What is RUBS?

Submetering measures each unit's actual consumption with its own meter. RUBS estimates each unit's share using a formula. Submetering is more precise but needs meters installed and read. RUBS is cheaper to set up but less directly tied to each resident's use.

It is legal in many places but regulated. Rules can cover lease disclosure, which methods are allowed, whether admin fees can be charged and how bills are presented. Some jurisdictions restrict it. Confirm the local requirements before billing. Rules can also differ between cities and states, so check them for each property.

Water and sewer are the most common, followed by trash, gas and sometimes electricity in master-metered buildings. Each utility can use a different allocation formula if the lease and local rules allow. Common allocation methods use occupant count, unit square footage, number of bedrooms or a combination of these. The method used should be disclosed to residents in the lease.