How Smart Submetering Increases Revenue & Reduces Utility Waste in Multifamily Properties

Why Tenants Consume More When Utilities Are Included

Multifamily property managers often struggle with high utility costs due to excessive tenant consumption. When electricity and water are bundled into rent, tenants have no financial incentive to conserve, leading to wasteful habits and higher operational expenses.

But what happens when consumption is measured, and tenants see their usage compared to others? Studies show that simply being aware of individual consumption leads to behavioral changes that reduce waste and cut costs.

The Proven Impact of Measuring & Comparing Tenant Usage

Upto 40% Reduction in Electricity Usage

• A study from the National Apartment Association (NAA) found that when tenants are responsible for their own electricity consumption, usage can drop by up to 40%.
  
• Visibility into individual energy use drives smarter decisions: Tenants are more mindful of turning off lights, managing AC usage, and avoiding unnecessary waste.
  Source: NAA - Improving Returns Through Submetering
  

15–20% Reduction in Overall Utility Consumption

• Research from Triacta found that when tenants are aware of their consumption compared to others, total water and electricity usage drops by 15–20%.
  
• The effect is natural: People adjust their consumption habits when they realize they are using more than necessary.
  Source: Triacta - Making the Case for Submeters
  

How Layla AI Supports Smarter Energy & Water Management

• Creates an Energy & Water Index: Layla analyzes and compares unit-level consumption, providing transparency to property managers and tenants.
  
• Encourages Smarter Consumption: By highlighting inefficiencies and unusual consumption patterns, Layla helps tenants and property managers identify where savings can be made.
  
• Supports Fair Cost Allocation: With Layla’s index, property managers gain insights into which units may be over-consuming, allowing for better cost distribution strategies.
  
• Helps Reduce Utility Waste by 15–20%:  Studies suggest that when tenants see their consumption compared to benchmarks, they naturally adjust habits, leading to lower overall usage.
  

The Bottom Line: More Insights, Smarter Operations

Layla AI doesn’t just track consumption, it helps create awareness that leads to better energy and water management.

• Lower Utility Expenses: Insights into consumption patterns help property managers optimize costs.
  
• Encourage Tenant Responsibility: When tenants understand their energy and water usage, they naturally adjust, leading to more sustainable living.
  
• Optimize Operations with Data: Knowing where inefficiencies exist helps property managers take action to improve energy use.

Layla AI makes energy and water tracking simple, insightful, and actionable. Let’s talk about how it can help your property.