Utilities may be set up in a variety of ways, depending on where you live and the wishes of the property owner. In many cases, residents will be responsible for contacting the utilities companies, transferring the bills directly to their names, and paying any associated fees.
A description of the most common alternative variations appears below. In all cases, you should reference your lease for specifics.
- Flat Rate Billing. If your utilities are set up this way, you will receive a monthly recurring charge on your ledger for the same amount each month.
- Sub-Metered Variable Billing. If your utilities are set up this way, you will receive a monthly charge on your ledger each month that varies based on the amount of utilities cost incurred.
- Separately Metered Utilities in the Resident’s Name. If your utilities are set up this way, you will need to contact the utilities company, set utilities up in your name, and pay the bill directly to the utilities companies each month.
- Separately Metered Utilities in the Property Owner’s Name. If your utilities are set up this way, the property owner will pay the utilities for you, but you will be responsible for reimbursing the property owner directly. Situations may vary, but you will either need to pay Mynd (who will then pay the property owner) or (in rare circumstances) arrange to pay the property owner directly.
- Ratio Utility Billing System (RUBS). If you live in a multi-family complex, your utilities may be RUBS-based. This means that the utilities for the entire complex will be split equally each month between all residents of the complex based on usage. RUBS-based utilities charges will appear on your ledger each month, and bill amounts will vary.
We know that utilities payments can be complicated, so please contact your leasing representative with questions.