Start with the facts behind the charge
Apartment utility bills can be based on direct metering, submetering or allocation formulas. To understand a high bill, first identify the billing method and every fee included in the total.
Utility billing tools are live
Identify RUBS, submetering or direct billing first. Then use the utility hub, RUBS calculator and Conservice-specific guides to check the calculation and supporting records.
Documents worth gathering
- Current and prior utility statements
- Lease utility addendum
- Meter or allocation method
- Billing period and occupancy dates
- Administrative and service fees
Questions to work through
- Is usage individually metered, submetered or allocated?
- What formula is used for shared utilities?
- Are common-area or administrative charges included?
- Did occupancy or billing dates change?
- Does the lease explain the billing arrangement?
Verified state guides
The rule can change by state. These RentBillCheck pages have already been checked against primary or official sources.
Educational information only. This guide does not decide whether a particular charge is legal or valid. State law, local rules, lease language, the identity of the collector or creditor, and the evidence can change the answer.