How to Calculate Pro Rata Rent

At the start or end of a tenancy, landlords often need to work out pro rata rent so tenants only pay for the days they occupy the property.

“Pro rata” means dividing the rent in proportion to the time a tenant is in the property. For example, if a tenant moves out halfway through the month, the rent owed is half the monthly rent.

To make this simple, use our pro rata rent calculator below to quickly work out the exact amount owed.

1. What does pro rata mean?
2. Pro rata rent calculator
3. Common mistakes landlords make with pro rata rent
4. Calculating maximum deposits pro rata

What does pro rata mean?

For landlords, pro rata simply means calculating rent in proportion to the time a tenant occupies a property. The term comes from Latin: ‘pro’ meaning “according to” and ‘rata’ meaning “calculated”. In practice, it’s used to describe rent that’s adjusted, for example, when a tenant moves in or out partway through the month.

While less common in the UK, in the US, you may also see the term “prorated”, which means the same thing: rent calculated pro rata.

Pro rata rent calculator

When it comes to rent, landlords and tenants need to know that there are two different methods for calculating pro rata rent, depending on the situation.

One method is used when a tenant moves out partway through a rental period – that is, on any day that isn’t the final day of the month. This often happens when a landlord serves a Section 21 notice that expires before the end of the rental period. The Housing Act 1988 sets out how to calculate the rent owed in these cases:

1. Multiply the monthly rent by the ratio of days the tenant occupied the property.
2. For example, if the monthly rent is £1,200 and the notice expires on the 10th day of a 30-day month:
   • Divide 10 by 30 to get 1/3.
   • Multiply 1/3 by £1,200.

The pro rata rent for the final period would be £400.

To make this even easier, use our pro rata rent calculator below to quickly work out the correct amount.

---

You might also be interested in…

• How to Conduct a Property Viewing Online
• When Will Section 21 Be Scrapped?
• 5 Mistakes Tenants Make in Their Property Enquiries (and How to Fix Them)
• What Tenants Need to Know About the Renters’ Rights Act
• 6 Most-Viewed Properties of the Month

---

Common mistakes landlords make with pro rata rent

Even experienced landlords can slip up when calculating rent for tenants moving in or out partway through the month.

A common mistake is simply dividing the rent by the number of days in the month without accounting for the actual tenancy period, which can lead to overcharging or undercharging.

Overcharging can create tension with tenants, while undercharging means lost income. Both scenarios make managing your accounts more complicated.

Using a pro rata rent calculator takes the guesswork out of the process, giving you an accurate figure in seconds and helping you avoid these common errors.

Calculating maximum deposits pro rata

The second method is used to work out the maximum deposit amounts for a tenancy. These are capped at five weeks’ rent, while holding deposits are limited to one week’s rent.

To keep things simple and ensure you stay compliant, we have created a calculator that can help you find the maximum amounts for both deposits (tenancy and holding).

Final thoughts

Calculating pro rata rent doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether it’s a tenant moving in, moving out, or adjusting deposits, getting it right ensures your accounts are accurate, avoids disputes and keeps tenants happy.

Using a pro rata rent calculator saves time, reduces stress, and gives you confidence that you’re charging the correct amount every time. For landlords, these small details can make a big difference to cash flow and tenant relationships.

And while you’re making sure your rent calculations are spot-on, don’t forget to advertise your property to reach reliable tenants quickly – keeping your rental income flowing without the usual hassle.

---