Public chargers have made electric vehicles (EVs) more accessible, especially for drivers without dedicated parking, but they aren’t the only option. Whether you’re a renter who wants to charge your electric vehicle (EV) at home or a property owner exploring installation, Massachusetts offers support—financial and otherwise—to help you get started and make your EV charging goals a reality.
Here’s where to start.
1. Know your rights
Massachusetts has a “Right to Charge” law that prevents condo associations, homeowner associations (HOAs), and other governing bodies from banning or restricting EV charger installation. If you’re a renter, the law allows you to request and install EV charging stations. While your property owner is required to reasonably accommodate these requests, they aren’t required to pay for installation and associated costs. If your property owner or HOA board decides not to pay for installation, you are responsible for covering the costs and can apply for incentives to help lower costs.
2. Talk to Other Residents About Installing Chargers
a. Start by connecting with other building or community residents: Chances are, you aren’t the only person in your community who is interested in EV charging. Having the support of a group or committee will be helpful as you work to convince your property manager or HOA board to provide charging services. Working as a group can also make planning for chargers and applying for incentives easier.
b. Review your building’s rules: They may not have been updated since the “Right to Charge” law was passed, so don’t be discouraged if you see that EV chargers aren’t allowed—appeal to your property manager or HOA board.
3. Start the conversation with your property manager or HOA board
a. Highlight the value: EV chargers are increasingly sought-after amenities. They can help buildings stand out in a competitive market.
b. Point to incentives: Massachusetts and many utility providers offer rebates for charging station installation at multifamily buildings. Federal tax credits for EV charging stations are also available through June 30, 2026. For a full list of applicable rebates, click here.
c. Suggest revenue opportunities: Property owners and HOA communities can charge tenants or visitors a fee to use the EV charging stations, creating a new income stream. Review and share the Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Owner-Operator Resource with your property owner or HOA board to learn more.
d. If you’re in a condo, look into submetering: Many condo units and multifamily buildings submeter electricity, meaning that each unit has its own separate meter. That way, residents pay their own specific electric costs. However, depending on your home layout, your EV chargers may need to be installed away from your unit (in a parking lot, for example). This means you’ll need a new submetering system. To get started, you can work with a licensed electrician and your utility provider to create a plan on how your EV chargers will get electricity and who will cover the bill.
e. Present your plan as a committee: Once you have a group of interested residents, an understanding of HOA or building rules, and a plan for how chargers can be installed and paid for, present your plan to your HOA board or property manager for approval and support.
Tip: Share this article with your property manager or HOA to help them explore the benefits and process. You can also find a sample email to send to your property manager or HOA board here.
As more drivers switch to EVs, the infrastructure to support them is also growing. With renter-friendly EV policies and incentives in place, Massachusetts has paved the way for more residents to drive electric. The best part? You can be a part of the state’s evolution by helping to bring chargers to your community. Whether you’re a renter, condo owner, or property manager, there are tools in place to get started.
