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Ratio Utility Billing System Calculator
RUBS allocates master-metered utilities to tenants by formula (occupants, sqft, beds).
Per-unit bill / mo
$141.89
Annual recovery
$270,000
Total annual utility
$300,000
How the math works
Per-unit = total / units + admin. Annual recovery = (per-unit − admin) × units × 12 × recovery %.
$25k / 180 = $139 + $3 = $142/unit. $139 × 180 × 12 × 90% = $270k recovery of $300k.
How to Use
- Enter total utility spend.
- Enter units.
- Enter RUBS allocation method.
- Enter admin fee per unit.
- Enter recovery rate %.
- Read monthly bill per unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
RUBS formulas?
Common: (1) Per-unit equal: total / units. Simplest. (2) Per-occupant: total × (household occupants / total occupants). Better fairness. (3) Per-sqft: total × (unit sqft / total sqft). (4) Combined: weighted formula (50% per-unit + 50% per-occupant). State regulates: some states approve only specific methods. CA: strict regulation.
Legality?
Legal in most states. State regulations: disclosure in lease required. Calculation method + frequency documented. Fair allocation (not arbitrary). Some states prohibit if large variance between units (e.g., 1BR vs 3BR paying same). Occupant-based formula addresses. Lawsuits when formula challenged: typically landlord wins if disclosed + reasonable.
Revenue recovery?
Typical RUBS recovery: 80-95% of total utility. Small admin fee allowed ($2-8/unit/mo). Tenants appreciate: clear line-item vs embedded rent. Landlord benefit: no utility exposure, conservation incentive (tenants reduce use). Portfolio-level savings: 15-25% vs landlord-absorbed model.
Submetering vs RUBS?
Submetering: actual unit-level measurement. Best accuracy. Expensive to retrofit. RUBS: formula-based. Good approximation. Cheap to implement. Submetering preferred for: new construction, precise billing, high water users (pools). RUBS preferred for: retrofit, older properties, cost-conscious operators. Many start with RUBS then upgrade to submeter.
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