RUBS Utility Billing Rights for Tennessee Renters

If you're renting in Tennessee and notice your utility bills are calculated based on something called "RUBS," you're not alone. RUBS stands for Ratio Utility Billing System, which lets landlords split utility costs among tenants, often based on the number of people living in each unit or unit size, rather than individual meters. This practice is becoming more common, so it's vital to know your rights and what protections Tennessee offers renters.

What is RUBS Utility Billing?

RUBS, or Ratio Utility Billing System, is a way landlords distribute utility costs when there are no individual meters for each apartment. Here’s how it typically works:

• The landlord receives a total bill for utilities—like water, sewer, or sometimes trash—from the utility provider.
• This total is divided among tenants using a formula based on the number of people, square footage, or sometimes a combination of factors.
• Renters are billed separately on top of their rent, usually as a "utility fee."

This approach is legal in Tennessee, but certain requirements and fairness protections may apply under state law and your lease agreement.

Your Rights and Protections as a Tennessee Renter

Tennessee does not have utility-specific rent control, but it does have laws addressing landlord and tenant duties. The Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA) applies to counties with populations over 75,000 and sets minimum rights for renters.^[1] Here’s what you need to know:

• Lease Agreement Transparency: The lease should clearly explain any shared utility billing methods and formulas, including RUBS. Always read your lease before signing.
• No Overcharging: Landlords cannot charge more than what the utility company charges for the property. Additional fees for profit are not allowed.
• Right to Documentation: You can request a copy of the utility bill and ask for details about how your share was calculated.
• Dispute Process: If you think there’s an error or unfair charge, you have the right to ask for correction or file a complaint.

What Does the Law Say?

If your rental is in a qualifying Tennessee county, most of your rights and landlord duties come from the Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (T.C.A. § 66-28).^[1]

• This law requires landlords to keep rental units habitable and make sure any billing method is reasonable and non-abusive.
• Tennessee law does not require landlords to install individual utility meters, but your lease must explain the utility billing system if you are being billed through RUBS.

Submitting Complaints about Utility Billing

If you suspect there’s been a mistake with RUBS billing or you believe your landlord isn’t following the law:

• Start by asking your landlord for documentation detailing your share and the original bill.
• If not resolved, you may need to file a formal complaint or seek dispute resolution.
• Tennessee does not provide a specific form for residential utility billing disputes, but if the issue relates to housing quality or habitability, you may use the "Complaint Form – Consumer Protection Division."^[2]

For renters in large counties (covered by URLTA), you can also contact the local General Sessions Court—the tribunal handling landlord-tenant disputes.

Practical Example: Using the Complaint Form

• Form Name: Complaint Form – Consumer Protection Division
• When to Use: If you've given your landlord a chance to fix the billing and it remains unresolved, use this form to submit a complaint to the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office.
• How to Submit: Download and fill out the form, stating the issue and attaching copies of the lease, utility bills, and any communications. Submit online or mail as directed at the official filing page.^[2]

FAQ

1. Can my landlord bill me for utilities using RUBS in Tennessee?
   Yes, this is allowed if your lease states it clearly and the billing is done fairly, not exceeding actual utility costs.
2. What should I do if my RUBS utility bill seems too high?
   Ask your landlord for documentation and a breakdown of calculations. If unresolved, file a complaint with the Tennessee Attorney General’s Office or seek help from the local General Sessions Court.
3. Do I have the right to see the original utility bill?
   Yes, you can ask your landlord to provide a copy of the total bill and an explanation of how your portion is calculated.
4. Are there limits on extra "administrative" utility charges?
   Yes, landlords cannot charge more than the actual utility expense plus a reasonable administrative fee, if stated in your lease, under Tennessee law.
5. What tribunal handles rental billing disputes in Tennessee?
   The General Sessions Court in your county is the official tribunal for landlord-tenant disputes, including issues with utility billing in qualifying counties.

Conclusion / Key Takeaways

• RUBS billing is legal in Tennessee if your lease clearly explains it and charges are reasonable.
• Renters have the right to request billing details and dispute inaccurate charges.
• For unresolved issues, file a complaint using the official form or contact your local General Sessions Court for assistance.

Understanding your utility billing can protect you from unfair charges and help you communicate effectively with your landlord.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance: Renters Rights – Statewide information on tenant rights, housing standards, and complaint processes.
• Tennessee Attorney General's Office – File a Consumer Complaint – Access to the official complaint form, instructions, and contact information.
• General Sessions Courts Directory – Find your local court for landlord-tenant dispute hearings.
• Consumer Affairs Division – Additional state contact for resolving utility and billing concerns.

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1. Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (T.C.A. § 66-28)
2. Consumer Complaint Form – Tennessee Attorney General's Office

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