Installing an EV charger at home is one of the best ways to enjoy convenient and cost-effective electric car charging. But what if you’re renting your home in the UK? Can a tenant install a charger, and what will the landlord say? In this guide, we at Evergy will walk you through everything UK tenants, landlords, and property managers need to know about EV charger installations in rental properties. We’ll cover the challenges tenants face, how to get your landlord’s permission, the costs and practicalities, and the benefits for everyone involved. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to make home EV charging work in a rented house or flat.
Can Tenants Install an EV Charger in a Rented Home?
Yes – tenants in the UK can install an EV charger at a rented house or flat in many cases, but you absolutely need your landlord’s permission first. As a renter, you don’t own the property, so you can’t make alterations like adding an electric vehicle chargepoint without approval. The good news is that UK law is on your side in principle: there’s no law forcing landlords to provide chargers yet, but the law does give tenants the right to install a charger if they pay for it (with the landlord’s agreement). In other words, if you’re willing to fund the charger and installation (or agree on a cost-sharing with your landlord), you should be able to proceed as long as the landlord consents.
That said, practical considerations will determine if an EV charger installation is feasible in your rental home:
Off-Street Parking: Do you have a driveway, garage, or designated parking spot? Home chargers are typically installed on an exterior wall or garage near where you park. If you only have on-street parking, installing a private charger becomes difficult (you usually cannot run a cable across public pavements). In that case, you may need to rely on public chargers or ask the council about on-street charging options.
Electrical Capacity: An electrician will need to assess the property’s electrical panel to ensure it can handle a 7.4kW charger (the standard for home EV charging on a single-phase UK supply). Most modern houses can, but older wiring or flats might need an upgrade. This is something a certified installer would check.
Rental Type – House or Flat: In a rented house, you (or your landlord’s installer) can typically mount a charger on the exterior wall relatively easily. In a rented flat or apartment, it can be more complex – especially if parking is in a shared car park or you need to run cables through common areas. You’ll likely need freeholder or property management permission on top of your direct landlord’s approval for a flat installation.
Permits and Regulations: The good news is that installing a wall-mounted EV charge point at a residential property usually does not require planning permission. It falls under “permitted development” as long as the charger unit is below 0.2 cubic metres in size and not facing a highway within 2 metres. In plain English, most home chargers are compact and can be installed on your driveway side of the house without any special planning application. (If the building is listed or in a conservation area, there could be additional rules – but that’s rare for standard installations.)
Bottom line for tenants: It is possible to get an EV charger at your rented home, but you must loop in your landlord from the start. Let’s look at how to approach that conversation and secure EV charging permission from your landlord.
Getting Your Landlord’s Permission for an EV Charger
Requesting an EV charger installation from your landlord might feel daunting, but with the right approach it can be a win-win. Here’s how to get that crucial permission from the landlord:
1. Check Your Tenancy Agreement: Before anything, review your rental contract. Many agreements have clauses about making alterations. Installing an EV charger is a significant alteration (it involves adding hardware and wiring to the property). Ensure there’s no outright prohibition. Even if the contract says you need written landlord consent for modifications (which is common), you’re on the right track – it means you just need approval.
2. Do Your Homework: Come to your landlord with a plan, not just a question. Research the type of charger you want and the expected installation process. For example, you might say, “I’m interested in installing a 7.4kW home EV charger. A certified electrician would handle the installation, connecting it safely to the mains, and it won’t exceed permitted development size.” When you show you’ve done the legwork, it reassures the landlord that you’re serious and the job will be done professionally. (Hint: You can even mention that modern chargers have built-in safety features like PEN fault protection and RCDs, meaning they’re very safe and often don’t require extra earthing rods – less fuss for the property.)
3. Offer to Cover Costs (or Propose a Fair Split): As a tenant, you should be ready to pay for the charger and installation, since it’s for your benefit. In fact, many landlords will expect this. A recent UK survey found only 20% of landlords would be willing to cover the full cost of installing a requested EV charger, whereas 65% would expect the tenant to pay all or share the cost. Be clear in your offer: you can volunteer to pay, or if you’re hoping the landlord chips in, suggest a sensible split (maybe you pay for the charger if they pay for the electrician, or vice versa). Emphasise that this investment can be seen as an upgrade to the property’s infrastructure that adds value.
