RUBS Utility Billing Rules for New Jersey Renters

Understanding your rights about utility billing is essential if you rent a home in New Jersey. If you see utility charges on your bill under something called "RUBS," you might have questions. We’ll break down what RUBS utility billing means, your renter protections in New Jersey, and what to do if you have concerns about these charges.

What Is RUBS Utility Billing?

RUBS stands for Ratio Utility Billing System, a method some landlords use to split utility costs (like water, sewer, or trash) among rental units when homes don’t have separate meters. Utilities are divided based on factors such as unit size, number of occupants, or number of bedrooms—not actual usage.

• RUBS does not measure your exact usage; it’s an allocation system.
• New Jersey law allows RUBS, but landlords must follow strict disclosure and fairness rules.
• Utilities like gas and electric are typically required by the state to be individually metered and billed directly by the utility company.

Key New Jersey RUBS Rules for Renters

• Full Disclosure: Your lease must clearly state that RUBS billing will be used, including how charges are calculated.
• No Overcharging: Landlords cannot charge more than the total actual cost billed by the utility provider.
• Access to Billing Records: Renters can request documentation of utility charges and allocation methods.
• Utility Service Protections: If you're being asked to pay for a utility the landlord is responsible for, you have the right to contest these charges.

These basic protections come from the New Jersey Truth-in-Renting Act and related regulations.^[1]

What to Do If You Think RUBS Charges Are Unfair

If you believe your RUBS utilities are being incorrectly calculated, or your landlord isn’t following disclosure rules, you can take action:

• Request a written breakdown and the supporting documentation.
• Discuss the issue in writing with your landlord—ask for clarification.
• If unresolved, you can file a complaint with the state or local housing agency.

Filing a Utility Complaint in New Jersey

If your concerns are not addressed, you can file a complaint with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) Bureau of Housing Inspection or, for utility shut-offs, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU).

• NJ Department of Community Affairs Complaint Form: Use this when your landlord’s billing practices may violate rental housing regulations.
  DCA Tenant Complaint Form (no number).
  Example: If your RUBS bill seems to exceed actual costs or the lease disclosure is unclear, complete the form and submit it by mail to the DCA Bureau of Housing Inspection.
• BPU Formal Complaint Form: For utility service problems (like illegal disconnects or if required metering rules are not followed).
  BPU Utility Complaint Portal.
  Example: If your landlord disconnects water for nonpayment of disputed RUBS utility charges, file through the BPU portal.

Residential tenancy disputes are handled by the New Jersey Superior Court – Special Civil Part, Landlord/Tenant Section, which oversees all official complaints about rental issues.^[2]

Relevant Legislation

• The main rental law protecting New Jersey tenants is the New Jersey Truth-in-Renting Act.
• Utility shut-off and metering regulations are governed by the BPU Utility Service Rules (N.J.A.C. 14:3).

FAQ: RUBS Utility Billing in New Jersey

1. Can my landlord use RUBS in New Jersey?
   Yes, but only for utilities that are not required to be individually metered, and only if the allocation formula is disclosed and fair.
2. Do I have to pay RUBS charges if they’re not written in my lease?
   No. Charges must be clearly described in your written lease before they’re enforceable.
3. Where can I file a complaint about unfair RUBS bills?
   You should first contact your landlord. If unresolved, file with the DCA Bureau of Housing Inspection or the BPU for utility-related issues.
4. Are heating, gas, and electric utilities allowed to be billed by RUBS?
   Usually not. These utilities must be individually metered and billed directly by utility companies where possible.
5. What documents can I request from my landlord about RUBS?
   You can request the landlord’s utility bills, the allocation formula, and your unit’s calculation details.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for New Jersey Renters

• RUBS utility billing is legal in New Jersey, but only with full lease disclosure and fairness.
• Renters can request written records and detailed explanations of charges at any time.
• You may file an official complaint using state-provided forms if you believe your landlord is misusing RUBS or not following utility rules.

Understanding and using your rights protects you from unfair or unclear utility billing practices.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• NJ Department of Community Affairs: Bureau of Housing Inspection – File complaints about utility billing or habitability.
• NJ Board of Public Utilities (BPU) – Help with shut-offs, metering, and utility rules.
• Legal Services of New Jersey – Free advice and tenant advocacy services.
• Special Civil Part, Landlord/Tenant Section – NJ Courts – Handles rental disputes and eviction matters.

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1. See: New Jersey Truth-in-Renting Act
2. See: New Jersey Courts – Special Civil Part, Landlord/Tenant Section

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