Tenant vs. Landlord: Solving the EV Charging "Right to Charge" Dispute in Canada

The rising friction between tenants wanting to go electric and landlords hesitant to upgrade infrastructure has reached a boiling point in the last few years. In Ontario and across Canada, the lack of clear "Right to Charge" legislation often leaves renters in "charging deserts," while landlords face daunting installation costs and complex electrical load management. WattShare bridges this gap by turning private EV chargers into shared neighbourhood assets, allowing tenants to access reliable charging without requiring immediate, expensive building retrofits.

Why This Dispute Matters

Canada's legal framework for EV charging in rental units remains a patchwork. While British Columbia has made strides with "EV-ready" requirements for Multi-Unit Residential Buildings (MURBs), Ontario still lacks a formal "Right to Charge" law for existing tenants. This means many renters are at the mercy of their lease agreements and the goodwill of their landlords.

In a CBC Ottawa report, tenants highlighted the frustration of owning an EV but being banned from using standard 120V outlets (Level 1) due to landlord fears over fire safety or unmetered electricity costs. Without a clear provincial mandate, many landlords simply default to "no" to avoid the perceived liability.

Landlords aren't always being difficult; they are often managing aging infrastructure.

• Electrical capacity: Many older buildings in Toronto and Ottawa have electrical panels that cannot handle the simultaneous load of multiple Level 2 chargers.
• Infrastructure costs: A full "EV-ready" retrofit can cost upwards of $120,000 for a medium-sized complex.
• Administrative burden: Tracking individual electricity usage for unmetered parking spots is a logistical nightmare for property managers.

Comparison: Infrastructure Retrofits vs. WattShare

The WattShare Solution: Bypassing the Gridlock

WattShare provides a "third way" that defuses the landlord-tenant conflict. By transforming how multi-family properties view charging, our platform offers immediate relief to both sides, whether you look outside your building or use the infrastructure already inside it.

For Tenants: Reliable Charging Within Arm's Reach

• The neighbourhood network: Instead of fighting for a single plug in visitor parking or waiting years for a retrofit, use the WattShare app to find local Hosts (homeowners with Level 2 chargers) in your immediate neighbourhood.
• Peace of mind: Secure a guaranteed, private charging spot within walking distance of your apartment, ending "charger rage" at broken public stations.

For Landlords: Turn Existing Plugs Into Trackable Amenities

Instead of defaulting to "no" due to administrative headaches, landlords can use WattShare to solve load management and unmetered utility tracking.

• No-cost tracking for Level 1 plugs: Register existing standard 120V wall outlets (Level 1) or outdoor plugs on WattShare, the app handles session tracking.
• Eliminate the administrative burden: WattShare automates metering for every charging session on unmetered parking spots.
• Passive revenue streams: Assign plugs to EV-owning tenants; the app bills exact energy use and pays the landlord, turning a liability into organized income.
• Buy time for future upgrades: Using WattShare for existing plugs eases tenant pressure while boards apply for federal grants such as Natural Resources Canada's ZEVIP to fund future Level 2 upgrades.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a landlord stop me from using a standard plug for my EV?
Generally, yes. Unless your lease explicitly includes electricity for vehicle charging, a landlord can prohibit common-area outlets due to safety and cost concerns.

Who pays for the electricity used on a peer-to-peer platform like WattShare?
The WattShare app calculates, tracks, and bills the driver for exact energy consumed during a session. Revenue goes to the local Host to cover utility costs and generate passive income, removing administrative burden from your landlord when they are the Host.

How much does it cost to use a WattShare spot?
Costs vary by host but are typically more affordable than commercial DC fast chargers and offer the convenience of a residential setting.

Next Steps