Submetering

Under this billing method, the local public utility measures water use for the whole property at a "master" meter and then bills the property owner based on the master meter reading. Then:

• under submetered billing, the owner uses submeters at each dwelling unit to bill tenants based on their actual water use.
• submeters are installed and read by a remote wireless communication system.

Who can bill tenants in this way?

Owners of the following types of properties are allowed to bill their tenants for the actual cost of water or wastewater service provided by the local utility:

• apartments
• manufactured home rental communities
• condominiums
• strip malls, marinas, and other multiple-use facilities

If you own or manage multi-tenant properties, you owe it to yourself to consider the benefits of utility allocation and submetering. ABT Water Management is familiar with, installed and can read all radio solutions, and can advise owners on the best system for their application. You get an automated solution where bills are generated without the hassles of traditional meter reading. ABT Water Management simply reads the consumption daily or monthly and generates a water bill to the tenants based on actual gallons used and the rates charged to the community by the utility company. Tenants may either make payments on-line or send a check or money order with the remittance portion of their monthly invoice. The property owner is then reimbursed with monies collected by ABT.

Cost Savings - Submetering Benefits

Property Owners and Managers:

• Lower Operating expenses
• Increase cash flow
• Increase property valuation
• Protect against unbudgeted utility expenses and rate increases
• Promote the image of "Going Green"
• Keep rents competitive by excluding utilities in the rent amount

Residents:

• Only pay for what they use
• Lower total housing cost

Environment:

A study conducted by the National Multi-Housing Council (NMHC) and the National Apartment Association (NAA) found an 18 to 39 percent reduction in water consumption in submetered dwellings compared to units that include water expenses in their rent. In order to assist tenants in controlling the water consumption, we have provided some conservation tips that will assist in the ongoing conservation effort.

Thousands of real estate investors and property managers, across the nation are achieving long-term, cost-saving results through utility submetering. Utility bills typically make up 5% to 10% of monthly costs. With submetering, utility costs can be eliminated from the rent.

ABT Water Management services communities nationwide, including new water utility systems and existing water utility systems – both those with equipment in place and those requiring equipment. ABT installation agreements include full line, cut-in or meter replacement with state-of-the-art equipment – wireless and hardwired.