How to Bill Tenants Using RUBS

Question

Are there any landlords who have a system setup for billing tenants using RUBS? I’m looking to setup a billing system for the tenants or use a 3rd party service. Any recommendations?

Brian Briscoe · Answer

Good.  That's the first step.  Now, it's not just whether they're allowed, it's how you're required to implement the RUBS. Are there rules for how you split the billing among tenants -- for example by number of bedrooms, square footage of apartment, etc.?  Like I said, if you decide to go on your own instead of a 3rd party, you need to know the details about the local laws to keep yourself out of court...

Lucas Lawson · Answer

@Brian Briscoe Thank you! They are allowed here in Kentucky.

Lucas Lawson · Answer

@Alex Olson Thank you for the advice!

Brian Briscoe · Answer

@Lucas Lawson - check local regulations before you go out on your own.  We primarily operate in SC and can generally bill whatever we want for utilities (we just can't make a profit off of it though).  Other states require individual meters if you want to pass the cost to tenants... that can be expensive up front.

While I don't have a good 3rd party reference for you, a good PM in your area should be able to give you a referral that knows the local regulations.

Alex Olson · Answer

Bill back a simple set amount. Keep it simple and fair. This way there are no complaints and is easy to keep track of. Take a year average or guestimate and use that as the charge each month. Hope that helps!