RUBS Utility Billing Rules for New York Renters

When renting an apartment in New York, understanding how utilities are billed is essential. Many renters come across something called the RUBS system—short for "Ratio Utility Billing System." This method can impact your monthly costs, so it’s important to know your rights and responsibilities as a tenant in New York State.

What Is RUBS Utility Billing?

RUBS (Ratio Utility Billing System) is a method landlords use to divide utility costs (like water, gas, or electricity) among tenants based on a formula. Instead of separate meters for each unit, landlords use factors such as apartment size or number of occupants to allocate a share of total building utility bills.

• Pros: Avoids costly submeter installation, can encourage conservation
• Cons: May be less precise, bills can vary month-to-month

Is RUBS Utility Billing Allowed in New York?

Yes, RUBS is allowed in New York for most market-rate apartments, but there are regulations and important disclosures required. For rent-regulated units (such as rent-stabilized or rent-controlled apartments), the rules are much stricter, and landlords usually cannot impose RUBS charges without approval from the state.

• Market-rate apartments: RUBS may be used, but check your lease terms.
• Rent-regulated apartments: Extra rules apply and approval is often necessary. See information from the New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR).

Your Rights and Protections Under New York Law

New York State Real Property Law requires landlords to be transparent about utility billing. The lease must clearly state:

• Which utilities you are responsible for
• How costs are calculated (including if RUBS is used)

Additionally, the New York State Department of Public Service has authority over utility services and submetering practices. For specific rules relating to submetered billing, visit the Utility Bill of Rights.

What to Do If You Have Concerns About RUBS Billing

If you think your RUBS charges are unfair, unexplained, or violate your lease or state law, you can take steps to address your concerns:

• Ask your landlord for a detailed explanation or breakdown of how RUBS charges are calculated for your unit.
• Check your lease for specific utility billing clauses.
• For rent-regulated units, file a formal complaint with the New York State HCR Office of Rent Administration.
• For submetering or billing disputes in market-rate units, contact the New York State Department of Public Service.

Sample Official Form: HCR Administrative Complaint Form (RA-89)

This form is used if you live in a rent-regulated apartment and believe your landlord is improperly charging for utilities (including RUBS). You can use it to request an official review.

• When to use: When your landlord charges separate utility costs not permitted for regulated apartments.
• How to use: Complete Form RA-89, then submit it to the Office of Rent Administration as directed on the form.

Which State Agency Handles Complaints?

For most tenant-landlord issues in New York, including utility billing, the main tribunal is the New York City Housing Court (for NYC) or local Civil Court. Rent-regulated tenants should contact the Office of Rent Administration (ORA), NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR).

What Does New York State Law Say?

Utility billing for renters in New York is mainly governed by the New York State Real Property Law and oversight from agencies like HCR and the Department of Public Service.¹

Summary of Key Rights and Steps

• RUBS must be clearly described in your lease.
• Rent-regulated tenants have extra protections and must not be charged in violation of state rules.
• If you feel your charges are unfair, you have the right to request an explanation and file a complaint with the relevant state agency.

1. Can my landlord charge me for electricity using RUBS if I’m in a rent-stabilized apartment?
   Generally, no—landlords must obtain specific permission from the state before imposing new utility charges on rent-regulated tenants. Check with HCR for guidance.
2. How do I file a complaint about unfair RUBS utility billing?
   If rent-regulated, submit the HCR Administrative Complaint Form (RA-89). If market-rate, contact the Department of Public Service.
3. What information should my landlord give me about RUBS billing?
   Your landlord should disclose how utilities are calculated and your share. This must be in your lease agreement.
4. Where can I learn more about my rights regarding utility billing in New York?
   Read the NY Real Property Law and visit the HCR website on rent regulation.
5. Are there penalties for landlords who violate these rules?
   Yes. If found in violation, landlords may be ordered to refund overcharges and face other penalties from HCR or the courts.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) Contact Page – Help for rent-regulated tenants
• NY Department of Public Service Consumer Assistance – Utility billing and complaints
• NYC Housing Court Information
• NYC Tenant Legal Assistance Resources

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1. New York State Real Property Law governs landlord-tenant relations and utility billing disclosure.
2. NY Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) oversees regulated apartment rules and complaints.
3. Utility Bill of Rights (New York DPS) outlines consumer protections for utility bills.

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