At Coastline Equity, we believe that fair and transparent utility billing is essential. That is why many of our multi-tenant properties use RUBS, or the Ratio Utility Billing System, to allocate shared utility costs in a way that reflects real usage and household size.

Whether you are new to RUBS or just want to better understand your bill, here is everything you need to know.

What Is RUBS?

RUBS is a utility billing method that divides the cost of shared services among residents based on measurable factors. Instead of relying on individual meters, which can be costly to install and maintain, RUBS uses a standardized formula that considers:

• Unit size

• Number of occupants

• Overall building characteristics

Utilities Typically Billed Through RUBS:

• Water and sewer

• Trash and recycling

• Gas and electricity (if shared)

• Common area utility usage

This approach is especially effective in properties that were not originally built with individual metering infrastructure.

Our Recommended RUBS Formula: 50% Occupancy, 50% Square Footage

At Coastline Equity, we use a straightforward and fair approach to RUBS billing. Our standard formula divides utility costs using:

• 50% based on the number of occupants in each unit

• 50% based on the square footage of each unit

This hybrid model balances two key factors that influence utility usage:

• Occupancy reflects actual human activity, such as how often water is used, how many showers are taken, and how much electricity is consumed.

• Square footage accounts for heating, cooling, and lighting needs, which scale with the size of the space.

By combining both elements equally, we ensure that utility charges are more accurately and fairly distributed across all residents.

If your building has unique characteristics, we may adjust this formula slightly, but our goal is always to use the fairest and most consistent method available.

Why Property Owners Use RUBS

Fair Cost Allocation

RUBS ensures each household pays a fair share based on expected consumption. Residents who use more utilities contribute more, while those who use less avoid subsidizing others.

Cost Efficiency

Installing individual utility meters can be expensive and time-consuming. RUBS reduces those upfront and ongoing costs, allowing property managers to maintain more affordable housing.

Encourages Conservation

When residents see direct utility charges, they are more likely to monitor usage. Over time, this leads to lower consumption and benefits both the environment and residents' budgets.

How RUBS Is Calculated

Each Coastline Equity property uses a custom RUBS formula tailored to the specifics of that building. These formulas typically account for:

• Unit Square Footage: Larger units are assumed to use more utilities.

• Number of Occupants: More people generally means higher usage.

• Seasonal and Operational Variables: Building age, efficiency, climate, and shared facilities are all factored into the allocation model.

The goal is to distribute costs fairly while remaining compliant with local utility billing regulations.

Calculate the impact of RUBS on your property