is $1,200 per month, and the tenant is staying for ten days.

($1,200 ÷ 30) x 10 = $400

Method 4: Monthly Rent

This is the formula for prorated rent based on the number of days in the month. Here’s the formula:

(Monthly Rent ÷ Number of Days in the Month) X (Number of Days of Rent Being Paid For) = Prorated Rent

Here’s the formula with a move-in date of September 15th with a rent of $1,500.

( $1,500 ÷ 31 ) X 15 = $725.80

In addition to requiring less explanation formula, the monthly formula has the advantage of making your tenant feel like they’re getting their money’s worth since it frames their rent in the short-term rather than the long term.

Considerations for Prorating Rent

These are some things to keep in mind when calculating prorated rent. Which of these influences your calculations will impact how many days you divide your rent by in your calculations.

• The number of days in the month.

• Months with 30 days: September, April, June, and November
• Months with 31 days: January, March, May, July, August, October, and December
• Month with 28/29 days: February

• Is it a leap year?
• What day of the month are you billing your tenant?
• What’s the number of days in the first month?
• What’s the number of days in the second month?
• How much are you charging per day for the first month?
• How much are you charging per day for the second month?
• What’s the number of billable days in the first month?
• What’s the number of days in the second month?
• What’s the official start/end date of your tenant’s lease?

Tips for Prorating Rent

Your prorating policy should be in writing or your lease agreement. 

If it’s a leap year, divide your prorated calculation by 366 days if you plan on using the yearly formula.

It’s not your responsibility to prorate rent if your tenant signs a lease for the first of the month but moves in on a later date. Similarly, it’s not your responsibility to prorate rent if your tenant chooses to move out earlier, but their lease runs to the end of the month.

Offer a prorated rent calculator on your website. 

Find out if your state requires you to use the flat 30 method for prorating rent.

Bottom Line on Prorating Rent

Prorating rent is easy to do and an easy way for a landlord to start or maintain a good relationship with their tenant. It makes tenants feel like they’re getting their money’s worth and like the landlord is on their side. 

Unless you have to use the flat 30 option, the monthly method of prorating rent is a landlord’s best bet because it’s easiest to explain to the tenant. 

And a happy tenant is the best bet for a happy landlord.

Thinking about purchasing a rental property in Tacoma, WA? Learn how looking at the rental statistics, the demographics, and having a local property manager as a partner can ensure you are looking at real numbers when deciding if the area fits your investment strategy.

Before investing in an area, you will want to look at the demographics, home prices vs rental prices, forecasted economic growth, and other important statistics to see if it fits with your investment strategy to help you reach your goals. Will the area give you the cash flow or appreciation you are looking for?

About Tacoma, WA

Tacoma, WA, one of “America’s Most Livable Cities”, is a port city on the Puget Sound and is known for being one of the most walkable cities in the US. From its beautiful waterfront to its numerous city parks that include the country’s second largest city park (700 acres), the area has seen a 12% population growth since 2010.

Tacoma offers more affordable investment opportunities than the Seattle area which can be expensive.  Cash flow opportunities are better in Tacoma because the prices of homes are not as high.  

Home prices in Tacoma

Median home price: $354,019

Home prices have gone up 9% in the past year.

 

Diverse types of renters

Commuters – Many choose to work in Seattle but live in Tacoma because it is more affordable.  

Students - Several universities are in the area including the University of Washington’s Tacoma campus, so there are a lot of student renters.  

Military - McChord Air Force Base is South of Tacoma, so there are military families renting in the area as well.  

Between the port, universities, military presence, and proximity to Seattle, Tacoma is a great area for investors looking for an area whose economy is being fueled by a diverse mix of industries.

 

Economy and industry in the area

Tacoma is the 7th busiest container-handling port and attracts businesses in multiple industries. It is known for its high-tech industry that includes Intel and Expedia which are headquartered there. Agricultural and forest products are also large contributors to the local economy.

• Unemployment rate: 5.3%
• Average income: $75,649

Tacoma has seen steady job growth over the last 10 years and expects 39.9% in future growth. With its strong industry presence and growth record, it is a great place to invest in rental property for less than a home in a Seattle would cost.

If you are considering investing in Tacoma, contact us at Mynd. We can help you determine if this market fits your strategy to reach your goals. If it doesn’t, we have offices in 19 markets and can help you find an area that does.

