You bought an electric vehicle, and you love the smooth, quiet ride and gas-free life. But one big question looms every night: “How am I going to charge this thing?” If you’re a renter, this challenge can feel overwhelming. You’re not alone. Millions of renters across the country are navigating this exact problem.
The number of Americans living in rental housing is over 100 million, and a growing percentage of them are driving EVs¹. The good news is that charging your EV at a rental property is not only possible, but it’s getting easier every day. You have more options than you think.
We will walk you through every step, from simple, temporary solutions to getting a permanent charger installed. We will even give you the tools you need to have a successful conversation with your landlord.
As a renter, your charging strategy needs to be flexible. Let’s break down your options, from the simplest to the most powerful.
This is the most basic charging method available. It involves using the charging cord that came with your EV and plugging it directly into a standard 120-volt wall outlet.
How it works: Plug one end into your car and the other into any standard outlet. It’s that simple.
Pros: No installation is needed. You can start charging immediately. The cost is essentially zero.
Cons: It’s very slow. A Level 1 charger typically adds only 3 to 5 miles of range per hour. This is often not enough for daily driving unless you have a short commute or can charge plug-in hybrid cars at home, which have smaller batteries.
This is often the sweet spot for renters. A portable Level 2 charger offers much faster charging speeds without the need for a permanent installation.
These devices plug into a 240-volt outlet, the kind used for electric dryers or other large appliances. They can boost your charging speed to 15-35 miles of range per hour, a huge improvement. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, this is the most common type of home charging³.
The best part? If you move, you just unplug it and take it with you. This is a fantastic EV charger for renter solution because it requires no permanent modification to the property, often meaning you don’t need landlord approval if a suitable outlet already exists.
Approaching your landlord can be intimidating, but with the right strategy, you can turn your request into a compelling proposal. The key is to think from their perspective.
Preparation is everything. Before you talk to your landlord, gather some basic information:
Inspect your parking spot: Is there a nearby outlet? Is it close to your electrical panel?
Get a preliminary quote: Contact one or two licensed electricians. Explain your situation and ask for a rough estimate for installing a Level 2 charger. This shows you are serious and have considered the costs.
Understand your needs: Know what kind of charger you want and why it’s the right fit.
Your landlord’s main concern is their property’s value and profitability. You need to show them how adding an EV charger benefits them. A recent study found that apartments offering EV charging can command higher rent and attract more desirable tenants⁴.
Here are the benefits for your landlord:
Increases Property Value: EV charging is a modern amenity that makes a property more competitive and future-proof.
Attracts High-Quality Tenants: EV owners are often a desirable demographic for landlords.
Achieves Green Credentials: It shows the property owner is environmentally conscious.
Creates a New Revenue Stream: They can explore if charging stations profitable models could work for the whole building.
This is a perfect opportunity to introduce them to professional Apartment EV Charging Solutions. You can tell them, “There are companies that specialize in this and can make the process easy for you.”
A professional, well-written email sets the right tone. Feel free to copy and adapt this template.
Subject: Proposal for EV Charger Installation at [Your Address]
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I am a tenant at [Your Address], and I recently purchased an electric vehicle. To make my tenancy here sustainable long-term, I would like to propose the installation of a Level 2 EV charging station for my designated parking spot.
I have researched this thoroughly and understand that adding EV charging is a valuable amenity that can increase property value and attract future tenants. I am prepared to cover 100% of the costs for the equipment and professional installation by a licensed and insured electrician. The charger would comply with all EV Charging Standards and local codes.
I have already received a preliminary quote and can provide you with all the details. This installation would be a great benefit to the property, and I am committed to ensuring the process is smooth and professional.
Be prepared to discuss costs. While offering to pay for everything is the strongest approach, there are other options:
You Pay for Everything: You cover the charger and installation.
Cost-Sharing: You and your landlord split the cost. This is more likely if they see the immediate value in upgrading their property.
Rent Increase: The landlord pays for the installation, and you agree to a small, reasonable increase in your monthly rent to cover the cost over time.
These laws generally state that a landlord or homeowners association (HOA) cannot unreasonably prohibit a resident from installing an EV charging station in their designated parking space⁵.
However, these laws almost always come with conditions:
The tenant must pay for the charger and the installation.
The tenant must pay for the electricity used.
The installation must be performed by a licensed and insured electrician.
The tenant may be required to have liability insurance covering the station.
States like California, Colorado, Florida, Oregon, and Virginia have some of the most comprehensive Right-to-Charge laws⁶. Many other states and even some cities have similar regulations. A quick online search for “[Your State] right to charge law” will give you the specifics for your area. Knowing your rights gives you confidence when speaking with your landlord. This is especially important for those looking into EV Charging Stations for Condos as well.
Yes! If you install a NEMA 14-50 outlet, you can simply unplug your charger. If you hardwire it, you can have an electrician uninstall it and reinstall it at your new home. Be sure this is part of your written agreement with your landlord.
Your written agreement should state that you will cover the cost of removing the charger and restoring the wall to its original condition when you move out. This protects your deposit.
If you’ve presented a professional proposal and they still decline (and you are not protected by a Right-to-Charge law), you may need to rely on public charging networks or charging at work for the time being.
Being a renter with an EV comes with unique challenges, but they are far from insurmountable. You have a range of options, from simple plug-and-play solutions to permanent installations. By doing your research, understanding the benefits for your landlord, and communicating professionally, you can successfully set up convenient and reliable home charging.
Your EV is a step toward a cleaner future. Don’t let your rental status hold you back. Take the initiative, start the conversation, and take control of your charging journey today.
Authoritative Sources
National Multifamily Housing Council. “Quick Facts: Resident Demographics.” nmhc.org
U.S. Department of Energy, Alternative Fuels Data Center. “Developing Infrastructure to Charge Plug-In Electric Vehicles.” afdc.energy.gov
U.S. Department of Transportation. “Charging Forward: A Toolkit for Planning and Funding Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure.” transportation.gov
Ko, J., et al. (2021). “The Value of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations as a Residential Amenity.” Journal of Planning Education and Research. journals.sagepub.com
National Conference of State Legislatures. “State Policies Promoting Hybrid and Electric Vehicles.” ncsl.org
Forrest, C. (2023). “Right-to-Charge Laws: What EV Owners Should Know.” Forbes Wheels. forbes.com/wheels
International Code Council (ICC). “2021 International Residential Code (IRC).” iccsafe.org
EVgo. “EV Charging for Apartments & Condos.” evgo.com
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