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A spreadsheet alternative for landlords who bill utilities
Most landlords start RUBS in a spreadsheet: type the bill total, a column of square footage or occupants, a share formula, then copy each amount into an email or rent app.
Price
A spreadsheet costs nothing extra if you already have Excel or Google Sheets.
MeterEase is $14/month (Starter, up to 4 units), $34/month (Growth, up to about 20 units) or $69/month (Portfolio, up to 50 units, then $1.50 per unit over 50), with a 7-day Growth trial. A card is required. See MeterEase pricing.
Where a spreadsheet is the better fit
- It is free and fully flexible. Any formula you can write, you can use.
- For one duplex with one bill a month, a spreadsheet you trust may be all you need.
- Nothing to sign up for, and your data stays in your own file.
How MeterEase is different
- MeterEase reads the vendor, period and total from the bill PDF for you to confirm, instead of retyping it.
- Split methods (percent, square footage, bedrooms, occupants, and hybrid blends on Growth and Portfolio) and a vacancy rule are saved per property, so next month starts from the same setup.
- Each tenant gets an email with their share, how it was calculated, and the master bill attached. Nothing sends until you confirm.
- Send history and paid / unpaid marks replace the tab you used to track who paid.
MeterEase is a math helper, not legal advice. You choose the split method and own the lease terms. Try thefree RUBS calculator first, or read what RUBS is.
Run this split every month without the spreadsheet
MeterEase reads the master bill PDF, applies your method and vacancy rule, and emails each tenant their share with the source bill attached, after you check the numbers. Plans start at $14/month.
Questions
Is a spreadsheet good enough for RUBS?
It can be. If you have one or two buildings, one bill a month, and you are careful with formulas and rounding, a spreadsheet works. The work that grows is retyping bills, writing each tenant email, attaching the bill, and tracking who paid.
Can I try the math before paying?
Yes. The free RUBS calculator on meterease.com needs no account and no card.
Does MeterEase collect the tenant payment?
No. Tenants pay you the way they already pay rent. MeterEase sends the shares and exports amounts as CSV for your rent app or QuickBooks.