Countering the Case Against Submetering Your Property

Addressing submetering concerns: cost, tenant resistance, installation, and disputes.

When considering the implementation of submetering for your property, it’s natural to have concerns about potential challenges. However, many of these apprehensions can be effectively addressed, making submetering a beneficial investment for both property owners and tenants. Below, we explore four common objections to submetering—along with clear rebuttals that highlight how these concerns can be managed or mitigated, ensuring a smooth transition and long-term benefits.

1. Initial Cost

Submetering systems offer a way to recover your investment and generate a return. By implementing third-party billing, you can typically achieve ROI within five years or less, thanks to the savings on utility bills. Additionally, using online submeter readings and third-party billing can reduce personnel costs associated with manual meter readers or in-house billing agents.

2. Tenant Resistance

In most states, you can address initial tenant concerns by adding an addendum to the lease agreement and notifying tenants of the changes. Over time, submetering supports conservation efforts and promotes fair billing practices. Many residents prefer paying for their actual usage, rather than relying on allocation methods that might result in them paying for more than they actually use.

3. Installation Hassle

Installation of submeters should be handled by a plumber (for water and gas) or an electrician (for electric). Submeter Solutions provides detailed installation guides and spec sheets for the meters being provided. Additionally, our team is always available to assist installers via phone to ensure the installation process runs smoothly.

4. Potential Disputes

The submetering equipment from Submeter Solutions is utility-grade and highly reliable. With online reading systems, we can monitor the health of the system and ensure meters are reading accurately. Any disputes that arise can be addressed promptly. It's important to note that tenants may dispute their utility bills with or without submetering. However, with a submeter in place, you have accurate data to support the readings and trends, helping to resolve disputes more effectively.

Image from by Aakash Dhage

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