Start with the billing method
Water and sewer charges can be directly metered, submetered or allocated through RUBS. The bill review should begin with the billing method, because a measured-usage problem and an allocation-formula problem require different evidence.
What to gather
- Water and sewer line items separately
- Service dates and number of billing days
- Meter or submeter readings if the property uses them
- RUBS allocation factor if usage is not individually measured
- Whether sewer is based on water usage, a separate formula or a fixed charge
- Any utility administration, setup or billing fee
If your water usage is measured
Compare the beginning and ending reading, billing days and prior-period consumption. A sudden usage jump may justify checking for a leak, estimated reading, meter issue or billing adjustment.
If water is allocated through RUBS
The resident charge is derived from a property-level expense and a formula rather than only your measured unit consumption. Ask for the formula and the factors applied to your household.
Water and sewer may not move identically
A statement can contain water, sewer and other utility lines calculated differently. Review each line and the lease utility addendum rather than treating the combined amount as one charge.
Official / first-party sources
These links explain the billing service or support path. Company materials describe the company’s system; they do not replace your lease or applicable state and local law.
Conservice — Company explanation of RUBS as a predetermined allocation formula using property utility expense and factors such as occupants, square footage, bedrooms or bathrooms.Expense Recovery ↗
Conservice — Company description of resident billback methods including RUBS, submetering, direct billing and custom methods.Resident & Tenant Support ↗
Conservice — Official resident support page for billing questions, account access and support requests.
Related RentBillCheck guides
Understand allocation billing.RUBS Calculator
Model the stated formula.Texas Water & Sewer Billing
Verified Texas rules for covered billing arrangements.California Utility Billing
Verified California submetered-water layer.