4. Highlight the Benefits to the Landlord: Make it easy for them to say yes. Explain that having an EV charger will make the property more attractive now and in the future (an important point as EV ownership rises sharply in the UK). In that same survey, the top reasons landlords agreed to install chargers were increasing property value, appealing to future tenants, and keeping current tenants happy (each cited by 40% of landlords). Essentially, by allowing the charger, the landlord is future-proofing their property for the EV era. If they ever decide to sell the house, a ready EV charger could be a selling point. It’s also far cheaper and easier to install one now than to rewire later under pressure when every tenant has an EV.
5. Mention Government Support: The UK government actively encourages EV charging at home, and there are grants available for landlords that you can mention to sweeten the deal. The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) offers an EV chargepoint grant for landlords that covers 75% of the cost of a charger installation (capped at £350). Landlords can even claim up to 200 such grants per year for different properties. Let your landlord know about this scheme – “You might be eligible for the OZEV £350 grant to cover most of the cost” – and offer to help with the application if needed. (We’ll provide more detail on grants in the landlord section below.)
6. Agree on Ownership and Future Plans in Writing: This is crucial for avoiding disputes. Because you’re paying (in full or part), clarify what happens when you eventually move out. Common solutions include:
The charger stays with the property (becomes the landlord’s asset) with no cost to the landlord, since you’ve already paid – meaning the landlord benefits long-term.
Or, you agree the landlord will buy it off you at a depreciated price when you leave, if you both prefer that.
In some cases, a tenant might want to take the charger to their next home. If so, get permission on whether that’s allowed and how the removal will be handled (you’d likely need to pay an electrician to remove it and make good any holes in the wall).
Putting these terms in a simple written addendum to your tenancy agreement or an email exchange can save a lot of headache later. It ensures everyone is on the same page about responsibility for the charger’s maintenance, removal, and costs.
7. Use a Certified Installer: Assure your landlord that you will use a professional, OZEV-approved installer (which is required for the grant anyway). A certified electrician will install the charger to current 18th Edition wiring regulations and Part P building standards, notify building control if needed, and generally do a neat job. This protects the property from electrical hazards and gives both you and the landlord peace of mind. (Evergy can help arrange professional installation – we have a network of certified installers. If you get the go-ahead, we’re happy to manage the process for you.)
Approaching the conversation with this proactive, cooperative mindset can significantly improve your chances. Many landlords may not be very familiar with EV chargers yet, so your polite education and reassurance goes a long way. Remember, a survey showed 86% of UK private landlords with a suitable property would install an EV charger if a tenant asks – so odds are, your landlord will be open to it when approached correctly!
Landlords & Property Managers: Installing EV Chargers in Rental Properties
If you’re a landlord or property manager, you might be reading this because your tenant has requested an EV charger – or you’re planning ahead knowing that future tenants will. This section is for you, with a voice of experience from Evergy as a leading EV charging specialist.
First off, let’s clear the air: you are not yet legally required to provide EV charging in rental properties. There’s no obligation similar to gas safety certificates or energy performance at this time. However, the direction of travel is clear. The UK government wants all new car sales to be zero-emission by 2035, and EV uptake is accelerating. Installing a charger is a forward-thinking amenity that can boost your property’s appeal and value. In fact, proactive landlords see chargers as the next must-have feature, much like broadband or modern boilers.
Here are some key considerations for landlords:
Benefits of Allowing a Charger: As mentioned, a charger can make your property more attractive to the growing number of EV-owning tenants. It can also potentially justify a higher rent or at least keep your place competitive in the market. A Direct Line survey in 2024 found landlords’ top motivations were increasing property value, attracting tenants, and tenant satisfaction (all 40%). Happy tenants who feel their home is future-ready may stay longer, reducing void periods. Some landlords even view an EV charger as adding a premium feel to the home – especially if you choose a stylish model that complements the property (more on charger models shortly).
Costs and Who Pays: You might worry about the expense. A typical professional install with hardware can run roughly £800 to £1,200 (depending on the charger model and complexity of the install). The majority of landlords currently expect tenants to foot the bill or split it, which is something you can negotiate. However, don’t forget the OZEV grants. The Government’s EV chargepoint grant for landlords will reimburse 75% of the install cost up to £350. You can claim up to 200 grants per year if you have multiple properties. There’s also an EV infrastructure grant if you are considering wiring up multiple parking bays (e.g. an apartment block car park), offering up to £30,000 support for the broader electrical work. These grants dramatically cut your out-of-pocket expense. Take advantage of them – effectively, the government is picking up a big chunk of the bill to help you upgrade your property.
