First month's rent: pro rata calculation
Calculating the first month's rent pro rata in Belgium: method, examples, special cases, and what the landlord can charge at move-in.
Pro rata temporis calculation method
The formula
Pro rata = (Monthly rent / Number of days in the month) x Number of days of occupancy
| Element | Value |
|---|---|
| Monthly rent | Amount set in the lease |
| Number of days in the month | 28, 29, 30 or 31 |
| Days of occupancy | From move-in day to last day of the month |
The same calculation applies to service charges if they are on account.
Worked examples
Move-in on 15 March (rent 900 EUR + charges 150 EUR)
| Item | Calculation | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | 900 / 31 x 17 | 493.55 EUR |
| Charges | 150 / 31 x 17 | 82.26 EUR |
| Total 1st month | 575.81 EUR |
Move-in on the 1st of the month
No pro rata: the tenant pays the full month.
Move-in on the 25th (rent 800 EUR)
| Item | Calculation | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | 800 / 30 x 6 (if April) | 160.00 EUR |
| Rental deposit | 2 x 800 | 1,600.00 EUR |
| Total at move-in | 1,760.00 EUR |
For a late-in-the-month move-in, negotiate starting on the 1st of the following month to simplify management.
What the tenant must pay at move-in
| Payment | Amount | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|
| Pro rata 1st month’s rent | Calculated above | Yes |
| Pro rata charges | Same | Yes (if on account) |
| Rental deposit | Max 2 months’ rent | Yes |
| Administration fees | 0 EUR | Not chargeable |
| Viewing fees | 0 EUR | Not chargeable |
[!important] Legal point The landlord may not charge any additional fees to the tenant (administration fees, viewing fees, inventory fees). Only rent, service charges and rental deposit are chargeable.
The inventory of fixtures must be carried out on the day of key handover.
Best practices for the first month
Prefer a move-in on the 1st of the month to simplify calculation and management. If the move-in is mid-month, detail the pro rata in a letter to the tenant.
Create your lease online with the effective date and manage payments with a rental management software.
Frequently asked questions
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Divide the monthly rent by the number of days in the month, then multiply by the number of days of occupancy. Example: rent of EUR 900, move-in on 15 March (17 days) = 900 / 31 x 17 = EUR 493.55.
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The landlord can only charge rent for the period of occupancy. If the lease starts on the 15th, only the pro rata is due. However, the landlord may propose setting the start date to the 1st of the month.
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The pro rata of the first month's rent, the charges (pro rata or flat fee), and the rental deposit (maximum 2 months' rent). The landlord cannot charge additional fees (application, visit, reservation).