What advantages RUBS (Ratio Utility Billing System) have over sub-metering for a multifamily owner?

Good question.

First, RUBS (Ratio Utility Billing System) is far cheaper and faster to implement. Sub-metering requires paying to install a meter on each unit so they are individually metered for utilities.

An alternative to sub-metering is RUBS (Ratio Utility Billing System). Rubs is a formula based solution to calculate the share of utility costs to each tenant. This is typically based on the number of tenants, square footage of the units, number of bathrooms, etc.

Some of the key benefits to RUBS are that it is easy and cost effective to implement. Tenant spaces do not need to be intruded on compared to sub-metering. It also encourages tenants to conserve.

As an owner the ability to recover utility costs is important. However, if you plan on implementing RUBS on your multifamily property you need to do so with a RUBS consultant. Each state and municipality sets rules on what can be used as criteria for RUBS. For example, some states, such as Texas, ban the use solely based on square footage.

The new investors that do the best in multifamily don't look for apartment communities to invest in on Loopnet. Instead, they look to find experienced apartment investors that will let them invest into their deals. Being a limited partner you will avoid all the problems a general partner faces. If you go this route, you will have a lot less work.

If you are the type of person that wants to do things the easier and more efficient way, I created a group that can help you learn how to invest.

My group, the Benjamin Z Miller Investor Networking Group, meets every Sunday on Zoom. I created the group for new and experienced investors to network and make more contacts.

If you would like to learn more about multifamily investing, you should join the Benjamin Z Miller Investor Networking Group.
Once you attend one of the Sunday meetings you will receive a Google Sheets document with the phone and email of the other investors that attended.

From there you can reach out to numerous multifamily investors. I also am good friends with some of the best well known multifamily investors so if you need an introduction to a particular investor in some cases I can help you.

Before you do any investing you should invest more time and money in your financial and legal education. I offer education and training to new investors, landlords, engineers, doctors and dentists, and many others that would like to learn how to enjoy the benefits of multifamily as quickly as possible. If that sounds interesting contact my office by going to www.benjaminzmiller.com and fill out the contact form.

You also can register at meetup.com at the link below:

https://www.meetup.com/benjamin-z-millers-investor-networking-group/

I hope that helps and good luck with your investing!

Benjamin Z Miller
www.benjaminzmiller.com
1-817-203-4160
ben@benjaminzmiller.com
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