December 30, 2025 • 10 min read • West LA EV Life Team
Best Home EV Chargers for LA Apartments (2025 Complete Guide)
Living in an apartment doesn't mean you can't have home charging. Our comprehensive guide covers landlord approval, portable options, installation costs, and your legal rights as a renter in Los Angeles.
Apartment Charging Made Simple
Key Takeaways
- California law protects your right to install EV charging in apartments (AB 2565)
- 3 main options: Hardwired permanent, portable Level 2, or 120V trickle charging
- Average cost: $500-$1,500 for apartment installation (less than houses)
- Landlords can't unreasonably deny your request in California
Your Legal Right to Charge in California
Good news: California law is on your side. Assembly Bill 2565 gives renters the right to install EV charging equipment in their parking spaces, and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse your request.
California AB 2565 Key Points
- Tenants have the right to install EV charging stations at their own expense
- Landlords must approve requests unless they have "reasonable" objections
- You're responsible for installation, maintenance, and electricity costs
- Must use licensed electrician and obtain proper permits
- Landlord can require $1M liability insurance (often included in renter's insurance)
3 Charging Options for Apartment Dwellers
You have three main options depending on your parking situation, landlord cooperation, and budget:
Hardwired Level 2 Charger (Best Option)
Ideal for: Tenants with assigned parking spots who plan to stay long-term
✅ Pros
- • Fastest charging (25-30 miles per hour)
- • Most convenient - plug in and forget
- • Eligible for LADWP $1,000 rebate
- • Increases property value for landlord
- • Weather-resistant and permanent
❌ Cons
- • Requires landlord approval
- • Higher upfront cost ($500-$1,500)
- • Permanent installation (leave behind)
- • Need dedicated parking spot
- • Requires electrical permit
Top Recommended Models:
ChargePoint Home Flex
WiFi, 50A, smart scheduling
JuiceBox 40
App control, voice assistant compatible
Grizzl-E Classic
Budget-friendly, durable, 40A
💰 Total Cost: $900-$2,500 (charger + installation) - but get $1,000 back from LADWP!
Portable Level 2 Charger (Most Flexible)
Ideal for: Renters who move frequently or have NEMA 14-50 outlet access
✅ Pros
- • Take it with you when you move
- • No permanent installation needed
- • Cheaper installation (just outlet)
- • Works at multiple locations
- • Good charging speed (20-25 mph)
❌ Cons
- • Still need outlet installation ($300-$800)
- • Less secure (can be unplugged/stolen)
- • Must store charger when not using
- • Weather exposure concerns
- • May not qualify for rebates
Top Portable Options:
Tesla Mobile Connector
40A, multiple adapters included
Lectron V-BOX
Portable, 40A, NEMA 14-50
Mustart Level 2 Portable
32A, budget option, durable
💰 Total Cost: $550-$1,150 (charger + outlet installation)
120V Trickle Charging (Emergency/Budget)
Ideal for: Low-mileage drivers, plug-in hybrids, or temporary situations
✅ Pros
- • Uses standard wall outlet
- • Zero installation cost
- • No landlord approval needed
- • Works anywhere with power
- • Included with most EVs
❌ Cons
- • VERY slow (3-5 miles per hour)
- • Not practical for daily commuters
- • Can trip older circuit breakers
- • Full charge takes 24-48 hours
- • Not a long-term solution
When 120V Works:
- You drive less than 30 miles per day
- You have a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with small battery
- You have access to workplace charging
- It's a temporary solution while getting Level 2 installed
💰 Total Cost: $0 (use included cable) or $150-$300 for upgraded 120V charger
How to Get Landlord Approval (Template Included)
Follow these steps to maximize your chances of approval:
1 Do Your Research First
- Get quotes from 2-3 licensed electricians
- Identify your parking spot location relative to electrical panel
- Understand costs and timeline
- Check if you need a sub-meter for separate billing
2 Write a Formal Request
Include these key points in your letter:
- Reference California AB 2565
- Specify you'll cover all costs
- Attach electrician quotes and insurance proof
- Mention property value increase
- Offer to remove upon move-out (if applicable)
3 Address Their Concerns Proactively
- Cost: "I will pay 100% of installation costs"
- Liability: "I have $1M liability coverage" (attach proof)
- Safety: "Licensed electrician with permits and inspection"
- Electricity: "I'll pay for usage via sub-meter or flat monthly fee"
📄 Sample Request Letter Template
[Your Name]
[Your Apartment Unit]
[Date]
[Landlord/Property Manager Name]
[Property Management Company]
[Address]
Re: Request to Install Electric Vehicle Charging Station
Dear [Landlord Name],
I am writing to request permission to install an electric vehicle charging station in my assigned parking space [#XX] at [Property Address], pursuant to California Assembly Bill 2565.
