A tenant asks to install an EV charger: how to handle it
When a tenant asks to install an electric vehicle charger, you can usually say yes with conditions: a licensed electrician does the work, the tenant pays for it and for the power, you approve the plan in writing, and the tenant removes it or leaves it as you agree at move-out. Some states and cities have laws on charger requests, so check yours before you say no.
Do I have to allow it?
There is no single national rule. A number of states and cities have passed laws that limit a landlord's ability to refuse a charger request in some settings, and many leave it to the lease. The rules often depend on whether the tenant has a dedicated parking space and whether it is a house or a multi-unit building. Look up your state and city before you answer. This is the common pattern, not legal advice. Rules differ by state and city, so check your state's law or ask a local landlord attorney before you act.
Even where no law applies, a charger can help you keep a good tenant, and a written agreement protects you if you do allow it.
What should I ask the tenant for?
- The location of the charger and the parking space it serves.
- The charger model and the electrical load it needs.
- A licensed electrician and the permit if one is needed.
- Proof of insurance from the electrician.
- Whether the tenant's circuit is on their own meter or the building's.
The meter matters most. If the power comes from your meter, you need a way to charge for it, or the tenant uses a charger that measures use. If you cannot measure it, you risk paying for a tenant's car.
Who pays for what?
| Cost | Usually paid by | Put it in writing |
|---|---|---|
| Charger and installation | Tenant | Yes |
| Permit | Tenant, through the electrician | Yes |
| Electricity used | Tenant, by their own meter or a metered charge | Yes |
| Panel upgrade | Negotiated | Yes, before work starts |
| Removal and repair of the wall at move-out | Tenant, or left in place by agreement | Yes |
Example a made-up tenant pays $1,400 for the charger and installation. The addendum says they pay for power through a metered charger at your local rate, and that they may remove it at move-out or leave it for $0 credit, with any wall repair at their cost. You approve the plan and the date in writing.
What goes in the addendum?
- Who may install it and the approved location.
- A requirement for a licensed electrician and any permit.
- Who pays for installation, power and upkeep.
- What happens at move-out: remove it, or leave it.
- An indemnity and insurance requirement, if your insurer asks for it.
- A tenant's agreement that you can inspect the work.
Think about the building too. A charger adds a steady, heavy load for hours at a time, and an old panel or shared circuit may not carry it. Have the electrician confirm the circuit can handle the load before work starts, and ask for the permit sign-off and a short written note of what was installed, so the next owner and your insurer have it on file.
Tell your property insurer about the change. See also when to use a lease addendum and your own alterations policy.
How DoorKeeping fits
The addendum is a lease document, so it belongs in the tenant's file. DoorKeeping stores leases and e-signed addenda together, and a charge for metered power shows as its own line on the ledger. You can ask Claude or ChatGPT to draft the addendum from your terms and you approve it before it goes to the tenant. DoorKeeping does not read EV chargers or meters.
Sources
- DoorKeeping: Connect Claude or ChatGPT (steps and tools list), read Oct 30, 2026
Questions
- Can I refuse an EV charger request?
- In some places you cannot refuse without cause. Check your state and city, then decide with the lease in hand.
- Can the tenant use an outlet instead?
- Often yes for a basic plug, but the power use is yours unless you charge for it. Say so in writing.
- Who owns the charger after move-out?
- Whoever the addendum says. Most set that the tenant may remove it or leave it as agreed.
- Do I need to tell my insurer?
- It is wise. A new electrical installation can change your risk, so ask your insurance agent.