Installation Logistics: Allow your tenant to arrange quotes from certified installers. The installer will handle any necessary electrical upgrades, install a dedicated circuit from the consumer unit (often with its own RCBO), and mount the charger on an exterior wall or garage. It’s usually a one-day job with minimal disruption. As the property owner, you should ensure the installer is fully qualified and that they issue an Electrical Installation Certificate and notify building control (which is standard procedure). This paperwork is important for your property records and future sale, proving the charger was installed safely and legally.
Safety and Maintenance: Modern EV chargers are very safe and designed to require little maintenance. Unlike a gas appliance, there’s no legal annual check needed. However, about a quarter of landlords (26%) have concerns about ongoing maintenance costs. In reality, a quality charger should run for years without issue. It can be worth getting it checked or serviced periodically (perhaps every few years) to ensure all connections are tight and the software/firmware is up-to-date – especially if different tenants will be using it over time. If you include electricity in the rent (for instance, in an HMO or if you’re paying the bills), you might want a charger that tracks usage or can be controlled to manage cost – many smart chargers do this via apps or RFID access.
Written Agreement: Just as we advised tenants, as a landlord you should insist on a written understanding before installation. This covers who pays for what, and who owns the charger afterwards. For example, if the tenant pays for it, will you assume ownership once it’s installed? Or will you reimburse something if they leave it behind? Clarifying this protects both parties. It’s also wise to note that any physical alterations (like holes drilled for cabling) will be made good if the charger is removed later.
Multiple Units / Flats: If you manage a block of flats or a development, you might consider a more strategic approach. Instead of ad-hoc single chargers, an infrastructure grant can help you wire up multiple parking bays in one go. Even if not all tenants have EVs yet, you can install a couple of chargers and lay cabling for future chargers. This is beyond the scope of a single tenant request, but keep it in mind as a long-term plan – it could set your property apart in the rental market. Some high-end rentals are already advertising “EV charging available” as a perk.
Finally, it’s worth noting that supporting EV charging in your property contributes to broader environmental goals and shows you’re a modern, responsive landlord. With many councils and the UK government pushing for greener transport, you’ll likely eventually see regulations tighten. Getting ahead of the curve now, with grant help, is easier than scrambling later if it ever becomes a requirement.
If you’re a landlord unsure where to start, Evergy is here to help. We can consult on the best charger for your property needs, handle installation with our certified team, and guide you through the OZEV grant application. We’ve worked with numerous landlords to make rental EV charger installs smooth and beneficial.
Costs, Practicalities and Who Pays in a Rental EV Charger Install
Let’s dig deeper into the costs and practical aspects of installing an EV charger at a rented property – and importantly, who foots the bill.
Typical Installation Cost: For a standard 7.4kW home charger unit and professional installation in the UK, you’re generally looking at around £800 – £1,200 all-in. This can vary based on the charger model and any extra work needed (for example, a long cable run from the consumer unit, or an outdated fuse box needing an upgrade). Smart chargers with more features or premium designs can cost a bit more, while basic units might be at the lower end of the range.
OZEV Grants and Discounts: As mentioned, the OZEV EV chargepoint grant can knock off £350 (or 75% of the cost) for eligible rental properties. Typically, the installer will help handle the grant paperwork, applying the discount so you pay less up front. If you’re a tenant paying, you should still loop the landlord into the grant process since the property owner usually needs to be involved in the application. For landlords, the grant is a no-brainer – it’s essentially free money to improve your property. (External resource: you can read the official government details on the EV chargepoint grant for landlords for full eligibility criteria.) Moreover, if multiple parking spaces are being equipped (say for a block of flats), the EV infrastructure grant can help cover the cost of necessary electrical infrastructure, up to £30,000.
Who Pays for the Charger? In a rental scenario, this comes down to negotiation, but here are common approaches:
Tenant Pays Everything: Many tenants simply offer to pay for the charger + install as an investment in their own convenience. The charger then typically becomes a fixture of the property. The tenant essentially gifts an upgrade to the landlord (hence why getting agreement on future ownership is wise). This is straightforward and often easiest if you can afford it.
Landlord Pays Everything: This is less common unless the landlord is particularly keen on upgrades. However, some landlords are beginning to market their rentals as “EV-ready” and will install chargers proactively to attract tenants. If your landlord does this, lucky you!
Split the Cost: A fair middle-ground: for instance, the tenant buys the charger unit, and the landlord covers the electrician’s labour. Or each pays 50%. According to the survey data, about 30% of landlords prefer to share the cost with the tenantlandlordtoday.co.uk. Splitting costs can give both parties a sense of ownership and investment.
No matter which model, put it in writing. Also decide who will claim any available grant (usually it would be the landlord or whomever is the property owner).
