California right-to-charge law
A covenant or rule that effectively prohibits or unreasonably restricts installing or using an EV charger in an owner's unit or designated parking space is void and unenforceable. Restrictions are reasonable only if they do not significantly increase the cost or significantly decrease the charger's efficiency or performance.
- Who it covers
- HOA and condo owners (Civil Code § 4745); many renters (Civil Code § 1947.6)
- Law
- Cal. Civ. Code §§ 4745, 1947.6
- Owner pays
- Installation, electricity, damage, maintenance, repair, replacement, and restoration on removal.
- Response deadline
- A complete application is deemed approved if not denied in writing within 60 days, unless the association reasonably requests more information.
What the association can require
- An application processed like an architectural modification
- Liability insurance, with a certificate within 14 days of approval and annually after that
- A license agreement if the charger must go in a common area because the owner's designated space is impossible or unreasonably expensive to use
Other points
- An association that willfully violates § 4745 can be liable for actual damages and a civil penalty of up to $1,000; a prevailing owner recovers attorney's fees.
- Renters: under § 1947.6, landlords must approve a tenant's written request to install a charger at the tenant's expense for leases signed, renewed or extended on or after July 1, 2015. Exemptions include properties with fewer than five parking spaces, leases that do not include parking, certain rent-controlled units, and properties where 10% or more of spaces already have chargers.
Next steps
Check your declaration and rules, then put your request in writing. Here is what to include, with a sample letter.
Next step
Live in California? Find the guide for your home. Choose your living situation and read the charging guide written for it. Ready for an electrician? Request an installation quote.
Choose your charging guideGet an installation quoteCommon questions
Can a California association stop me from installing an EV charger?
A covenant or rule that effectively prohibits or unreasonably restricts installing or using an EV charger in an owner's unit or designated parking space is void and unenforceable. Restrictions are reasonable only if they do not significantly increase the cost or significantly decrease the charger's efficiency or performance.
Who pays for an EV charger under California law?
Installation, electricity, damage, maintenance, repair, replacement, and restoration on removal.
How long does a California association have to respond?
A complete application is deemed approved if not denied in writing within 60 days, unless the association reasonably requests more information.