RUBS Utility Billing Rules for Renters in New Hampshire

If you rent an apartment in New Hampshire, you may encounter a billing practice called RUBS (Ratio Utility Billing System). Understanding how RUBS works, your rights, and what to do if you have concerns about your utility bills can help you avoid confusion and resolve issues effectively.

What is RUBS Utility Billing?

RUBS stands for Ratio Utility Billing System. With RUBS, landlords divide the property's utility costs among tenants using a set formula or ratio, which might be based on occupancy, square footage, or another agreed measure. Unlike individual metering, RUBS estimates each renter’s share instead of tracking exact usage. This practice is commonly used in apartments where installing separate meters for each unit isn’t practical.

• You’ll receive a bill based on a calculation, not your actual usage.
• Utility types covered by RUBS may include water, sewer, trash, or sometimes gas and electricity.

Is RUBS Legal in New Hampshire?

Currently, New Hampshire’s landlord-tenant law does not explicitly ban or strictly regulate RUBS utility billing.^[1] However, landlords must clearly disclose utility arrangements in the lease. State law requires that any utility service paid for by the tenant, not included in the rent, be spelled out in the rental agreement. The New Hampshire Judicial Branch is the main authority for tenant disputes and resolutions.^[2]

Key Requirements for Utility Billing

• Lease Disclosure: Your lease must clearly describe who is responsible for which utilities and how the payment amount is determined.
• Fair Calculation: Landlords should use a reasonable and consistent methodology for RUBS calculations. If you are unsure, ask to see an explanation or written breakdown.
• Billing Disputes: If you believe you’ve been wrongly charged, discuss it with your landlord first. If unresolved, you may seek help from the New Hampshire Circuit Court’s landlord-tenant division.

How Does RUBS Affect Renters?

For renters, RUBS can mean variable utility payments month-to-month. While some see a benefit in promoting shared responsibility, you may be concerned if you believe you’re paying more than your fair share.

Relevant Forms for Renters

• Motion to Determine Rent or Utility Charges (Form NHJB-2333-LT):
  Use this form if you dispute a utility charge and want the court to decide. For example, if your RUBS bill seems unfair and discussions with your landlord haven’t helped. Access official Motion to Determine Rent or Utility Charges (NHJB-2333-LT).

To file, complete the form and submit it to your local Circuit Court - District Division. More guidance is available on the official landlord-tenant page of the New Hampshire Judicial Branch.

How to File a Utility Billing Dispute in New Hampshire

If you feel your RUBS billing is incorrect or unfair, you can follow these steps:

• Review your lease and any written utility policies.
• Contact your landlord in writing with your specific billing concerns and request a response.
• If unresolved, consider mediation or file a Motion to Determine Rent or Utility Charges with the New Hampshire Circuit Court.

This process can clarify your rights, resolve disputes, and may help avoid further escalation or eviction proceedings.

Your Rights Under New Hampshire Law

• Landlords cannot disconnect water or essential utilities as a means of pressuring tenants.
• Any charge for utilities not specified in your agreement may be contested.
• The New Hampshire Residential Rental Agreements Act (RSA 540-A) describes tenant protections and landlord obligations.
• The New Hampshire Circuit Court Landlord-Tenant Division handles tenant utility dispute hearings.

The above ensures your landlord adheres to legal standards regarding utility services, billing, and disclosure.

FAQ: RUBS Utility Billing in New Hampshire

1. Can my landlord use RUBS without telling me in advance?
   No. Your lease must clearly state if RUBS or any utility cost-sharing method will be used. If not, you may dispute additional charges.
2. What should I do if my utility bill seems unusually high?
   First, ask your landlord for a breakdown. If you’re unsatisfied, write a formal dispute and, if needed, file a Motion to Determine Rent or Utility Charges using Form NHJB-2333-LT.
3. Is it legal for my landlord to bill me for utilities my unit does not use?
   No. You should only be charged for utilities actually used for your unit, calculated by a fair and disclosed method. Disputes can be brought to the court.
4. What is the official government tribunal for tenant disputes in New Hampshire?
   The New Hampshire Circuit Court – Landlord and Tenant Division is the authority that hears tenant utility billing complaints and related matters.
5. Can my landlord disconnect my utilities if I dispute the bill?
   No. Landlords are not permitted to shut off essential utilities due to billing disputes or late payment.

Conclusion: What New Hampshire Renters Should Know about RUBS

• RUBS utility billing is allowed but must be disclosed and fairly applied in your lease.
• If you dispute a utility bill, document your concerns and reach out first to your landlord, then the Circuit Court if needed.
• Your rights and protections are detailed in the New Hampshire Residential Rental Agreements Act.

Staying informed and proactive can help ensure your utility costs are accurate and fairly shared.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• New Hampshire Circuit Court – Landlord and Tenant Division: Official tribunal for filing utility billing and other tenancy disputes.
• New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority: Housing help, rights guides, and contact info for renters.
• New Hampshire Department of Justice – Tenant & Landlord Complaints: Submit a formal complaint or receive mediation assistance.

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1. New Hampshire Residential Rental Agreements Act (RSA 540-A)
2. New Hampshire Circuit Court Landlord-Tenant Division

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