Submetering Apartments in Chicago
Last reviewed by NES Editorial · September 2026
NES has submetered apartments since 1968 and runs water submetering for Chicago multifamily properties end to end.
Chicago multifamily owners deal with two layers of rules: state law, which caps what residents pay at the utility's actual charge and lets them request a copy of the master bill, and the city's utility cost disclosure ordinance for tenant-paid heat. NES submeters water for Chicago buildings, handles the lease disclosures, and runs the reads and resident billing in-house. We also serve Naperville, Aurora, Joliet, and the rest of the metro.
Is submetering apartments legal in Chicago?
Water submetering is in wide use across Illinois, and under the Rental Property Utility Service Act and Tenant Utility Payment Disclosure Act (765 ILCS 735 and 740) an owner who allocates a master-metered bill must disclose the formula and cannot bill more than the utility charges. Water and electric RUBS allocation are allowed, with administrative fees disclosed in the lease. Gas submetering is not allowed in Illinois. The Illinois Commerce Commission oversees utilities. NES tracks every requirement so your property stays compliant.
Why apartment owners in Chicago submeter
- Residents pay for what their unit uses, so water consumption usually drops 15 to 30 percent.
- Leaks get caught fast instead of showing up on the next month's bill.
- Common-area water is measured and billed accurately, not absorbed by the owner.
- Most apartment installs pay for themselves within 12 to 18 months.
What submetering is
Submetering puts a meter on each apartment and bills residents for the water, gas, and electric they actually use. The idea has been around since the 1920s. Today’s meters read wirelessly every day, so usage is accurate and leaks show up fast instead of on the next bill.
Apartment submetering rules in Chicago
Water submetering is in wide use across Chicago. When a master bill is allocated, Chicago residents get the written formula and the total billed cannot exceed the utility's charge. Water and electric RUBS are allowed, with administrative fees disclosed in the lease, while gas submetering is not allowed.
- Water submetering is in wide use across Illinois apartments, with each unit's usage measured and the billing terms set in the lease
- Under the Rental Property Utility Service Act and the Tenant Utility Payment Disclosure Act (765 ILCS 735 and 740), an owner who allocates a master-metered bill must give residents the written allocation formula, and the total billed cannot exceed the utility's charge
- Owners cannot switch residents from landlord-paid to tenant-paid utilities during a lease term and must give at least 30 days notice before a change (765 ILCS 735/1.2)
- Water and electric RUBS allocation are allowed in Illinois, with any administrative fees disclosed in the lease, while gas submetering is not allowed
- Electric and gas service is overseen by the Illinois Commerce Commission, and NES tracks the current requirements
Local rules can vary by city and county, and some cities set their own requirements, which NES verifies for your exact address.
Official sources: Illinois Commerce Commission · 765 ILCS 735 (Rental Property Utility Service Act) · 765 ILCS 740 (Tenant Utility Payment Disclosure Act) · Chicago Heating Cost Disclosure Rules (Municipal Code Ch. 5-16)
General information only, not legal advice. Confirm current rules with the Illinois Commerce Commission or a qualified attorney.
Apartment submetering around Chicago
- Chicago
- Naperville
- Aurora
- Joliet
- Rockford
NES serves communities across Illinois. If your city is not listed, we very likely cover it.
Properties NES submeters
- Apartment communities
- Condominiums
- Townhomes
- Mobile home parks
- Student housing
- New construction and existing properties
NES specializes in multifamily properties with 80 or more units.
Submetering apartments in Chicago
See what your Chicago apartments can recover.
Send us your master-meter bills and unit count. We’ll run the numbers on your actual property and reply within one business day with a clear, no-obligation estimate.