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How to accurately set rent for my Tacoma, WA rental property

The rental market is cyclical, so you want to make sure you set rent to match today’s prices. Just because you rented your property for a certain amount 3 years ago doesn’t mean it will rent for that amount today. The price could be higher or lower depending on what the market says is the going rate. To avoid extended vacancy time, you will want to accurately price the property, so you are getting the maximum return while also filling the vacancy quickly.

Tacoma rental statistics

• Median rent for a single-family home: $1750
• More single-family homes available since 2007
• 45% Renter Occupied
• 55% Owner Occupied

Steve Rozenberg, Head of Investor Education for Mynd, says he sees this as a good, steady mix of renter/owner occupied homes which makes it a great market to have a rental property. You should always be able to find a renter.

Knowing the trends and statistics for the area is key to your success as an investor.  Consider hiring a local Tacoma property manager like Mynd who can help you determine the correct rent rate.  Mynd has access to proprietary information so you are getting current, accurate numbers to base your decision on. If you want to know what you can expect to rent your home for, Mynd offers a FREE rental analysis.

 

Why should I hire a property management company in Tacoma, WA?

What does a Tacoma property management company do?

They take care of the day to day operations required when you own a rental property such as:

• Making sure the property complies with Property Code and the tenant is safe
• Lease signing and lease enforcement
• Maintenance issues and knowing who is responsible for paying for certain issues
• Collecting rent

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Do you have the time to manage the property? How valuable is your time to you? If you are managing it yourself, do you know that you are doing it correctly and following the laws?

Landlords must comply with ever-changing laws and regulations

Landlords must comply with Federal, state, and local laws that apply to rental properties. These laws are constantly changing, and as a landlord you are expected to keep up with them.  If you must evict a tenant, there may be new laws in place that limit how you can do that. If managing property isn’t your full-time job, you are more likely not up to speed on current laws such as:

• 120 day notice to purchase property if you intend to change the use of the property
• 60 day notice of no cause termination of a resident
• 60 day notice of rent increase
• Several tenant’s rights laws. For example, tenants can complain to the city of Tacoma about code enforcement violations.

There are a lot of laws that have to do with tenant’s rights, and you must be sure you comply. If you aren’t up on the laws, you may find yourself getting in trouble which can cost you $1000s in fines and court costs.

 

Consider hiring a Tacoma property manager

Our Tacoma property managers can help you make smart decisions and ensure your property is following the laws. Mynd has in-house counsel to help ensure your property is complying with the laws.  Contact us today at Mynd about property management in Tacoma or finding your next investment property in one of the19 markets we serve.

As an investor, you want to know that investing in a rental property in Everett, WA aligns with your strategy and helps you achieve your goals. Identifying the right data and numbers to calculate your return is an important step in making an informed, smart decision.  Having a local partner like a property manager makes this process easier.

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What kind of return do you want from your investment property?

Are you looking for monthly cash flow? Is the property you are looking at going to give you what you need to at least cover your expenses?  Are you only interested in appreciation or debt paydown?  Your strategy must be defined before you start looking for a property.  

About Everett, WA

Everette is a coastal city on the shores of Port Gardner Bay and is located 25 miles north of Seattle. It attracts families with its world class schools, over 30 city parks, and numerous outdoor sports, activities, and art experiences.

Everett population and home prices

• Population: 111,000
• Average age: 33
• Median income: $57,999
• Median home value: $362,000

 

The median income for the area is about average for the US, but the home prices are significantly higher than average. You might be able to make enough cash flow to cover your expenses, but you are more likely looking at making your money in appreciation.

Many of the homes in the area were built between 1970-2000.  Being older properties, they may require some maintenance or updates to attract a quality tenant and meet Property Code.

 

 

Industry and the Economy

• Unemployment rate: 5.8%
• Cost of living index: 116.2  (US average is 100)

Boeing’s 747, 767, 777, and 787 Dreamliner airplanes are constructed in the world’s largest building located in Everett, and they offer a popular tour of the facility. Everett’s proximity to Seattle is an advantage because it is going to be fed by the strong industry nearby.

