Interesting comments and views. (McDonalds...that's hilarious, somehow I don't see myself saying this to a customer here.)

At my site: I use FOM, if someone moves in before the 10th I will prorate them in and then they're expected to pay on the 1st. If it's after the 10th I prorate them in and charge the next full month. Most of the time there's no problems especially if I also give them the following free month or some type of discount.

I explain very clearly : if they move out by the end of the month they are free to go. If they need to be prorated OUT, they must give me 10 days written notice prior to that day up to the 10th. Beyond that they will be charged the full month & a possible late fee. If someone comes in on the 5th and says "Im moving out today" I ask them "did you give us notice?" usual reply is NO, (Regardless of how many times we tell them.) and I will add 10 days from that date and they can pay half the month. I am nice and I believe in customer service and word of mouth. UNLESS, they are a**holes, and I'll say "sorry you gotta pay the full month"