Your Charging Options as a Renter
Option 1: Level 1 charging (standard outlet)
Pro: Free, no installation needed, works anywhere with a standard outlet
Con: Slow — adds 3–5 miles of range per hour. Practical only for drivers under 30 miles/day
Best for: Low-mileage drivers, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs)
Option 2: Portable Level 2 EVSE (plug-in)
Pro: If your parking has a NEMA 14-50 outlet (common in garages for EVs or dryers), a portable charger gives you Level 2 speed with zero installation
Con: Requires your parking spot to have the right outlet — most apartments don't
Best for: Apartments with garages that have NEMA 14-50 outlets
Option 3: Use public Level 2 or DC fast charging
Pro: No home installation needed. Many grocery stores, malls, and parking lots now have free or cheap Level 2 charging
Con: Requires planning ahead; DC fast charging costs more and wears batteries faster
Best for: Urban renters near commercial charging infrastructure
Option 4: Work with your landlord
Pro: A hardwired Level 2 charger is the ideal long-term solution — and many landlords are open to it
Con: Requires landlord approval, lease negotiations, and possibly cost-sharing
Best for: Long-term renters willing to have a direct conversation
How to Talk to Your Landlord
Many landlords don't realize how straightforward EV charger installation can be — or that it increases property value. Here's how to approach the conversation:
- ✓Offer to pay 100% of the installation cost — landlords are more receptive when there's no financial risk to them
- ✓Note that an EV charger is a selling point for future tenants and increases the property's value
- ✓Propose that the charger stays with the unit when you leave (it becomes the landlord's property)
- ✓Ask about adding a dedicated meter or submetering so electricity costs are billed to you, not the landlord
- ✓Check if your state has a 'right to charge' law — California, Colorado, and other states legally require landlords to permit charger installation with reasonable conditions
Does your state have a "right to charge"?
California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, and several other states have laws that prevent landlords from unreasonably denying EV charger installation requests. Check your state's specific requirements before your conversation.
Best Portable Level 2 EVSEs for Renters
If you have access to a NEMA 14-50 outlet (in your garage, RV hookup, or a shared laundry area), a portable Level 2 EVSE is your best option. These require zero installation — just plug them in.
- ⚡Emporia EV Charger ($349) — plug-in model available, works with NEMA 14-50, Wi-Fi enabled
- ⚡Grizzl-E Classic ($279) — reliable, no-app approach, plug-in version available
- ⚡JuiceBox 48 — portable-compatible with NEMA 14-50