Increase in monthly utilities

I can relate to your issue because I am experiencing the same thing at my apartment complex. I am a single woman living in a 2 bedroom 2 bath apartment. Prior to the flat rate utility billing they had a 3rd party company billing us based on the RUBS method, which I believe is much more accurate by taking the total expense of the complex and averaging out the charges such that every tenant is charged the same amount (roughly, $5.00 water + $6.00 +$4 sewer). In this sense, everyone shares the expense and may use slightly more or slightly less but the actual bill is paid.

NOW, they’re charging $15.00 FOR ONE BEDROOMS, $25 FOR TWO BEDROOMS, AND $40 FOR 3 BDRM!!!
I DONT UNDERSTAND THIS! I called the office and asked where my additional money was going, requesting documentation of where the profit was going, and of course was not provided any explanation. My lease is over 4/30/2011. I received my renewal notice yesterday (2/28.2011) and the changes will be in effect 4/1/2011. Is there any rules or regulations as far as what a tenant can profit on utilities? It seems to me that this is clearly something that most residents would vote down. That is my current plan….to contact all residents and gather complaints. SO RIDICULOUS! Any suggestions on how I can at least propose that the flat rate reflect a more accurate price?

If one bedrooms are paying exactly the same price as what we were paying prior when their was a $4.00 fee added for the 3rd party, and 2 and 3 bedrooms are paying twice as much there is clearly a profit being made. Right? IF I can gather enough tenant surveys requesting no change then it shouldn’t go into effect right? I dont understand how they can apply this rule with the entire complex if not every lease is expiring. WHAT CAN I DO???