Implementation of RUBS in Gastonia

[Josh Stack]

Does anyone have experience implementing RUBS in Gastonia or even Gaston County?  If no one in this area, has anyone done it with success in Charlotte, North Carolina?

Have you done it successfully?  Any specific challenges in getting the bill back up and running or tenants rolled over into the new program?

[Account Closed]

Hi @Josh Stack,   RUBS is not allowed in North Carolina so you'll need to sub-meter the property.  On average we've spent around $200 per unit to submeter our units in Charlotte and Gastonia.   Not all properties are immediate candidates for sub-metering.  For example, we have a large apartment complex under contract where we won't be able to submeter because the units don't have individual shut-off valves for the water.  We are working on an alternate solution but it will require re-doing a lot of the plumbing, a venture that is very costly but if done right will save us $$$.

Sub-metering the property is only step one.  Step two is the implementation.  We've taken the approach of doing the installation and only clawing back water costs when we renew the lease or on new leases.  Depending on the size of the property this could mean that it will take up to a year to implement across the property.     

In terms of savings, you need to look at the water bills and determine how much of what you're paying today is water vs. sewer charges.   Changes are that you can claw back 80% of your water expenses, but sewer expenses may not be that easy. 

Reach out to Guardian Water & Power.  That's the company we've used and are very happy with their level of service.  

Hope this helps!