Maryland “Right-to-Charge” Law is Now in Effect

Homeowners Associations and Condos

A Maryland Right-to-Charge law for homeowners and condo residents goes into effect today, October 1, 2021.

Maryland joins eight other states including Virginia and New York to prohibit HOAs and condo boards from denying permission for a homeowner to install an electric vehicle charging station within certain guidelines. It would make void and unenforceable any covenants or restrictions of a condominium or homeowners association if they prohibit or unreasonably restrict the installation or use of electric vehicle recharging equipment in an owner’s deeded or designated parking space.

This bill gives homeowners the right to install a charging station in their parking spot as long as they pay for the costs of installation, maintenance, electricity and subsequent removal upon moving. Many people in Maryland live in housing that is governed by an HOA or condo board. Addressing the issue of charging at multi-family units is important to achieve the full potential of electric vehicle adoption in the state.

Many Years to Succeed

The Maryland General Assembly passed the “Right to Charge” bill in the spring. The bill, (HB110) was sponsored by Delegate Marc Korman of Montgomery County. Last fall, I asked my state Senator, Guy Guzzone to sponsor the bill on the Senate side.

I’ve testified in support of Maryland Right-to-Charge legislation since 2016. HOA groups strongly opposed the idea for several years and consequently, the legislation failed to pass in 2016, 2017 and 2018. The legislation finally gained traction in 2019 when the HOA groups dropped their opposition and actually supported the bill after offering some amendments. It still took three years to pass both chambers in Annapolis even with that support.

Not a Panacea

This law is not necessarily a single cure-all for everyone who doesn’t have a single family home, but it’s a step in the right direction. It will benefit many current and future Maryland EV drivers.