The Vitality Blog
Insights on utility billing and energy management for operators who run their own numbers.
43 articles
How to Implement RUBS in a Rent Control Area
Implementing RUBS in a rent-controlled property requires a rent reduction that offsets the new utility charge. Here's how the formula works, what the law requires, and how to do it without violating tenant protections.
The Benefits of RUBS: Why Ratio Utility Billing Still Works for Operators
RUBS isn't perfect — but for properties without submeters, it's the most cost-effective way to recover utility costs and encourage conservation. Here's why it still works, how to set it up right, and when to consider alternatives.
Utility Billing 101: RUBS vs. Submetering — Which Billing Method Is Right for Your Property?
RUBS and submetering are the two most common ways to bill utilities in multifamily properties. Here's the honest comparison — costs, accuracy, regulations, and which one works for your portfolio.
Utility Billing 101: Regulations — What They Are, Why They Exist, and Whether You're Affected
Utility billing regulations are changing faster than most property managers realize. Here's a plain-English guide to what's being regulated, why it's happening, and how to know if your properties are affected.
Utility Billing 101: What Is Utility Billing and Why Should Property Managers Care?
Utility billing is the single biggest line item most property managers never fully understand. Here's what it is, how it works, and why getting it right changes everything.
How Utility Billing Increases Property Income Without Raising Rent
There's revenue hiding in your utility costs that most operators ignore. Every dollar recovered flows directly to NOI — no lease changes, no resident pushback.
What Is Utility Expense Management (UEM)?
Utility expense management covers the full lifecycle of utility costs — from invoice receipt to resident billing to reconciliation. Most operators only do half of it.
Billing as a Service vs. Billing Software: Which Model Fits Your Operation?
Full-service billing companies charge $3-8 per unit for something you could do yourself. Here's the honest comparison between outsourced billing services and DIY billing software — and why the gap is closing fast.
The Regulatory Shift: New Protections for Manufactured Home Communities
Virginia and North Dakota have passed new laws to protect manufactured home residents, and Pennsylvania's bill is waiting on the Senate — from fee disclosures to rent caps to mandatory water metering. Here's what operators need to know.