Rationed Utility Billing Systems (RUBS) aim to make utility bills fairer, apportioning charges by tenant, square footage, bedroom, or some combination of these criteria. RUBS can be a selling point on two levels; since residents pay only for what they use, general usage goes down and Mother Nature is happy.

RUBS is administered by contractors who bill residents directly. It may be a sensible option for large apartment buildings, but smaller properties usually have no need for it, since the cost to owners can outweigh the benefit. However, as water and garbage bills continue to skyrocket in California, RUBS may become more popular.

Garbage areas see a lot of traffic. They get dirty fast, but with everything else that happens in a community, it can be easy to overlook garbage problems until they get out of hand.

Castle is a property management company, so we know how to do many things. We can help you fix your pipes, plant a garden, and get the most bang for your buck. But we also know when to stand aside and let others do the job.

Take fluorescent light bulbs, for example. They last for months and save you money, but if they’re mishandled or disposed of improperly, they can injure people and harm the environment. That's why our fluorescent bulbs are removed by a certified and insured janitorial contractor, who keeps the property safe and protects all parties from liability.

At Castle, we know our limits, and we like to think that’s a mark of professionalism. We might not do every job ourselves, but sometimes that’s the right choice.