Electricity Usage and Billing: Another practical aspect – once the charger is in, how is the electricity paid? In most cases, the charger is wired into the tenant’s own electricity meter, so the tenant just pays for whatever electricity they use to charge, as part of their normal bill. This is simplest if the tenant has their own electricity account (typical in standard rentals). If the landlord pays utilities (some all-bills-included rentals or HMOs), then you might need a conversation about increased electricity use. A dedicated EV tariff or off-peak charging schedule can keep costs down. In fact, many tenants will switch to an EV-friendly energy tariff like Octopus Go or Intelligent Octopus to get super cheap night rates for charging. If you’re doing that, ensure the charger you install is smart enough to schedule charges. (For example, the Ohme ePod charger is designed for intelligent tariff integration – see our blog on what EV chargers work with Octopus Intelligent Go. This lets you charge automatically when rates are lowest, saving everyone money.)
Insurance and Liability: This rarely is an issue, but occasionally landlords ask: “What if the charger causes damage or someone gets hurt?” A professionally installed charger by a qualified electrician mitigates most of this risk. It should be certified and very safe. The charger will become part of the property, so generally it falls under the landlord’s building insurance (it’s a fixture). Tenants might cover their cable or any damage to their car separately under their own insurance. Basically, treat the charger like any other fixed appliance – landlords aren’t usually liable for, say, a tenant’s misuse of an electric cooker that causes a problem, as long as it was safely installed and maintained.
Removal at End of Tenancy: If a tenant installed the charger and wants to remove it when leaving, this should only be done by a qualified electrician. All cables should be safely terminated and any drilled holes in walls should be filled and sealed. Often, however, once a charger is in, the tenant ends up leaving it because the hassle of removal and the low resale value of a used charger make it less worthwhile. That’s why negotiating some compensation or simply agreeing it stays can be simpler.
Timeframe: Once permission is sorted, how long until you’re up and running? Getting an installer in for a survey and quotation can take a week or two. Many installers can do the job within a day. So from go-ahead, you could have a working charger in as little as 1-3 weeks, especially if using a service like Evergy’s installation partners (we often have quick turnarounds and stock of popular charger units). There might be a wait if demand is high, but generally it’s a quick improvement to implement.
In summary, the practical side of installing an EV charger in a rented home comes down to communication and a bit of planning. Financially, there are supports to lessen the burden, and physically, it’s a relatively straightforward job in most houses. Next, let’s look at which chargers to consider – a crucial choice to make sure both tenant and landlord are happy with the outcome.
Best Home EV Chargers for Rented Properties (UK 2025)
When choosing an EV charger for a rental property, you want something reliable, smart, and suitable for the situation. Both tenants and landlords will appreciate a charger that is safe, user-friendly, and possibly even adds a touch of style to the property. Here are some top charger options we recommend (and sell at Evergy) that fit the bill:
Easee One 7.4kW – Compact and Stylish Untethered Charger. The Easee One is a popular choice in the UK because of its sleek Scandinavian design and flexibility. It’s an untethered unit (no fixed cable), which means any EV can plug in with the appropriate cable – great for rentals, as future tenants with different cars can use it easily. Despite its small size, it’s smart and powerful, delivering up to 7.4kW. It has built-in safety features including open PEN protection (no earth rod needed) and a robust app for scheduling and monitoring. The Easee One’s minimalist look also won the Auto Trader Best Home Charger Award 2024, so it definitely won’t detract from your property’s curb appeal!
Ohme ePod – Intelligent Savings for Off-Peak Charging. Ohme is a brand known for intelligent charging, and the ePod is their untethered 7.4kW home charger. This is an excellent choice for tenants who want to minimise charging costs. The Ohme ePod connects with your energy tariff via its smart app, automatically charging your car at the cheapest electricity rates (perfect if you’re on a time-of-use tariff like Octopus Intelligent Go). It’s also solar-ready – if your rental has solar panels (some do!), it can prioritise using that free green energy. The unit is neat and compact, with no permanent cable, and comes with the reliability of Ohme’s proven smart technology. In short, the ePod can help keep both your car charging and energy bills optimised.
Rolec Evo Smart – Affordable and Robust with Smart Features. The Rolec Evo is a British-made 7.4kW smart charger that’s gained popularity for being budget-friendly yet feature-rich. It’s a great option if cost is a big concern – often coming in at a lower price point than some competitors without skimping on functionality. The Evo Smart has a Type 2 socket (untethered) and includes app control, RFID access, and even integrated load balancing and solar compatibility out-of-the-box. It’s weatherproof and durable – ideal for an outdoor install in the UK climate. If a landlord is paying for the charger hardware, the Rolec Evo can be an attractive, cost-effective pick that still gives the tenant the smart charging conveniences (scheduling, energy monitoring) they want.
