Streamlining Utility Payments for Multi-Family Properties

As a renter in an apartment complex or multi-family housing unit paying your monthly utility bill can feel like a hassle. Writing checks mailing in payments, and keeping track of due dates takes time. Fortunately, specialized utility billing services are available to simplify utility payments for renters and property managers alike.

Overview of Multi-Family Utility Billing

In an apartment, condo, townhouse, or other multi-family property, individual utility billing is often handled through submetering and RUBS (Ratio Utility Billing Systems). Instead of residents getting billed directly by the utility provider, the property management utilizes a third-party company to bill each tenant for their share of utilities.

The property has master utility meters that track total usage. This usage is then divided up and billed back to each resident based on factors like square footage or number of occupants. Residents pay their portion of the utilities to the billing provider.

For residents, these consolidated utility bills are more convenient than setting up accounts with multiple utility companies. Property managers also benefit from centralized billing and cost recovery.

Main Providers of Multi-Family Utility Billing

There are a handful of major companies that provide third-party utility billing services for apartments, condos, student housing, manufactured homes, RV parks, and other multi-family properties across the U.S.

Some of the top providers include:

• Banyan Utility Services – Serving 50 states with utility billing, benchmarking, auditing, and more

• Conservice – Utility management for over 2 million multi-family units

• Entrata – Property management software with integrated utility billing

• Resident Utility Billing Services (RUBS) – Specialists in RUBS billing since 1989

• PowerInbox – Digital billing and resident engagement platform

• Yardi – Real estate management suite including utility expense management

These companies handle everything from meter readings to billing to payments to customer service. Residents can access their accounts online or via mobile apps to view statements and make payments.

Getting Started with Multi-Family Utility Payments

If you move into an apartment or rental home that utilizes submetering and third-party utility billing, getting set up is quick and easy:

1. Receive Welcome Info – Your property manager will provide details on the billing company, account access, payment options, and due dates.

2. Create Online Account – Sign up on the billing provider’s website to access your account online.

3. Make a Payment – When your first bill arrives, pay online via bank account, debit card, credit card, or check. Establish recurring payments.

4. Go Paperless – Opt into paperless billing to receive statements electronically going forward.

5. Get Support If Needed – Reach out to customer service with any questions as you get started.

Be sure to pay your utility bills on time each month, just as you would directly through a utility company. Late fees typically apply to past due balances.

Benefits of Multi-Family Utility Billing

Third-party billing for apartment and rental properties offers a number of advantages:

Simplified payment – No need to set up multiple utility accounts. Pay all utilities in one place.

Online account access – View statements, make payments, and manage profile 24/7.

Mobile apps – Pay bills on-the-go with iPhone and Android apps.

Automatic payments – Set and forget recurring bill payments.

Consolidated billing – Just one bill for all utilities each month.

Customer service – Support agents can help with any account issues.

Cost recovery for owners – Properties recoup utility expenses directly from residents.

For residents, it provides convenience. For property managers, it enables expense tracking and cost allocation.

Paying Your Multi-Family Utilities Bill

When your monthly utility bill arrives from the third-party billing provider, you can pay it through:

• Online portal – Pay by e-check or card on the billing site.

• Mobile app – Download the iPhone or Android app to pay.

• Mail – Send a check or money order by mail.

• In person – Some providers have retail locations to make cash payments.

• Phone – Call the toll-free number to pay over the phone.

• Recurring payments – Set up automatic monthly payments from a bank account.

Be sure to pay the full statement balance by the due date to avoid late fees. It’s smart to sign up for paperless billing and automated payments to streamline the process.

Getting Support from Multi-Family Utility Billing Providers

If any questions or issues come up with your multi-family utility billing or payments, reputable providers offer responsive customer service and support:

• Toll-free number – Call anytime to speak with a representative.

• Email support – Reach out with questions or concerns.

• Online self-service – FAQs and account management tools.

• Mobile apps – Message support or chat live within the apps.

• Multilingual service – Many offer phone support in both English and Spanish.

• Extended hours – Weekday, evening, and weekend support.

Look for providers with 24/7 live customer service for the best experience. They understand utilities issues and can quickly resolve payment problems.

Choosing the Best Multi-Family Billing Provider

If you’re a property owner or manager looking for a multi-family utility billing partner, consider:

• Experience – Long track record with proven results and systems.

• Online payments – Robust self-service options for residents.

• Mobile apps – For account access and payments on-the-go.

• Recurring billing – Automate the billing process each month.

• Customer service – Available 24/7 to assist residents.

• Energy management – Provide usage tracking, audits, procurement, etc.

• Integrations – Sync with your property management platform.

• Scalability – Ability to expand services as your portfolio grows.

• Regulatory compliance – Keep up with utility billing laws and regulations.

The right provider can handle billing, payments, support, and more—creating convenience for residents and cost recovery for property owners.

Is Multi-Family Utility Billing Right for You?

Third-party submetering and RUBS billing makes sense if:

• You manage an apartment, condo, townhome, or rental property.

• Tracking resident vs owner utility usage is important.

• You want to recover utility costs through billing.

• Providing easy billing and payment options appeals to residents.

• You lack staff to handle traditional utility billing internally.

• Your properties span multiple states with varying regulations.

For affordable, compliant, and convenient multi-family utility billing, partner with one of the major providers in this space. Both landlords and tenants will appreciate the simplified process.