9 Factors When Choosing a RUBS Company
Last reviewed by NES Editorial · September 2026
RUBS companies provide very different levels of service. If you own or manage multifamily real estate, weigh these nine things before you choose.
- Typical utility savings
- 15-30%Typical utility savings
- Equipment to install
- $0Equipment to install
- When recovery starts
- 1st cycleWhen recovery starts
- States served
- 43+States served
What should I look for in a RUBS billing company?
Look at nine things: company history, transparent pricing with no hidden fees, whether the company is privately held, customer reviews, direct referrals from current properties, vacant cost recovery, in-house customer service, online payment options, and software integrations with your rent roll and accounting systems. RUBS companies differ widely in service, and these are what separate a reliable partner from a risky one.
The 9 factors to weigh
- Company history. Verify the company's track record so you do not choose an inexperienced provider
- Pricing. Get setup, ongoing, and cancellation fees upfront, and confirm there are no hidden costs
- Private or public company. Privately held firms answer to clients, not quarterly earnings, so service and pricing tend to stay stable through ownership changes
- Customer reviews. Check Google reviews for honest feedback from current clients
- Referrals. Ask for a few properties to contact about their experience
- Vacant recovery. Verify the company offers vacant cost recovery services
- Customer service. Confirm there is an in-house support center for resident questions
- Payment options. Compare the online resident and manager portal and how easy it is to pay
- Software integrations. Verify the company integrates with your rent roll and accounting software
Is RUBS better than submetering?
Submetering is the most accurate form of utility billing because it measures each resident's exact usage. In some buildings it is not possible to install submeters on the incoming water lines due to lack of space, and RUBS is the best solution there. NES does both and recommends the one that fits your property.
RUBS or submetering?
RUBS estimates each unit’s share with a formula. Submetering measures each unit’s actual use with a meter. RUBS is faster and lower cost to start and works where meters cannot be added, while submetering is more precise and is required in some places. NES does both and recommends the one that fits your property and the local rules.
Compare submetering and RUBSGeneral information only, not legal advice. RUBS rules vary by state, county, and city and change often, and some places do not allow RUBS at all. Confirm the current rules for your address with your local authority or a qualified attorney, or let the NES compliance team verify them for you.
9 Factors When Choosing a RUBS Company
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