Securing EV Charging at Your Multifamily Property: Your Right to Charge
As of May 15, 2025, Massachusetts law allows residents of multifamily properties, such as condominiums and apartments, to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The “Right to Charge” law ensures that condominium associations, homeowner associations (HOAs), and similar governing bodies cannot ban or unreasonably restrict the installation of EV chargers. It also prevents historic district and neighborhood conservation commissions from imposing unnecessary barriers. The law protects your right to install chargers, if safety and installation standards are met, and it streamlines the approval process for common area installations. For guidance on navigating property rules or exploring incentives, residents can reach out to the EV help desk for support.
How This Law Benefits You
- Protects Your Right to Charge: Property owners and residents in multifamily buildings have the legal right to install EV chargers, provided they meet reasonable safety and installation standards.
- Prevents Unfair Restrictions: HOAs and condo boards cannot prohibit EV charging stations outright.
- Streamlines the Approval Process: Establishes clear guidelines for gaining approval to install chargers in common areas.
Steps to Advocate for EV Charging at Your Property
- Understand Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with the Massachusetts “Right to Charge” law and how it applies to your property.
Read the Full Legislation - Review Existing Property Rules: Check your condo or HOA bylaws for any existing policies on EV charging. Identify any rules that may need to be updated.
FAQs on Condo Association Obligations - Engage with Your Property Management or Board:
Present the benefits of EV charging, such as increased property value, environmental benefits, and compliance with state law.
Reference the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) Guide for best practices and additional advocacy support.
- Plan for Installation: Work with a licensed electrician and choose a charging solution that fits your property’s electrical capacity and parking setup.
- Explore Incentives and Rebates: There may be financial assistance available for EV charger installation. Check state and utility programs for rebates and grants that can offset costs.
Take Action Today
If you’re a resident of a multifamily property and want to secure EV charging access, Massachusetts law is on your side. Your right to charge is protected, and with the right approach, you can successfully advocate for EV charging at your home. For further assistance, MLP community residents may contact us at EV@ene.org. Customers of National Grid, Eversource, or Unitil should contact their utility provider directly.
ENE is unable to offer legal advice to any individual or association about their particular situation. If you have specific questions or need detailed guidance on how to comply with this new law, we recommend contacting an attorney. You can find a lawyer through a local legal services agency or bar association. See mass.gov/info-details/finding-legal-help.
Starting Conversation Tools
What to Consider when reaching out to Management
To approach property management about EV charging installations, start by showing the demand among residents, such as how many own or are considering EVs. Highlight the benefits to the property, like attracting eco-conscious residents, future-proofing the property, and increasing property value. Suggest practical solutions, such as a pilot program with a few chargers, and mention that costs can be offset by available incentives, rebates, and grants from utilities like CMLP.
Emphasize collaboration by offering to help with resident surveys, exploring utility partnerships, or researching local incentives. Highlight that EV charging aligns with sustainability goals and can be a win-win for both residents and property owners, with manageable costs through usage fees or shared expenses. This proactive, solutions-focused approach can lead to a productive conversation with property management.
Sample Email to Management
Subject: Proposal for Installing EV Charging Stations at [Property Name]
Dear [Property Manager’s Name],
I’m reaching out to propose the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at [Property Name], as there is increasing interest among residents in having access to this infrastructure. Many of us are either currently driving electric vehicles or planning to switch to EVs soon and providing charging options would be a great way to support this shift while enhancing the property’s appeal.
Under Massachusetts’ Right to Charge law, residents are legally allowed to request the installation of EV charging stations, and property owners are required to reasonably accommodate these requests. Offering this amenity would not only comply with this law but also attract and retain eco-conscious residents and future-proof the property as the demand for electric vehicles grows.
The installation of EV chargers is often more affordable than expected, with available incentives and rebates through CMLP and other state programs to help offset costs. The CMLP EV team is available to assist with identifying these incentives and navigating the process to make it as seamless and cost-effective as possible.
I’m more than willing to collaborate with you to organize a resident survey to assess interest or help explore rebate options and installation solutions. I believe this is a win-win opportunity for both residents and the property, and I’d be happy to discuss how we can make this happen.
Thank you for considering this request. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Apartment Number or Unit]
[Your Contact Information]
Sample Message to Neighbors: Bulletin Board Post
Interested in EV Charging Stations at [Building Name]?
As more residents make the switch to electric vehicles, we’re exploring the possibility of installing EV charging stations at [Building Name]. If you’re interested in having charging access here, please let [Your Name] know.
We’ll gather feedback to approach property management and explore local incentives to make this installation affordable for everyone.
For more details, contact [Your Name] at [Your Contact Info].
Let’s make our community more sustainable!
References
Massachusetts “Right to Charge” Legislation
- Beginning February 19th, the recently passed Clean Energy Grid Act changes how towns and certain groups, such as condo and homeowners’ associations, can regulate the placement of EV charging equipment.
- On November 21, 2024, Governor Maura Healy signed a landmark climate bill (St. 2024 c. 239, An Act Promoting a Clean Energy Grid, Advancing Equity and Protecting Ratepayers). The legislation facilitates the process of installing EV charging stations at multi-unit dwellings by introducing a statewide “right to charge” rule. https://malegislature.gov/Laws/SessionLaws/Acts/2024/Chapter239
- The “right to charge” rule outlines procedures to approve the installation of EV charging stations in shared common areas of multi-unit dwellings. Additionally, the right to charge rule prevents historic district commissions, neighborhood conservation commissions, and condominium or homeowners’ associations from banning or unreasonably restricting EV charger installations by property owners.
Have questions or looking for advisory services? Contact Energy New England