For residents of multifamily buildings, finding a reliable place to charge can be frustrating, especially if you don’t have an assigned parking space. While Massachusetts does not yet have a formal Right to Charge law for renters, discussions are ongoing, and momentum is building.
Until statewide protections are in place, renters still have practical ways to advocate for EV charging at their homes. This guide is designed to educate electric vehicle and plug‑in hybrid (PHEV) drivers who rent, and to provide tools, data points, and resources to help you start productive conversations with property management.
👉 For policy context for Condo owners and members of HOAs, visit our Right to Charge page:
https://ene.org/ev-right-to-charge
Is your property in an Environmental Justice community? Your property may qualify for additional incentives. Use this interactive map to see if your area qualifies as an Environmental Justice community, https://mass-eoeea.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=1d6f63e7762a48e5930de84ed4849212.
Why EV Charging Matters in Multifamily Housing
More renters are driving EVs every year, but access to home charging hasn’t kept pace.
In buildings without assigned parking, lack of charging can mean:
- Reliance on public charging only
- Longer charging times and higher costs
- Barriers to EV ownership for current and future tenants
At the same time, EV charging is becoming a standard housing amenity, much like bike storage or high‑speed internet. Properties that plan ahead will be better positioned as transportation electrification continues across Massachusetts.
Understanding EV Charging Basics: Level 1 vs. Level 2
Not all EV charging is the same, and knowing the difference can help you have a more informed conversation with your property manager.
Level 1 uses a standard 120-volt household outlet, no special equipment needed. It’s slower, adding roughly 3–6 miles of range per hour, but may be enough for drivers with moderate daily mileage. It’s also the simplest and cheapest option for a property to offer.
Level 2 uses a 240-volt circuit (similar to a clothes dryer) and adds 20–40 miles of range per hour, fully charging most vehicles overnight. Installation requires an electrician, but networked Level 2 stations allow multiple residents to share a smaller number of chargers, track usage by unit, and bill residents individually, making them well-suited for multifamily buildings.
When talking to your property manager, you don’t need to prescribe a specific solution. But being able to explain that practical, shared options exist beyond “running an extension cord” can help move the conversation forward.
What You Can Do as a Renter (Even Without a Right to Charge Law)
You don’t need to wait for legislation to begin advocating. Here are some concrete steps you can take today.
1. Track EV and PHEV Demand in Your Parking Lot
Data helps turn individual requests into a property‑wide need.
Consider:
- Noting how many EVs and PHEVs regularly park in the lot
- Watching for charging cords running through windows or across sidewalks
- Keeping a simple list or timeline showing growth over time
This shows property managers that EV charging demand already exists and is likely to increase.
2. Frame EV Charging as a Property Benefit (Not Just a Tenant Request)
When speaking with property managers, focus on their priorities.
Key benefits to highlight:
- Attracting and retaining tenants
EV drivers actively look for housing with charging access. - Protecting property value
Charging infrastructure makes buildings more competitive as EV ownership grows. - Future‑proofing investments
New developments in Massachusetts are already required to include EV charging or EV‑ready infrastructure. Buildings without charging risk being left behind as tenant expectations evolve.
In short: locations without EV charging may be less sought after.
3. Share That Funding and Support Are Available
Many property managers hesitate because they assume EV charging is expensive or complicated. Often, that’s not the case.
Encourage them to explore:
- Local electric utility programs
Many utilities offer technical assistance, planning support, or incentives for multifamily EV charging.- National Grid Link
- Eversource Link
- Unitil Link
- Municipal Light Plant
- Massachusetts‑based funding opportunities
State and utility programs may help offset infrastructure costs. - Shared charging solutions
Chargers can work without assigned parking using networked or load‑sharing systems. - Contractors may provide no-cost assessments and quotes for EV charging
Let them know they don’t have to solve this alone and that planning support exists.
4. Connect EV Charging to Local and Community Trends
Another effective strategy is zooming out.
Property managers may be influenced by:
- Rising EV ownership in your town or region
- Link to vehicle registration page
- You can find this information through this Massachusetts Database
- Link to vehicle registration page
- Municipal climate and sustainability goals
- Broader transportation electrification efforts happening statewide
Multifamily housing plays a key role in making EV adoption accessible, not just for today’s tenants, but future ones as well.
5. If the Answer Is “Not Yet,” Keep the Door Open
If installation can’t happen immediately:
- Ask whether EV charging can be included in future capital planning
- Suggest installing EV‑ready conduit during paving or electrical upgrades
- Request continued discussion as tenant demand grows
Policy change follows lived experience and renter voices matter.
Email Template: Requesting EV Charging from Property Management
You can copy, paste, and personalize the email below.
Subject: Tenant Interest in Electric Vehicle Charging at Our Property
Hello [Property Manager’s Name],
I’m writing to share interest in adding electric vehicle (EV) charging at [Property Name]. As an EV driver and renter I wanted to flag that EV and plug‑in hybrid ownership is increasing among residents, both here and throughout the community.
EV charging is becoming an increasingly important amenity for attracting and retaining tenants. New developments are already required to include EV charging or EV‑ready infrastructure, and properties that plan ahead may be better positioned as demand continues to grow.
I also wanted to note that there may be resources available to support this, including:
- Assistance and incentives from our local electric utility
- Massachusetts‑based funding and planning support for multifamily EV charging
- Shared charging solutions that do not require assigned parking spaces
I’d be happy to share resources or help connect you with utility or state programs if helpful. Thank you for considering this as part of future planning for the property.
Best regards,
Your Name]
[Apartment / Unit, if desired]
Stay Informed and Keep Advocating Massachusetts is actively discussing Right to Charge protections for renters, and we’re optimistic about what’s ahead. Until statewide legislation is in place, informed and constructive advocacy is one of the most powerful tools renters have. We’re here to help you stay educated and share resources along the way.