How will electric vehicles fit into your leases?
In October 2024, Ontario had over 201,000 registered electric vehicles (EVs) – a number expected to surpass one million by 2030.
However, there are still no provincial or federal laws specifically addressing EV charging in rental housing, according to tenants’ rights lawyer Daniel Tucker-Simmon.
This leaves housing providers and tenants in a grey area where neither has guaranteed rights, opening the door to potential disputes over whether tenants are allowed to charge their EVs at their rental property, or who pays for electricity.
Renters with EVs have expressed that they prefer avoiding public chargers, which often come with higher base costs to cover infrastructure and allow for price hikes during peak hours or at busy locations.
Instead, they’re turning to landlords and property managers, seeking options to charge their EVs at home, whether by using standard household outlets or through installed charging stations in parking areas.
The best way to avoid potential conflict is to proactively address EVs in your rental agreements. Define a clear policy, outline fees and tenant responsibilities, and make all of it part of both your lease and rental listings.
Don’t let the electric vehicle trend catch you off guard. Whether you’re enthusiastic about accommodating EVs or hesitant about the associated costs, one thing is clear: setting a policy now protects your peace of mind later.
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