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Electric vehicles

Charging an EV in a rented home or flat

If you rent or live in a flat, you can usually still get a home charger, but you need the right permissions and a parking space you control. A government grant can help with the cost.

Updated 3 October 2026 · energy.org.uk editorial team

Permission

  • Renters need the landlord's written permission before a charger is fitted.
  • Flat owners usually need the freeholder's or management company's permission, especially for cabling through shared areas.
  • Shared car parks need an agreement on where the cable runs, who pays for electricity and what happens when you move.

The chargepoint grant

The government's EV chargepoint grant for flat owner-occupiers and people living in rented properties can contribute towards a home charger. From 1 April 2026, the maximum grant rose to £500 per socket, and funding is available until 31 March 2027. You need dedicated off-street parking and to own, lease or have ordered an eligible vehicle. An authorised installer applies for you.

Separate grants help landlords and the owners of residential car parks.

If you can't fit a charger

  • Use public chargers near home, ideally slower ones, which usually cost less than rapid charging.
  • Charge at work, if your employer offers it.
  • Ask your council about on-street charging or cross-pavement solutions; see charging without a driveway.

Check

What to check first

  • Your tenancy or lease, for rules on alterations and parking.
  • That the parking space is yours to use, and off-street.
  • The electrical supply to the space, which an installer will survey.

Do

Practical next steps

  1. Ask your landlord or freeholder in writing, explaining the work and that you will use an authorised installer.
  2. Get a quote from an installer who can apply for the grant.
  3. Check charger options and costs in the home EV charger chooser and installation cost checker.
  4. Compare home and public charging costs in the EV charging calculator.

Take care

Important limitations

  • Grant rules and amounts change; check GOV.UK before you apply.
  • When you move, the charger usually stays with the property unless agreed otherwise.

Related tools and guides

Sources

Official sources checked 3 October 2026.