RUBS Lease Language and/or Addendums

[Michael Laskowski]

Was researching RUBS and possible implementation to offset some water and sewer utility bills that are master metered for a triplex I own in CT and was looking for sample lease language. My unit is too small for the companies that offer RUBS services in my state but the savings justifies still doing it even if it's manual for now however I want to make sure the lease language is appropriate and covers all the necessary explanation (if necessary) so I can implement and enforce properly in my leases. Does anyone have any go-by or sample language for a lease to address Water/Waste Water RUBS they wouldn't mind sharing?

Also any comments positive or negative on their experience with implementing RUBS?

All the best!

[Ceril S.]

We use RUBS on a couple properties that have a master meter.  Not sure if our lease language is strong enough and I'm open to suggestions to make it stronger.

This is what we use:

Utilities:

Tenant will pay all utility charges, except for Sewer and Garbage, which will be paid by Landlord.

Example

1210 sq ft

1210/2180=0.56

2

 2/3=0.67

970 sq ft

 970/2180=.44

1

 1/3=0.33

In the case that either apartment is vacant, remaining household occupant will be responsible for 90% of the water bill and the Landlord will pay the remaining 10% for use in preparing the vacant apartment for a new tenant.  Water bill is due on the same day as rent and is subject to conditions of lease as "additional rent" including, but not limited to, late fees.   *Tenant may request hard copies of Water usage records in writing at any time, please allow office several business days to fulfill this request.

So far, we have not had any question about the determination of the bill and we do it manually, which is kind of a pain, but better than paying for their water out of my pocket!

(Sorry, the example was a table but it did not copy onto the forum in it's table format - hopefully you get the drift)