Why is Rent Due on the First of the Month?

[Julie Marquez]

So this may sound like a basic questions, but why is rent due on the first of the month? What about people who want to move during the middle of the month? Other bills in life are billed monthly, but the due date is based on the start date - like my car payment due on the 25th of each month. Has anyone every done a system of rents rolling in based on when they moved in? Or does this have to do with move out notice laws/procedures, like 20 days notice before the end of the month? Is this just the simplest way?

[Nicole A.]

The 1st is just an easy date. If you based it on the day they moved in, now you have as many due dates to keep track of as you do rental properties! The less work for you, the better. 

If a tenant moves in in the middle of the month, they must still pay a full 1st month's rent. However, the following month, on the 1st, the rent amount will be prorated.