Tenant's friend to install electrical line/car charger

[John Williams]

Hi, I have a trustworthy tenant who is interested in installing a car charger. The unit is in a large, multifamily complex with subterranean parking. The assigned parking spot is nearly 300 feet from the electrical room, so significant conduit/wiring will need to be installed in the garage's ceiling. 

The tenet's friend is an electrical contractor, who will install everything at no cost to the tenant. Seems too good to be true, but again, the tenant is trustworthy. Any ideas on how I can protect myself if something goes wrong? I have scheduled a site walk with the HOA President and contractor. I will require the contractor warranty the work for 1 year, and provide the same documentation that they would provide to a paying customer. Thank you!

[Dan Baldini]

John--highly recommend you do the following to protect your interests and your property:

1. Get the Certificate of Insurance for the electrical contractor in case there is an issue during installation and also thereafter.  Also get proof of paid invoice for your records, too.

2. Have the tenant sign a Lease Amendment indicating that the tenant is responsible for the cost of installation of the charger, any maint and repairs, and also removal cost (if desired later by you or the HOA). Also, the amendment should read that once the lease ends, the charger becomes a fixture of your property and thus yours.

It's always a plus when you can get your property valuation increased and the tenant pays for the new item, just so long as your downside risk is mitigated, too.

Good luck!