Submetering for Apartment Communities
Last reviewed September 2026NES Editorial, checked by the Billing & Compliance team
NES installs the submeters and runs billing and collections for your apartment community, so residents pay for what they use and you recover the cost.
- Typical water savings
- 15-30%Typical water savings
- Typical payback
- ~12 moTypical payback
- Meter reads
- DailyMeter reads
- States served
- 43+States served
Can submetering recover utility expenses at an apartment community?
Yes. When an apartment community submeters water, owners typically see 15 to 30 percent in water savings, plus recovered utility cost because residents pay for what they use. Water, gas, and electric can all be submetered, and water is the most common starting point. NES installs the meters and manages billing and collections, and most properties earn back the cost in 12 to 18 months.
What utilities can be submetered
Every major utility can be submetered, and water, gas, and electric are the most common. Water is where most apartment communities start, because it is often the largest recoverable expense.
Benefits for apartment communities
- Detects underground leaks before they cause damage
- Common-area utilities can be billed to residents where local rules allow
- Higher property value from the increased cash flow
- Vacant cost recovery is available, which adds to the utility savings
- Most properties earn back the cost in 12 to 18 months, and some sooner
What types of real estate can be submetered
All types of real estate can be submetered. NES serves new construction and existing properties, those with equipment in place and those that need it, and specializes in properties with 80 or more multifamily units, including apartment communities, mobile home parks, townhomes, and condominiums.
Not sure submetering fits your property?
Start with a free assessment. Send NES your master-meter bills and unit count, and the team will confirm feasibility, estimate your return, and recommend the right method for your property, with no obligation.
Submetering for Apartment Communities
See what your property 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.