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Charging Ahead: A Renter’s Guide to Owning an Electric Car

Electric vehicle charging at home charging station with EV charger device plugged in with blurred background. Due to its many advantages, including being environmentally friendly and cost-effective, electric cars are becoming more and more popular. Owning an electric car, however, may be challenging if you rent a home. In such a situation, it’s important to consider certain factors that can assist you in overcoming these obstacles and still reap the benefits of owning an electric vehicle as a renter.

 

Charging Infrastructure

If you are planning to buy an electric car, it is essential to consider the charging infrastructure available at your rental property. You should evaluate the electrical system in your property and confirm that it can handle the additional electrical load. 

 

To make sure you have a dedicated parking space or garage with an electrical outlet that works with the charging cable and gives you the right amount of power, you should check that out. There is another option: you can check to see if there is a public charging station close that you can use.

 

Landlord Permission

If you want to make any other electrical modifications in your rented property, think about installing a charging station first. Review your lease agreement carefully in this case and talk to your landlord or property management company for guidance. This will keep you from having any disagreements or conflicts, and it will also help you make sure you follow any rules or regulations that are in the lease agreement.

 

Be sure to communicate your plans clearly and seek permission before making any modifications to the property. This will help you maintain a positive relationship with your landlord and ensure you follow the proper procedures to make any necessary changes to your rented property.

 

Portable Chargers

Consider using a portable charger plugged into a regular household outlet if setting up a dedicated charging station for your electric vehicle proves difficult. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that portable chargers are slower than dedicated charging stations and might not give you enough range for daily driving. Because of this, it’s important to make sure that your rental property has charging ports that are easy to get to.

 

It’s important to know how many amps the outlet you want to use has before you buy a portable charger. If your rental property lacks an accessible outlet with this rating, you may need to contact an electrician to install one with your landlord’s permission. Most portable chargers require a 120-volt, 20-amp outlet. 

 

Check the manufacturer’s specifications before buying. Some portable chargers also need a special circuit.

 

Other Considerations

  • Public Charging: It’s possible to count on public charging infrastructure, but it’s not always the most practical or economical choice. The availability of charging stations in your area and their locations should be taken into consideration. In particular, if you often travel long distances, this will help you plan your charging needs. Some charging stations may also have different pricing systems, which can change the total amount you pay as well. Because of this, it’s important to carefully consider all of your choices before making a choice.
  • Electric Utility Rates: Your utility company may have programs that can help you save money on charging if you have an electric vehicle. You might be able to get special rates or other benefits through these programs that can really lower your overall energy costs. Spend some time looking into what your company has to offer and see if there are any ways you can save money.
  • Charging Apps: Electric vehicle owners can easily use specialized EV charging apps to find charging stations nearby, check to see if they are available, and keep track of the charging process. These apps make charging an electric vehicle (EV) easy and smooth.

 

Owning an electric car as a renter may need some more preparation and coordination, but it is still a realistic and environmentally beneficial alternative that you should consider. Renters are making the decision to transition to electric mobility at an increasing rate because of the growing availability of charging stations and the general trend towards sustainability. If you want the move to go as smoothly as possible, it is imperative that you do your research and speak openly with your landlord. If you follow these measures, you will not only be able to enjoy the many advantages of owning an electric car, but you will also have a positive effect on the surrounding environment.

 

We at Real Property Management Integrity are committed to elevating the quality of life you enjoy while residing in rented housing in Riverside and the neighboring communities. Our dedication to ensuring the happiness of our tenants and meeting the specific requirements of each individual customer separates us from the competition in this sector. Have a look at our available listings or give us a call at 951-530-1600 right away.

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.

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