FREE TOOL FOR LANDLORDS
Electricity bill calculator for tenants
Turn two meter readings into the amount to add to a tenant's rent, or split a shared bill between flats. Nothing to install; nothing you type leaves this page.
Sub-meter bill for a tenant
Split a common bill equally
For a shared meter: common-area lights, the lift, the water pump.
Charging a tenant for electricity by sub-meter
Where each flat has its own sub-meter behind the main connection, the fair charge is the units the flat used times the rate per unit. Take the reading at the same time each month, subtract last month's reading, and multiply by the rate.
Use the rate from your electricity bill: divide the energy charges by the units billed on the main meter, or use the rate agreed in the rent agreement. Many agreements in India fix a flat rate such as ₹8 to ₹10 a unit to keep it simple.
Fixed charges, meter rent and taxes on the main bill can be shared equally between flats and added as a fixed share, or folded into the rate per unit. Say which in the agreement.
Keep the readings with the rent
- Note the reading and the date each month, ideally with a photo of the meter.
- Start each month from last month's closing reading, so no units are counted twice or missed.
- Add the amount to that month's rent so the tenant sees one total and one balance.
Questions landlords ask
How do I calculate electricity charges for a tenant?
Subtract last month's sub-meter reading from this month's to get the units used, then multiply by the rate per unit. Add any agreed fixed share for meter rent or common charges.
What rate per unit should a landlord charge?
The rate on your own electricity bill, or the rate written in the rent agreement. Charging more than the utility's rate can breach state rules and the agreement, so keep to the bill or an agreed flat rate.
How do I split a common electricity bill?
Divide the bill equally between the flats sharing it, or by each flat's share of the units if they have sub-meters. Common-area lights, the lift and the water pump are usually split equally.
What if the new reading is lower than the old one?
The meter was probably replaced or reset. Take the new meter's starting reading as the previous reading from that month on, and bill the old meter's final units separately.
Let Tenowa do this every month.
Tenowa keeps rent, tenants, lease increases, meter readings and expenses in one ledger for landlords in India, and emails tenants a reminder when rent is due. Free for 3 months, then ₹99 a month.
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