Using Ratio Utility Billing System for gas?

Question

Hello BP!  I currently own a duplex and have a question regarding using RUBS for gas usage.  This formula is already in place for water, but here's the issue with gas -- both units use gas heat, however only one unit has a gas range/stove (the other unit has electric).  How to you properly charge the tenants seasonal usage (high in winter/low in summer) and when there's not equal gas appliances between the units?  I'm unable to come up with a solid solution here (adding a separate gas meter is too expensive.) I'm hoping that I'm not the only one that's encountered this.  TIA!

Gino Barbaro · Answer

@Shannon Brill

What would it cost to convert the other range to gas? Bringing in the line and buying a new stove? I would also look into a propane tank for the gas stove.

Gino

Erick Salvatierra · Answer

Hello Shannon, have you also implemented RUBs for electrical utility? I've recently started building a software application that allows for behind the meter aggregation for both electrical and gas utilities. We are still working on connectivity for VA utilities. Happy to connect.

Ricardo R. · Answer

@Shannon Brill we like RUBS too but for larger bldgs.  -- If the units are the same footprint, then why not just do 50/50 on utilities for each side and 100% when one is vacant. This is quite common and we have many duplexes we do this way and haven't had any hassle and in actuality it is much easier for everyone.

The issue with RUBS is that it is fluid and it hinges on the # of occupants and this poses issues: 1) A child uses less than an adult; 2) a worker from home uses more than one that drives to work; 3) A couple may have a child during tenancy which they fail to divulge; 4) friends and family may visit for a few days during holidays.... etc. etc. etc.  --- and... these issues become issues for the other Tenant and then turns you into the constant 'utility police' because you constantly have to monitor # of occupants... eww.

50/50 is simple and simply understood and 100% while vacant is also simply understood. And you can tailor it to you, so 1) You certainly don't have to charge 100% while vacant (dependent on bldg. layout, thermostat access, etc.) and 2) You can tailor the Gas/Electric as you have brought up so maybe 50/50 all except 60 unit 1/40 unit 2 for electricity... etc.

Sure one unit may have more occupants than the other, etc. but this is quite simply the simplest way and quite arguably the fairest way because of the issues with rubs above ; ESPECIALLY when this understood by the Tenant before moving in -- instead of focusing on utilities for the individual (RUBS) you are focusing on utilities for the space. Just a different method.

Ricardo R. · Answer

@Shannon Brill I think you might be overthinking this for a duplex. Is RUBS required in your area? If not, what is the sq.ft. of each unit and how many bedrooms in each?