tenant stealing electricity

Hello --

The tenant of one of our owners is using a common area electrical outlet to charge his electric vehicle. He says he is paying for the electricity. He has not paid.

We have told the owner to pay the HOA for the electricity used thus far and arrange for regular such payments in future. The owner has not responded.

Do readers have suggestions on how to negotiate this?

Thanks for any information.

Stephen Mehl
HOA President

Looks like Tim beat me to it. But to reiterate . . .
Cut the power to the outlet being used and others that may be used instead. And/or purchase lockable receptacle covers.
When they'd like to begin using the power again, they can reach out to you and arrange proper payment. Until then, no power.

Before you shut the tenant down, ascertain the need for a charging station so you don't leave him stranded, provide options and then cut off his "fuel." It's the owner that's causing this problem and you don't know the impression being given the tenant by the landlord in regards to plugging in the car.

A solid vehicle charging policy or plan will help others in your community going forward. This isn't as much a problem as a symptom that new technologies have arrived in the community.

Work this one out if you can. We can all learn from it on this forum.