Andersen A3 – Premium Design Charger for Style-Conscious Homes. The Andersen A3 is the luxury EV charger on the market, often chosen for high-end properties. It’s a tethered charger (comes with a cable) but what sets it apart is the design: it uses high-quality materials and even allows custom finishes, like an oak wood front panel or various colour options, to blend elegantly with the home exteriorevergy.co.uk. The cable is hidden inside a compartment, so when not in use, the unit looks like an upscale wall box rather than a piece of tech. The A3 offers smart connectivity (Wi-Fi, app control, solar integration) just like others, but its main appeal is aesthetics and build quality. For landlords who really care about maintaining a certain look for their property – or for rented homes in affluent areas – the Andersen A3 can be a way to provide EV charging without any compromise on style. It’s a larger investment, but it comes with a 7-year warranty and a statement of quality. Tenants will certainly be impressed to see one installed.
These are just a few of the options available. At Evergy, we stock all the leading home chargers, and we’ve even put together a comprehensive roundup in our blog of the best home EV chargers UK 2025 to help you compare. Whether you prioritise cost, intelligence, or looks, there’s a charger that fits your needs.
Tethered vs Untethered for Rentals: Notice that we leaned towards untethered (socket-only) chargers in recommendations. That’s deliberate for rental scenarios – an untethered charger is more flexible. A tenant with a Type 1 plug EV (rare these days, but some older models) or another future standard could still use the socket with the right cable. Tethered units are fixed to Type 2 cables (which suits nearly all modern EVs in the UK, true, but it locks that as the interface). Additionally, an untethered charger looks tidier when you move out – there’s no permanently attached cable to worry about. That said, tethered chargers like the Andersen A3 are incredibly convenient (no need to fetch the cable each time). So this comes down to preference. For most, we find untethered works great in rentals.
Smart Features: All the models above are “smart chargers” compliant with UK smart charging regulations. They have apps or interfaces to schedule charging, monitor usage, and prevent unintended charging. This is useful for energy saving – e.g., scheduling your car to charge overnight when electricity is cheap. It can also allow the landlord or property manager some oversight if needed (for example, to restrict use if a tenant moved out, etc., though in practice the tenant usually controls the app). Crucially, smart chargers can help balance load so the home’s electrics aren’t overloaded if the kettle, heater, and car charger all run at once – some will automatically slow or pause charging if the system is under strain. This avoids tripping breakers and keeps everything safe.
When purchasing any charger, ensure it is OZEV-approved (if you’re using the grant) and installed by an approved installer – all the ones listed are eligible. Evergy can supply these units directly, often with next-day delivery in the UK, and we offer installation packages or guidance for your electrician.
Final Thoughts: Making EV Charging Work in a Rented House
If you’re a tenant, don’t be discouraged by renting – you can absolutely enjoy the convenience of charging your EV at home in the UK, it just takes a bit of cooperation with your landlord. And if you’re a landlord, accommodating your tenant’s EV needs can enhance your property and keep your rental attractive in a changing market.
Communication and compromise are key. Start the dialogue early, come prepared with information and solutions, and try to see it from both sides. A tenant naturally wants easy, low-cost charging (nobody loves relying on public chargers for daily needs), and a landlord wants to protect their property and investment. Fortunately, installing a quality EV charge point can satisfy both: the tenant gets cheap at-home charging, and the landlord gets a property upgrade largely financed by someone else (or aided by grants) and a happier, longer-term tenant to boot.
As EV adoption grows, having charging capabilities at home will shift from a luxury to a necessity. Forward-looking renters and property owners who collaborate now will reap the benefits. The technology and support systems – from smart chargers to government grants – are already here in 2025 to make it easier than ever.
Evergy is here to help every step of the way. We’re passionate about enabling clean electric driving for everyone, whether you own or rent your home. Our team can advise on the best chargers for your situation, provide competitive pricing on units like the Easee One, Ohme ePod, Rolec, Andersen and more, and coordinate professional installation anywhere in the UK. We’ve also got plenty of experience helping customers navigate OZEV grants and permissions, making the process as smooth as possible.
If you’re ready to move forward or just have more questions about rented property EV charging, feel free to reach out to Evergy. Together, let’s charge up the UK – one home (rented or owned) at a time. Here’s to a future where “Can I install an EV charger in a rented house?” is answered with a confident Yes, you can!
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