Tenants face challenges obtaining electric car charging from landlords

Tenants face challenges obtaining electric car charging from landlords

A recent survey reveals renters struggle more than homeowners to access electric vehicle (EV) charging at home, citing landlord restrictions and administrative hurdles as significant obstacles.

Renters of private rented sector properties report difficulties in installing or using EV charging points compared to homeowners. This disparity stems from a combination of legal, administrative, and financial barriers, according to a survey conducted by insurance provider Tempcover. The findings highlight an important issue for landlords and letting agents as electric vehicle adoption continues to grow across the UK.

Tempcover’s survey indicates that while 85% of EV drivers overall find charging easy, this figure falls to 72% among renters. Homeowners benefit from a 90% rate of home charging access, whereas only 69% of renters have similar access. Nearly one-third of those with home charging installed said owning an EV would be difficult without it.

Survey details reveal landlord restrictions and costs as key hurdles

The survey identifies several factors complicating EV charging for renters. While installation costs remain a challenge across all groups, 36% of respondents cited this as a barrier. However, 27% of renters specifically pointed to landlord or housing provider restrictions as a significant obstacle. Additional concerns include higher electricity bills (19%) and the complexity of obtaining multiple permissions (18%).

Renters are twice as likely as homeowners to rely on public charging stations daily (18% versus 9%), with over a third of all EV drivers using public chargers at least weekly. The data illustrates the uneven experience of EV ownership depending on housing tenure.

Context of EV charging access within the private rented sector

The rise in electric vehicle ownership has prompted government initiatives to improve charging infrastructure, including grants and regulations aimed at increasing access. However, much of this policy focus has centred on homeowners and new developments, with less clarity on obligations for landlords in existing rental properties.

Landlords face practical challenges in installing EV charging points, such as upfront costs, the need for electrical upgrades, and negotiating permissions with tenants and local authorities. The legal framework governing tenant requests for alterations, including EV chargers, remains complex. The Deregulation Act 2015 and subsequent guidance provide some protections for tenants seeking consent for improvements, but these do not explicitly cover EV charging installations.

For landlords, concerns about potential damage, costs, and ongoing maintenance may lead to reluctance in approving EV charger installations. Letting agents often act as intermediaries and must balance tenant demands with landlord interests, adding administrative complexity.

Practical implications for landlords and letting agents

Landlords should be aware that increasing numbers of tenants will likely request EV charging facilities as electric cars become more common. Proactively addressing these requests can help attract and retain tenants, particularly in competitive rental markets. However, landlords must carefully assess the feasibility and costs of installing charging points, including any necessary electrical upgrades and compliance with safety standards.

Letting agents should prepare to manage tenant enquiries about EV charging and advise landlords on legal and practical considerations. Clear communication about permissions, costs, and responsibilities is essential to avoid disputes. Landlords may also consider exploring shared or communal charging solutions in multi-unit properties to reduce individual installation costs.

Given the administrative hurdles tenants report, landlords and agents should streamline permission processes and consider including EV charging provisions in tenancy agreements where appropriate. This can clarify expectations and reduce delays.

Uncertainties and regulatory developments to monitor

The regulatory environment surrounding EV charging in rental properties is evolving. The government has consulted on measures to require landlords to install EV charging points in new and existing rental homes, but detailed legislation and timelines remain uncertain. Landlords should monitor developments closely to anticipate future obligations.

Questions remain about who bears the cost of installation and electricity consumption, and how disputes over access and maintenance will be resolved. The potential for local authority landlord licensing schemes to include EV charging requirements is also unclear.

Landlords and agents should keep abreast of official guidance and emerging best practice to ensure compliance and minimise tenant dissatisfaction.

What landlords should consider now

• Review existing properties for the feasibility of EV charger installation, including electrical capacity and parking arrangements.
• Engage with tenants to understand demand for EV charging and discuss possible solutions.
• Clarify permissions and responsibilities in tenancy agreements regarding alterations and EV charging equipment.
• Stay informed on government consultations and forthcoming regulations affecting EV charging in rental properties.
• Consider the potential benefits of communal charging facilities in multi-unit buildings to share costs and access.
• Document all communications and agreements related to EV charging to provide clear evidence of compliance and tenant engagement.

Keeping your rental properties compliant with EV charging requests

Membership of The Landlord Association (TLA) offers landlords and letting agents access to practical compliance resources and guidance on emerging regulatory issues such as EV charging. TLA’s developing property management platform, ORBIT, currently in BETA testing, is designed to help members organise property records, track tenant communications, and maintain documentation related to permissions and installations.

Using ORBIT can assist landlords in recording requests for EV charging installations and managing the associated administrative processes. TLA membership also provides updates on legislative developments and best practice advice to help landlords prepare for potential future obligations. Explore TLA membership and learn more about ORBIT BETA access to support your portfolio management as the rental sector adapts to the growing demand for electric vehicle infrastructure.

As electric vehicle adoption accelerates, the private rented sector faces increasing pressure to accommodate charging needs. Landlords who proactively engage with this issue can improve tenant satisfaction and future-proof their properties against regulatory changes.

Sources: Landlord Today