What happens if you’re ready to make the switch to an electric vehicle but you don’t own the property? And what happens if you do own your property but it’s a flat in a block with shared parking?
As experts in EV charger installation we at MD Govier hear questions like this all the time. So, can you install an EV charger if you rent or live in a flat?The short answer is yes – but there are steps involved.
The good news? As of January 2025 flats and renters accounted for 9,719 sockets installed under the government’s EV Chargepoint Grant scheme, representing 56% of installations. Plus, 86% of freehold landlords would install an EV charger if their tenant requested one, according to recent surveys.
The process isn’t complicated, but it does require the right permissions, an approved installer, and meeting specific criteria.
What You Need to Install an EV Charger in a Flat or Rental Property
EV charger installation for renters follows a clear process, though it involves more stakeholders than a typical home installation.
Permission from the Right People
Getting permission from the right people is absolutely your first and most important step. Do you need permission to install an EV charger? Yes. Who do you need to ask? Well, that depends on your living situation.
If you rent your property, you need written permission from your landlord. This isn’t optional – it’s a legal requirement and essential for grant eligibility. Most rental agreements specifically prohibit structural changes without permission, so you can’t overlook this step.
If you own a flat, you typically need consent from the freeholder, management company or residents’ association. Leasehold properties often require formal permission for external alterations, including electrical installations.
It’s also vital that you have proof of all legal rights and permissions when applying for grants, according to government guidance. Getting permission upfront saves time and potential complications later.
An OZEV-Approved Installer
The Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant provides up to £350 (or 75% off the cost to buy and install a socket, whichever amount is lower) for flat owners and renters and is available until March 2026. But this funding is only available through OZEV-approved installers.
OZEV-approved installers handle the paperwork, assess your site to make sure it’s suitable for a charger and ensure installations meet safety standards. They can also support you with grant applications, making the process simpler.
However, not all electrical contractors are OZEV-approved. And using an unapproved installer means you forfeit grant eligibility and may face compliance issues if problems arise.
The team here at MD Govier is fully OZEV-approved.
A Smart-Enabled EV Charger
All new EV charger installations must use smart chargers capable of scheduled charging and remote control. This isn’t just a grant requirement – it’s UK law for residential installations.
Smart chargers allow energy suppliers to manage grid demand and give you the ability to charge during cheaper off-peak periods. Basic smart chargers meet legal requirements, while premium units offer app control, solar integration and advanced scheduling (unsurprisingly at a higher cost).
Parking That Supports the Installation
You must have dedicated off-street parking at your property for most grant schemes. This includes private driveways, garages, or designated parking spaces in residential car parks.
Shared parking can work if you have a designated space and permission from other residents or the management company. Cable routes must not obstruct walkways or other vehicles, and charging points must be accessible without crossing other properties.
What Grants Are Available (and What You Need to Qualify)?
The main funding source is the Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant for renters and flat owners. As mentioned, this scheme is available until March 2026 and covers up to 75% of installation costs, capped at £350 per socket.
To qualify for this grant you must:
- Live in the UK and own an EV or have one on order
- Either own and live in a flat, or rent any residential property
- Have dedicated off-street parking
- Use an OZEV-approved installer
- Install a smart-enabled charger
Properties under shared ownership schemes are also eligible. However, you can’t claim grants for unoccupied properties or those still under construction.
There are also infrastructure grants available for landlords installing multiple charging points. These schemes can fund electrical upgrades needed to support several chargers in apartment blocks or estates.
What If You Can’t Install a Home EV Charger?
Sometimes home charging just isn’t possible, but alternatives do exist.
Council-installed charge points through the On-street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS) are expanding across UK local authorities. These chargers, built into streetlamps or installed as separate units, serve residents without off-street parking.
Workplace charging offers another solution. Many employers are installing charge points for staff, sometimes at subsidised rates. This works particularly well if you have regular commuting patterns.
Public charging networks continue expanding rapidly too. The total number of public EV chargers increased by 28% in the 12 months up to April 2025, making public charging a feasible alternative for people without home installations.
Peer-to-peer charging through platforms like Co Charger is another option. These platforms connect EV drivers with private charger owners and can provide more convenient and cheaper charging than public networks.
Tips for Talking to Your Landlord or Freeholder
It’s worth noting that many landlords are open to discussions about EV chargers, but still, you ought to approach the conversation strategically.
Start with the benefits to them
For example, EV chargers increase property value and appeal to environmentally conscious tenants. And properties with charging facilities command higher rents and experience lower tenant turnover.
Provide concrete information rather than vague requests
Get a detailed quote from an OZEV-approved installer that outlines costs, the installation process and any permissions that are necessary.
Address their concerns proactively
Common worries include installation costs, electrical safety, insurance implications and potential damage. Professional installers can provide warranties, insurance documentation and detailed installation plans that address these issues.
Consider offering to contribute to costs
Even if grants cover most of the expenses, offering to pay additional costs or contribute to electrical upgrades can demonstrate your commitment and appeal to your landlord’s wallet.
Get everything in writing
If your landlord agrees, make sure permissions are documented properly. This protects both parties and satisfies grant requirements.
At MD Govier we’ll happily provide you with quotes, spec sheets and even grant information to help support your case.
Why Use an OZEV-Approved Installer Like MD Govier?
Installing EV chargers in rented properties and flats requires expertise beyond standard electrical work. OZEV-approved installers like MD Govier understand the additional complexities of permissions, grant applications and compliance requirements.
We handle the entire process from initial assessment to installation. Our team understands building regulations, leasehold restrictions and electrical safety requirements specific to multi-occupancy buildings.
Complex installations – such as underground cable runs to parking areas or integration with existing building management systems – require specialist knowledge. That’s why we always assess technical feasibility upfront, avoiding nasty surprises once work begins.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
Every rental property and flat presents different challenges and opportunities for EV charger installation. Location, parking arrangements, electrical infrastructure and ownership structures all affect what’s possible and cost-effective.
We provide site-specific assessments that evaluate technical feasibility, grant eligibility, and permission requirements. Our quotes include detailed and transparent breakdowns of costs, timelines and any additional work needed.
Ready to explore EV charging options for your rental property or flat? Then request a quote today.