Pro-rate first month's rent or charge in full?

[Harrison Liggett]

Hey BP! Our property management company has always charged a full month rent as security deposit as well as a pro-rated first months rent payment upon move in. I've been thinking why we would do this as opposed to just charging the full two months up front. It covers us a little on the back end when people (inevitably) over stay their welcome a few days and that way it wouldn't be taken out of the security deposit.

They would be returned their fair portion (of the pro-ration) along with security deposit if they move out on time and as they should. If they NEED the pro-ration for move in, we probably don't want them as a tenant as it is right?

[Nathan Gesner]

I charge a prorated rent for the first month. I don't want them paying a full month and then thinking they don't have to pay again for another 30 days. I also want to start training them right away that ALL payments are due on the first.

If the tenant moves in after the 20th day of the month then I make them pay the deposit, prorated rent for the current month, and the full rent for the second month. I don't want them moving in with a small prorated rent and then finding out they can't afford their first month.