The Hidden Amenity That’s Boosting NOI: It’s Not a Fitness Center—It’s Utility Billing Technology
📲 The Hidden Amenity That’s Boosting NOI: It’s Not a Fitness Center—It’s Utility Billing Technology
By Tiffany Mittal | CEO, Utility Ranger
In the ever-evolving world of multifamily housing, amenities like fitness centers, co-working spaces, and EV charging stations dominate the headlines—and resident expectations. The National Apartment Association’s latest report shows just how much priorities have shifted in recent years: residents want more flexible, tech-forward amenities that meet their daily needs, not just look good on a brochure.
But here’s the kicker most owners and operators miss:
👉 Technology isn’t just for your gym or package room—it belongs in your operations, too.
At Utility Ranger, we believe utility billing software is one of the most overlooked yet impactful “amenities” you can implement at your property—and one that directly grows your NOI and property value.
💡 What the Data Tells Us
The NAA’s research outlines how technology is leading the charge in amenity enhancements—from smart lockers in package rooms to connected cardio equipment in fitness centers. The clear trend? Residents expect tech-driven solutions that are secure, flexible, and efficient.
But here’s something the report doesn’t mention: when owners don’t have the tech to recover rising utility costs, they end up absorbing them—which erodes profits and limits funds available for these very amenity upgrades.
That’s where Utility Ranger comes in.
🔧 Technology That Pays for Your Amenities
Think of Utility Ranger as your behind-the-scenes revenue amenity—a cloud-based SaaS platform that lets property managers allocate water, sewer, and trash costs directly to residents fairly and legally. It’s known as RUBS (Ratio Utility Billing System), and when implemented correctly, it:
✔ Frees up capital you’re currently losing to utility absorption
✔ Enhances transparency and trust with residents
✔ Automates monthly billing—no more spreadsheets or third-party delays
✔ Increases NOI without raising base rent
Translation? That upgraded gym or co-working lounge you’re dreaming about? Utility Ranger can help fund it.
📊 Real Example: How One Owner Used Utility Ranger to Unlock $500K in Value
One of our clients owned a 52-unit building where the owner was footing a $3,900 monthly utility bill. After switching to Utility Ranger and implementing RUBS, they recovered 90% of those costs and added over $500,000 in property value—all without touching the units or raising rent.
Imagine what kind of flexible amenity spaces that could fund. A rooftop coworking lounge? A yoga room? A coffee bar with tenant events? All made possible because they finally stopped absorbing utility costs.
📈 Want to Modernize Like the Big Guys?
Larger portfolios are already integrating tech-forward amenity upgrades—but small-to-midsize owners have often been left behind.
That’s why we built Utility Ranger: to empower Multifamily Pros under 1,000 units with the same tools institutional players use—without the contracts, minimums, or massive overhead.
And yes, we integrate seamlessly into your daily workflow, freeing up your time to focus on property improvements, tenant experience, and portfolio growth.
🚀 Ready to Future-Proof Your Property?
The next generation of renters values efficiency, transparency, and modern solutions. If you’re planning new amenities or upgrades in 2025, don’t forget to include your utility billing strategy in the mix. It’s the only amenity that pays for itself—and everything else.
✅ Start your 60-day free trial
✅ Download our free NOI calculator
✅ Let’s talk about how to unbundle rent and grow your NOI
