Submetering vs. RUBS: The Best Water Billing System for Your Property 

For multifamily property owners, choosing the right water billing system is crucial. Should you install a submetering system or use the Ratio Utility Billing System (RUBS)? This decision impacts cost recovery, tenant satisfaction, and even long-term property value. Understanding the differences between these two methods can help you make an informed choice that benefits both your tenants and your bottom line. 

Water utility costs can fluctuate significantly, making flat-fee arrangements risky for property owners. If tenants use more water than expected, owners absorb the additional costs. A structured billing system, such as submetering or RUBS, ensures costs are allocated more fairly and financial risks are minimized.  

Overview: Water Submetering vs. RUBS 

Both submetering and RUBS are designed to bill residents for water usage, but they operate differently: 

• Submetering: Each unit has an individual water meter, tracking actual consumption and ensuring fair, precise billing. 

• RUBS: Water costs are distributed among tenants based on a predetermined formula, considering factors like unit size or occupancy, without measuring actual usage. 

The billing method you choose will directly affect tenant relationships, property expenses, and conservation efforts. While RUBS may seem easier to implement, submetering provides transparency and promotes responsible water usage. 

The Advantages of Water Submetering 

Submetering is the gold standard for water billing in multifamily properties. Here’s why: 

✔ Fair and accurate billing 
Residents pay only for what they use, eliminating disputes over unfair cost allocation. 

✔ Encourages water conservation 
When tenants see their actual usage, they become more mindful of their water consumption, reducing waste. 

✔ Detects leaks early 
Submetering systems identify irregular usage patterns, allowing property owners to catch leaks before they cause major damage. 

✔ Boosts property value 
Properties with submetering systems are more attractive to investors and buyers due to their efficiency and sustainability benefits. 

✔ Compliance with regulations 
Many municipalities favor submetering, as it aligns with water conservation initiatives and local regulations. 

Potential Challenges: 

• Higher upfront costs: Installation requires an initial investment, but it pays off through reduced water waste and improved cost recovery. 

• Ongoing maintenance: Regular meter checks and servicing ensure optimal performance. 

• Tenant education: Residents need to understand how submetering works and its benefits. 

Despite these challenges, submetering offers long-term savings and a more sustainable property management approach. 

RUBS: A Quick but Imperfect Solution 

RUBS is often chosen for its lower upfront costs, but it comes with significant drawbacks: 

✔ Lower Initial Investment 
No need for additional hardware or meter installations. 

✔ Easy to Implement 
RUBS can be set up quickly without major modifications to existing plumbing systems. 

However, RUBS lacks precision and fairness: 

✖ Perceived unfairness 
Tenants share costs based on estimates, not actual usage, leading to complaints and disputes. 

✖ No leak detection 
Since usage isn’t tracked individually, leaks often go undetected, resulting in higher costs. 

✖ No incentive to conserve 
Without real-time feedback, tenants have little motivation to reduce water waste. 

While RUBS may work as a temporary solution, it does not provide the long-term financial and environmental benefits of submetering. 

Why Submetering is the Better Choice for Property Owners 

When weighing your options, consider these key factors: 

• Financial efficiency: Submetering provides long-term savings by eliminating excess water use and ensuring tenants cover their actual consumption. 

• Tenant satisfaction: Fair billing reduces conflicts and enhances tenant retention. 

• Environmental responsibility: With growing concerns about water scarcity, submetering aligns with sustainable property management practices. 

• Regulatory compliance: Some jurisdictions prohibit RUBS, while others encourage submetering for its accuracy and conservation benefits. 

If your goal is to maximize efficiency, fairness, and long-term profitability, submetering is the clear winner. 

Implementing Submetering with Mainlink 

Choosing the right submetering provider is just as important as selecting the system itself. Mainlink offers state-of-the-art ultrasonic water meters with IP68 protection, ensuring durability and high accuracy. Our smart metering solutions help property owners track usage in real-time, detect leaks instantly, and simplify billing management. 

Key Benefits of Partnering with Mainlink: 

• Advanced ultrasonic metering technology for precise readings. 

• Remote monitoring capabilities for effortless management. 

• Seamless integration with property management systems. 

• Expert support to guide you through installation and implementation. 

Conclusion 

While RUBS may appear convenient, submetering offers unmatched accuracy, fairness, and sustainability. With individual meters tracking water usage, property owners can recover costs more effectively, tenants enjoy fair billing, and overall water consumption is reduced. 

Make the smart choice with Mainlink. Contact us today to learn how our submetering solutions can benefit your property and help you reduce water costs while promoting responsible water usage.