Installation Details:
• Level 2 EV charger (ChargePoint Home Flex)
• Licensed electrician: [Company Name, License #]
• Estimated cost: $1,200 (I will cover 100% of costs)
• Timeline: 2-3 weeks including permits and inspection
• Sub-meter for separate billing (if required)
Insurance & Liability:
• $1M liability coverage (attached proof)
• All work by licensed, insured contractor
• City permits and final inspection included
Benefits to Property:
• Increases property value and desirability
• Attracts eco-conscious tenants
• Future-proofs building for EV adoption
• Charger can be left for future tenants (if desired)
I'm happy to discuss any concerns and work together to make this installation seamless. Please let me know if you need additional information.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone]
[Your Email]
Real West LA Apartment Charging Stories
Sarah C., Westwood
Tesla Model 3 | 2023
"My landlord initially said no, but after I sent the formal request with AB 2565 reference and electrician quotes, they approved in 3 days. ChargePoint installation cost $950, minus the $1,000 LADWP rebate. Basically free!"
✅ Setup: Hardwired Level 2 • Net Cost: -$50 after rebate
Marcus R., Santa Monica
Rivian R1T | 2024
"I move every 2 years for work, so I went with a portable Level 2. Had an electrician install a NEMA 14-50 outlet for $600. Now I can take my charger anywhere. Best decision for my situation."
✅ Setup: Portable Level 2 • Total Cost: $850 (take it when you move!)
Jessica L., Culver City
Chevy Bolt EUV | 2023
"My building has shared parking, so installing a personal charger wasn't possible. I charge at work 3x/week (free!) and use 120V at home for top-ups. Works great since I only drive 25 miles/day."
✅ Setup: Combo (workplace + 120V) • Cost: $0
Cost Breakdown: What to Expect
| Installation Type | Equipment | Installation | Total | After Rebates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardwired Level 2 | $399-$699 | $500-$1,500 | $899-$2,199 | $0-$1,199 💰 |
| Portable + Outlet | $230-$349 | $300-$800 | $530-$1,149 | $530-$1,149 |
| 120V Trickle | $0-$300 | $0 | $0-$300 | $0-$300 |
* Rebate assumes $1,000 LADWP residential rebate for hardwired Level 2 installations. Portable installations may not qualify.
FAQs: Apartment EV Charging
What if my landlord says no anyway?
Under AB 2565, they must provide a "reasonable" objection in writing. If they refuse without cause, you can file a complaint with the California Attorney General's office. Consider consulting with a tenant rights attorney or contact the LA Housing Department.
Can I deduct installation costs from rent?
No, you cannot deduct from rent. However, you may be able to negotiate with your landlord to split costs, especially if the charger adds value to the property and can be used by future tenants. Some landlords will cover partial costs.
Do I have to remove the charger when I move out?
It depends on your agreement with the landlord. Many landlords prefer you leave it (adds value). For portable chargers, definitely take it with you. For hardwired installations, clarify this in writing before installation.
What about charging in shared/guest parking?
Shared parking makes it more complicated. AB 2565 specifically applies to "assigned" parking spaces. For shared parking, you'd need landlord cooperation or consider lobbying for building-wide charging infrastructure (becoming common in newer LA apartments).
How do I handle electricity billing?
Three options: 1) Sub-meter (separate bill for charging, most accurate), 2) Flat monthly fee based on estimated usage ($30-60/month typical), or 3) Increase rent slightly to cover charging costs. Discuss with landlord upfront.
Quick Decision Tool
Which Option Is Right for You?
Choose Hardwired Level 2 if:
- You plan to stay 2+ years
- You have assigned parking
- You want fastest charging and convenience
- You can get landlord approval
- You want the $1,000 LADWP rebate
Choose Portable Level 2 if:
- You move frequently (every 1-2 years)
- You want flexibility
- You have access to 240V outlet (or can install one)
- You want to take equipment with you
Choose 120V Trickle if:
- You drive <30 miles/day
- You have a PHEV with small battery
- You have workplace charging access
- It's temporary while arranging Level 2
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