Published on April 09, 2026
Share Your Input
Based on an increase in tenant inquiries about utility charges, the Alameda Rent Program is evaluating three policy options to better regulate how shared utility costs are billed in fully regulated rental properties.
Alameda's Rent Ordinance currently prevents landlords from "unbundling" utilities that were previously included in rent, but permits separate utility charges — including through a Ratio Utility Billing System (RUBS), a billing method that allocates shared building costs among tenants using a formula rather than individual meters. The Rent Program is now evaluating whether and how to change that.
We want to hear from tenants, landlords, property managers, and community members before any policy recommendation moves forward.
The survey takes 5–7 minutes, walks you through background information and each of the three policy options, and is completely anonymous.
TAKE THE SURVEY
Results will inform policy recommendations and may be presented at a future public hearing.
Questions? Contact the Rent Program at rentprogram@alamedaca.gov or 510-747-7520