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In the rental industry,  utility billing is full of misconceptions, especially among Residents. Master-billed utility costs are often simply divided equally among units, or included with rent, regardless of each Resident’s consumption. But with the emergence of Utility Billing Systems, there is a better option for Property Owners, one that is accurate, transparent and fair.  Even so, Ratio Utility Billing (RUBS) at times faces pushback from Residents due to misunderstandings of purpose, calculation complexity and perceived unfairness.  

The unwarranted pushback leads to hesitation on the part of Property Owners and Managers to utilize the benefits of Ratio Utility Billing Systems. Clarity and understanding of how Ratio Utility Billing Systems work is essential to eliminate pushback on RUBS and enhance its positive impact on conservation - and Housing Provider revenue. 

As the demand for housing intensifies and urban spaces become more constrained, innovative housing solutions are gaining traction. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have emerged as a practical and sustainable approach to address housing challenges while making the most of available space to create small, affordable housing opportunities. But with the inclusion of ADUs on a property comes the challenge of fairly recovering utility costs. Ratio Utility Billing is the answer!  Read on to learn more about how you can make the most of this revenue-generating opportunity. 

For many Housing Providers, offering "utilities included" rent packages was once a competitive advantage, attracting Residents with the allure of predictable monthly costs. However, in today's economic climate, this seemingly convenient practice can quickly devolve into a financial tightrope walk. 

Nationwide, utility bills are soaring at an alarming rate, outpacing the ability of Housing Providers to adjust rents in accordance with these rising costs. That includes water, sewer and trash bills, especially in places affected by drought and aging water system infrastructure. This discrepancy is particularly acute in jurisdictions with rent control measures, leaving Housing Providers caught in a vice of escalating expenses and limited revenue streams. But there is a light at the end of that particular tunnel.

2024 is here! Whether or not you set resolutions, it's natural to look for ways to improve your business at the beginning of a new year. This is a great time to think about building and bettering your properties for the sake of your business growth and development. The health of your business is everything. You can't serve Residents and protect your investments without a healthy bottom line. 

Note: This is part four of our series on technology innovations that help property owners and managers get the most from their investments. 

So far, we’ve discussed a few amazing property management platforms that can help independent rental owners and professional property managers get the most out of their rental investments, as well as systems that can detect water leaks and make inspections easier from anywhere in the world. Today, we’re going to discuss Simple Sub water meters and Dwellsy, a marketplace for both renters and tenants. Read on to explore the unique features of these applications and how each can help grow your business.

Note: This is part three of our series on technology innovations that help property owners and managers get the most from their investments. 

So far, we’ve discussed a few amazing property management platforms that can help independent rental owners and professional property managers get the most out of their rental investments. Today, we’re going to discuss NOWi water sensors that help detect water leaks and RentCheck, a mobile app that helps both Housing Providers and Residents conduct accurate property inspections more easily. Read on to explore the unique features of these applications and how each can help grow your business.

Note: This is part two of our series on technology innovations that help property owners and managers get the most from their investments. 

In part one of our ongoing series, we explored the benefits of Azibo’s online management system and Livable’s platform to recover master-billed utilities. In this edition, we’re going to explore two more amazing online management platforms: Renter Insight and Innago. Renter Insight is perfect for the Housing Provider who wants enterprise-level tools at an IRO-friendly price point, while Innago has a specialized feature that uniquely serves student housing providers. Read on to explore the unique features of these applications and how each can help grow your business. 

As a Housing Provider, managing expenses is an essential aspect of maintaining a healthy return on your investment and ensuring long-term success. One area where costs can add up quickly is utilities, such as electricity, gas, wifi access, sewer, trash collection and - especially - water. Utility costs continue to rise and water bills have shot up dramatically over the last several years in many areas, . 

By encouraging your Residents to conserve any master-billed utilities, you can not only reduce operational costs but also contribute to environmental sustainability. Read on for effective strategies to motivate Residents to conserve utilities, ultimately saving everyone money.