RUBS Utility Billing Rules for Wisconsin Renters

Are you a Wisconsin renter unsure why you pay for utilities separately or how your bill is calculated? Many apartment buildings in Wisconsin use RUBS (Ratio Utility Billing System) to divide utility costs among tenants when units are not individually metered. Understanding RUBS utility billing is key to knowing your rights, spotting errors, and communicating with your landlord effectively.

What Is RUBS Utility Billing?

The Ratio Utility Billing System (RUBS) is a method landlords use to split utility costs (like water, sewer, gas, or trash) in buildings where separate meters for each unit are unavailable. Instead of measuring your actual usage, expenses are divided based on factors such as:

• Number of occupants in your unit
• Square footage of your rental home
• Number of bedrooms or bathrooms

This billing structure is most common in multifamily complexes and older buildings without individual meters and is legal in Wisconsin as long as certain rules are followed.

Is RUBS Allowed in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin law permits landlords to pass along utility costs to tenants using the RUBS method. However, several requirements protect renters:

• All utility billing terms, including formula and cost breakdown, must be clearly described in your written lease.^[1]
• Landlords cannot charge extra “administrative” fees unless explicitly agreed upon in the lease contract.
• You have the right to request and receive an explanation or documentation of how your utility portion was calculated.
• Landlords may not bill you for utilities before actual services are provided.

If you feel your RUBS charges aren't transparent or fair, you have the right to ask for clarification and, if problems persist, seek help from state agencies.

Required Lease Disclosures for RUBS

Wisconsin law (ATCP 134.04(3)) requires your landlord to disclose in writing if you, as the tenant, are responsible for utilities. Your lease must specify:

• Which utilities you pay separately
• How your portion is determined (the formula or method used)
• Whether billing is from the utility company or the landlord

If your landlord does not meet these lease disclosure requirements, you may have options to file a complaint or seek relief.

Tip: Always ask for a copy of your lease and keep your utility bills. These records can help resolve disputes.

How to Dispute a RUBS Utility Bill in Wisconsin

Sometimes, utility charges can seem unusually high or calculations might not match your lease terms. Here's what you can do:

• Request a written breakdown from your landlord showing how your bill was calculated.
• If not resolved, you may submit a complaint to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP), the agency overseeing rental issues.
• You can use the official Tenant Complaint Form (Form TR-195) to report unresolved issues.

Official Forms for Wisconsin Renters

• Tenant Complaint Form (TR-195): Use this if you believe your landlord is violating utility billing laws or not providing required disclosures.
  Example: If your bill is unexplained after requesting clarification, complete Form TR-195 and send it to DATCP.
  Download here: DATCP Tenant Complaint Form TR-195

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection investigates tenant complaints and provides dispute resolution guidance.

Relevant Law and Tribunal

All residential rental agreements in Wisconsin, including utility billing, are regulated by Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 704 (Landlord-Tenant Law) and ATCP 134: Residential Rental Practices.^[1][2] Disputes are handled by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP).

FAQ: Wisconsin Renters and RUBS Utility Billing

1. Can my landlord charge me for utilities without a separate meter?
   Yes, under Wisconsin law, landlords can use RUBS to allocate utility costs among tenants if your lease clearly explains the charges and calculation method.
2. What if my RUBS utility bill seems too high?
   Ask your landlord for a detailed calculation. If the charges do not match your lease or if you are refused information, you may file a formal complaint with DATCP.
3. Are administrative fees for utility billing allowed?
   Only if your lease specifically states you must pay these fees. Otherwise, extra charges are not permitted.
4. How can I file a complaint if I think my landlord is billing me unfairly?
   Fill out the Tenant Complaint Form (TR-195) and submit it to DATCP with supporting documentation like bills and your lease.
5. Which state agency helps with tenant utility disputes?
   The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is the main authority handling such cases.

Key Takeaways

• Wisconsin allows RUBS utility billing if lease disclosures and legal guidelines are followed.
• You have the right to clear explanations for any utility charges using RUBS.
• For unresolved concerns, use DATCP's complaint process with the official form.

If you know your rights and keep records, you can address most billing questions effectively.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Landlord-Tenant Program – Tenant complaint information, forms, and dispute help
• Download DATCP Tenant Complaint Form TR-195 – For unresolved utility billing disputes
• ATCP 134: Wisconsin Administrative Code - Residential Rental Practices
• Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 704 – Full text of landlord-tenant law
• Wisconsin DOJ Tenant Rights Information

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1. ATCP 134.04(3), Wisconsin Administrative Code, Residential Rental Practices. Lease Disclosure Requirements
2. Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 704. Landlord-Tenant Law

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