RUBS Utility Billing Rules for Renters in Pennsylvania

Utility bills are an important part of renting in Pennsylvania, but many renters are confused about how costs are calculated, especially when landlords use a system called RUBS. Understanding your rights as a tenant, the legal basics, and how to address concerns will help you handle these charges with confidence.

What Is RUBS Utility Billing?

The Ratio Utility Billing System (RUBS) is a method landlords sometimes use to divide a building’s utility costs—like water, sewer, or trash—among tenants. Instead of individual meters, costs are split based on factors such as the number of occupants, apartment size, or square footage.

• With RUBS, you pay your share of a utility bill, even if you don't have personal control over consumption
• Water, sewer, gas, or garbage may be allocated via this method
• Pennsylvania law lets landlords use RUBS, as long as it’s clearly explained in your written lease and compliant with state and local regulations

If your lease does not mention RUBS or utility allocations, your landlord generally can't charge you this way. Always review your lease for wording about utility billing systems.

Is RUBS Legal in Pennsylvania?

Yes, landlords in Pennsylvania can use RUBS utility billing if specific conditions are met. There must be clear disclosure in the written lease agreement about how utilities will be split and billed. The Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 requires that all terms and obligations involving utility payments be specified in the lease.^[1]

• Some cities, like Philadelphia, may have extra local protections or disclosure requirements for utility billing (see City of Philadelphia Tenant Rights)
• The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) (official PUC website) oversees some aspects of utility services but does not regulate RUBS disputes directly
• If you have questions about legality, you can contact your local housing office or the Attorney General’s Office Landlord-Tenant Complaint Division

If you suspect improper utility billing or excessive charges, complaint options are available.

How Are RUBS Charges Calculated?

Landlords may calculate your utility portion based on:

• Number of apartment occupants
• Total square footage of the rental unit
• Number of bedrooms or bathrooms
• Other fair allocation formulas disclosed in the lease

Always request an itemized statement if you are unsure how your share was determined. Lease agreements should clearly spell out the calculation method.

Your Rights and Billing Disputes

If you believe your RUBS charges are unfair, unauthorized, or excessive, you have specific rights:

• Request a detailed breakdown from your landlord
• Ask for copies of master utility bills
• Contact your local housing agency or file an official complaint

Official Forms and How to Use Them

Filing a utility complaint or reporting landlord violations may require these official forms:

• Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General: Landlord-Tenant Complaint Form – If your landlord violates utility billing rules or your lease, use this form to file a complaint. Find it online here: Landlord-Tenant Complaint Form PDF. Submit by mail or as directed on the form.
  Example: If your lease does not authorize RUBS billing, and you receive an unexplained monthly charge, you may use this form to seek state investigation.
• Philadelphia Fair Housing Commission Complaint Form (#FHC-01) – Philadelphia residents can use this to report illegal billing practices. Download at FHC Intake Form and submit according to instructions.
  Example: If you are charged for utilities not disclosed as RUBS in your lease, you can file this form to request a local hearing.

Be sure to keep a copy of your lease, utility bills, and correspondence before submitting a complaint.

How to Dispute an Unfair RUBS Charge

If you face an unexplained or unauthorized utility charge:

• Gather all documents (lease, bill, emails)
• Communicate in writing with your landlord or property manager
• Ask for a breakdown and, if necessary, reference your right to documentation under Pennsylvania law
• If unresolved, file a formal complaint with the Pennsylvania Attorney General or your city’s Fair Housing Commission

This process can protect your rights and help ensure honest billing practices.

Relevant Tribunal and Legislation

Renters and landlords cannot always resolve utility disputes themselves. In Pennsylvania, Philadelphia’s Fair Housing Commission hears some local tenancy disputes. At the state level, the Attorney General’s Office investigates broader violations. The main law that governs these relationships is the Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951.^[1]

1. Can my landlord use RUBS even if my apartment has a separate utility meter?
   If your apartment has a separate meter for a utility (like water or electricity), your landlord generally should not charge you using RUBS for that utility. RUBS is designed for situations where no individual meters exist.
2. Does the landlord have to show me how my bill is calculated?
   Yes, you have the right to ask for an explanation of your RUBS utility charges. The details should match what is described in your lease agreement, and you may request to see master utility bills.
3. What should I do if I think my RUBS charges are unfair or inaccurate?
   Gather documentation and communicate your concerns in writing to your landlord. If you cannot resolve the issue, file a formal complaint with your local housing authority or the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.
4. Are there any city-specific protections in Pennsylvania?
   Some cities, like Philadelphia, have extra rules on utility charges. Check with your local housing office for city-specific renter protections.
5. Which government office handles disputes over RUBS utility billing?
   The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General handles statewide landlord-tenant complaints, while the Philadelphia Fair Housing Commission handles city-specific disputes within Philadelphia.

Key Takeaways for Renters

• RUBS utility billing is legal in Pennsylvania if fully disclosed in your lease
• You have the right to request detailed billing explanations from your landlord
• Unfair or unauthorized charges should be reported to the Attorney General or your city’s housing agency

Understanding your lease and utilizing official complaint forms can help protect you from incorrect or hidden charges.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Pennsylvania Attorney General – Landlord-Tenant Complaint Division: Investigates rental law and utility billing complaints statewide.
• Philadelphia Fair Housing Commission: Handles rental and utility disputes within Philadelphia.
• Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC): Oversees utility service and addresses complaints about shutoffs or utility service issues.
• LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program): Utility help for eligible renters struggling to pay bills.
• PA Law Help – Landlord/Tenant Resources: Free legal resources for Pennsylvania renters.

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1. Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951 – Consolidated Statutes Title 68, Chapter 25

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