There are now 1.3 million electric vehicles on UK roads, with numbers rising 38% over the last year alone.* Here’s what landlords need to know about the demand for electric vehicle charging.
Do you need to fit an EV charger in your property?
There is currently no legal requirement for rental properties to offer EV charging.
However, all new build homes with private parking are now required to offer facilities for EV charging.
Are tenants allowed to charge EVs?
You could already have a tenant who is charging an EV at their home, perhaps using a standard 13-amp socket.
Most tenancy agreements do not prohibit this. However, if you become aware of it, it’s sensible to advise tenants of the possible hazards.
Charging cables shouldn’t be trailed across pavements or communal areas in flats, for example.
Will having an EV charger make your property more appealing?
It could do. There’s generally a shortage of homes to rent that offer EV charging facilities.
An EV charger might make your property more attractive to tenants and even add to its value.
Ask a good letting agent for their thoughts on this.
Installing an EV charger at your property
If a tenant asks you to fit an EV charger at your expense, this is something that needs careful consideration. Weigh up the costs versus the possible benefits.
Alternatively, a tenant might ask for permission to fit an EV charger at their expense. Some new EVs also come with a free home charger.
If you agree to a tenant installing their own charger, it’s wise to insist that a qualified installer does the work (and provides written proof of this).
You might ask for an undertaking that maintenance of the charger is the tenant’s responsibility. You could also require that the charger be removed, and everything made good, when the tenant moves out.
Grants for fitting EV chargers
Landlords and tenants might qualify for a government EV chargepoint grant in some cases. These may offer £350 or 75% towards the cost of a charger and installation costs.
More details here: Electric vehicle chargepoint grants
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* Source: SMMT