Best neighborhoods in Everett

• Darlington
• Edgewater
• Pinehurst
• Riverside
• Bayside
• South Forest Park

When you buy a property in one of the more popular areas, you are probably going to see more appreciation. With an average age of 33, residents are likely families interested in the quality schools in the area.  They are also more likely looking homes with multiple bedrooms for their growing families.

 

Talk to an Everett, WA property manager about the local market and what trends they are seeing. They can answer questions like:

• Is the city growing?
• Are rents going up or down?
• What is the average eviction rate?
• What are the average days on market?
• What is the average vacancy?
• What type of homes are rented quickly? What are most people looking for?
• Are there certain features people are looking for in a home?

These are the questions you want answered before purchasing a property, so you have the proper expectations. Contact us at Mynd for more information on the Everett area. They can tell you what types of properties are renting quickly, what renters are looking for, and more.

If Everett doesn’t fit your strategy, we can help you find a market that does. Mynd has offices in over 19 markets. Our local property managers can use Mynd’s proprietary data to help find you properties that match your strategy, whether you want to invest locally or diversify across several markets.

 

How to Accurately Set Rent for my Everett, WA Rental Property‍ 

It is important to know what the market is dictating when setting rent for your Everett rental property. The goal is to get the right amount of rent while leasing it quickly, so pricing it right is critical.

Leasing has seasons

You might not be able to get the same amount of rent if you lease your property in the Winter (off season) vs the Spring/Summer months (peak season).

The economy can affect rent

If the industries in the area are in a downturn or upturn, that can influence the rent you can expect to receive.

Everett rental statistics

• 42,000 housing units
• 37% Owner Occupied
• 67% Renter Occupied
• 44% single family homes 36% Apartments
• Median rent: 1,990
• 48% of homes were built between 1970-1999

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The rent amount will vary depending on the property type, square footage and number of bedrooms.  When comparing rents, look at properties that are the same as yours. Being that many of the homes are older, you may find you can get a little more money in rent by doing some updates to the property.

Mynd’s Everett Property Management company offers a FREE rental analysis so you can see what your property can expect to rent for.

 

Why Should I Hire a Property Management Company in Everett, WA 

When you own a rental property there are a lot of day to day operations to take care or not to mention all the ever-changing laws you must follow.  Should you continue to do this yourself or does it make sense to hire an Everett property management company?

 

Treat your investment like a business.

If you own multiple rental properties or plan to in the future, the tasks required increasingly take up more of your time.  Keeping up with all the laws you must comply with can become a heavy burden.  Maybe you got into investing because you wanted a safe, secure retirement investment or passive income, but you did not realize the amount of time that was involved in managing it yourself.  You thought you were gaining free time and ended up having a second job.

It is entirely possible that you will not end up where you hoped because you may not be doing something right. Not complying with a law could result in your ending up in court owing $1,000s in fines.  

Getting that great deal when you buy the property is only the first step in the process that leads to your success. Steve Rozenberg, Head of Investor Education for Mynd, thinks it is important to have a team to help you maximize your return.

 

What does an Everett property management company do?

They take care of the day to day operations required when you own a rental property such as:

• Get a property rent ready
• Market the property
• Screen applications
• Lease signing and enforcement
• Maintenance - preventative and emergency repair
• Collect rent
• Eviction procedures if ever necessary
• Lease renewals

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They know the laws and regulations

You must follow Federal, state, and local Property Code that dictate how a property must be maintained. When it comes to fixing things in the property, who is responsible for them? The tenant or the landlord?  There are things you can’t ask on an application or during the screening process.

Landlords must comply with Federal, state, and local laws that apply to rental properties. These laws are constantly changing, and as a landlord you are expected to keep up with them.  If you have to evict a tenant, there may be new laws in place that limit if or how you can do that.

Maintenance issues

Mold can be a problem in the Everett area due to the amount of rain it gets. You will need to make sure the roof, ventilation, and plumbing is in good shape to prevent mold.  There are laws that protect the tenant to ensure they have a safe home to live in. Property managers know what you have to do to comply with any laws in regards to Property Codes.

If you don’t have the time or desire to keep up with the laws and regulations, it might be a smart decision to hire a knowledgeable property manager.  Mynd has local property managers that know the laws to ensure you are following them as well as in house legal counsel.

A good property manager helps you make smart decisions and ensures your property is following the laws. Contact us today at Mynd about property management in Everett or for help in finding your next investment property in one of the 19 markets we serve.