EV Charger for Renters: Complete UK Guide 2025

You rent your home but want to charge your EV conveniently. Good news: renters have more options than ever in 2025, from portable chargers to grants specifically for tenants.

This guide covers every option available to UK renters—whether your landlord says yes, no, or won't respond.

Your Rights as a Tenant EV Owner

Legal Position in 2025

Key Points:

• ❌ No automatic right to install a charger (unlike solar panels in some cases)
• ✅ Right to request installation from landlord
• ✅ Landlord cannot unreasonably refuse (increasingly recognised)
• ✅ Protected from eviction for making reasonable requests
• ✅ OZEV grant available for landlords who agree

What "Unreasonable Refusal" Means:

Courts and ombudsmen are increasingly viewing charger refusal as unreasonable if:

• Property has off-street parking
• Installation doesn't affect structure
• Tenant offers to pay/contribute
• Charger adds property value
• No valid safety or planning concerns

Approaching Your Landlord

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Research First (Before Asking)

• Check if property has off-street parking
• Identify potential installation location
• Research OZEV grant (landlords get £350)
• Find local OZEV-approved installers
• Get informal quote (often free)

2. Make a Written Request

Template Email:

Subject: EV Charger Installation Request - [Your Address]

Dear [Landlord/Agent],

I'm writing to request permission to install an electric vehicle charger at [address].

Key points:
• Government grant covers £350 of costs
• Installation adds £3,000-5,000 to property value
• Professional OZEV-approved installer will be used
• I'm happy to discuss contribution to remaining costs
• Charger can stay when I move (benefits future tenants)

I've attached information about the OZEV landlord grant and a sample quote.

Would you be open to discussing this further?

Best regards,
[Your name]

3. Follow Up

• Wait 14 days for response
• Send polite reminder
• Offer to arrange site visit with installer
• Be prepared to negotiate

If Landlord Says No

Options Available:

1. Portable charger - No installation needed (see below)
2. Negotiate compromise - Outdoor socket installation
3. Escalate to letting agent - They may persuade landlord
4. Raise with housing ombudsman - If refusal seems unreasonable
5. Consider moving - More EV-friendly rentals available

Important: Do NOT install anything without written permission. This could breach your tenancy and affect your deposit.

Option 1: Portable EV Chargers (No Permission Needed)

What Is a Portable Charger?

A portable EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) plugs into a standard 3-pin socket and provides safe charging without any installation.

Perfect For Renters Because:

• ✅ No landlord permission needed
• ✅ Take it with you when you move
• ✅ Works at any property with outdoor socket
• ✅ No installation costs
• ✅ Can use at friends/family houses too

Best Portable Chargers UK 2025

Best for Most Renters: Ohme Go (£299)

• Smart charging features
• Octopus Intelligent Go compatible
• App control and scheduling
• Excellent build quality
• 3-year warranty

Safe 3-Pin Charging

Critical Safety Rules:

1. Use a dedicated socket - Not shared with other appliances
2. Check socket condition - No scorch marks, loose fittings
3. Never use extension leads - Fire risk
4. Avoid coiling cable - Can cause overheating
5. Prefer outdoor sockets - If available

Charging Speed Reality:

• 2.3kW adds approximately 8 miles of range per hour
• Overnight (8pm-8am): 96 miles added
• Enough for most daily commutes
• PHEV owners: Full charge in 4-6 hours

Getting an Outdoor Socket Installed

Easier Than Full Charger:

Landlords often agree to outdoor socket installation because:

• Much cheaper (£150-£300 vs £800-£1,200)
• Useful for other purposes (gardening, pressure washer)
• Less "permanent" than charger unit
• No smart features to maintain

Request Template:

Subject: Outdoor Socket Installation Request

I'd like to request installation of a weatherproof outdoor socket at [location]. This would allow me to charge my EV safely and would cost approximately £150-£300.

I'm happy to pay for the installation. The socket would benefit future tenants and add convenience for garden equipment.

Option 2: OZEV Grant for Landlords

How the Landlord Grant Works

OZEV Grant Details:

• Amount: Up to £350 per charger
• Who Claims: The landlord (not tenant)
• Max Chargers: 200 per landlord
• Requirements: Must use OZEV-approved installer

Eligibility:

• ✅ Rental properties (AST, longer tenancies)
• ✅ HMOs and multi-let properties
• ✅ Both residential landlords and letting agents
• ✅ Social housing providers
• ❌ Properties without off-street parking
• ❌ Holiday lets (under 6 months)

Making the Business Case to Landlords

Arguments That Work:

Financial Benefits:

• £350 government contribution
• Property value increase: £3,000-£5,000
• Higher rental value: £25-£50/month premium
• Future-proofs property for 2035 ICE ban
• Attracts quality tenants (EV owners typically higher income)

Practical Benefits:

• Professional installation with certification
• 3-year manufacturer warranty typical
• Minimal maintenance required
• Charger stays with property
• Increases rental pool (more EV owners each year)

Risk Mitigation:

• Insurance usually unaffected (most insurers)
• Certified installation = covered by regulations
• Can be written into tenancy (tenant responsible for electricity)

Sample Landlord Proposal

Include in Your Request:

1. OZEV grant information - Link to gov.uk/electric-vehicle-chargepoint-grant-landlords
2. Sample quote - From OZEV-approved installer
3. Property value data - Studies showing EV charger premium
4. Installation process - Typically 2-4 hours, minimal disruption
5. Your commitment - Offer to coordinate, be present, pay electricity

Option 3: Flat and Apartment Solutions

Challenges for Flat Renters

Common Obstacles:

• No dedicated parking space
• Shared parking = shared decision needed
• Freeholder/management company approval required
• Listed building restrictions
• Cable routing difficulties

Your Options

1. Communal Charging Scheme

Some developments now install shared chargers:

• Pay-per-use basis
• Management company arranges installation
• Costs spread across residents
• Often grant-funded

How to Propose:

• Raise at residents' meeting
• Contact freeholder/management company
• Suggest pilot scheme (2-4 chargers)
• Highlight government funding available

2. Dedicated Space Installation

If you have allocated parking:

• Request permission through management company
• Landlord can claim OZEV grant (flat-specific)
• May need freeholder consent too
• Installation typically requires leaseholder agreement

3. Portable Charger + Extension Permission

Some flat buildings allow:

• Cable from flat window to ground floor parking
• Temporary arrangement while charging
• Requires written permission
• Must be done safely (cable protectors, etc.)

4. Co Charger / JustPark Sharing

Rent access to nearby private chargers:

• £3-£8 per charging session typical
• Use Co Charger or JustPark Electric apps
• Find hosts within walking distance
• Book specific time slots

Option 4: Workplace and Public Charging

Workplace Charging as Primary Solution

If Home Charging Isn't Possible:

Many renters successfully use workplace charging as primary:

Advantages:

• Often free or subsidised
• Time during work = charging happens naturally
• No home installation needed
• Multiple chargers = always available

How to Request Workplace Charging:

• Speak to facilities/HR team
• Mention Workplace Charging Scheme (75% grant for employers)
• Offer to be "EV champion" and help others
• Suggest trial period

Strategic Public Charging

Free and Low-Cost Options:

Strategy for Renters:

1. Map free chargers near home - Use Zap-Map
2. Combine charging with errands - Supermarket, gym, etc.
3. Use workplace if available - Primary charging location
4. Home portable for top-ups - 3-pin overnight
5. Rapid charge occasionally - When needed urgently

Cost Comparison: Renter Charging Options

Best Strategy: Combine free workplace/public with home 3-pin on smart tariff.

Smart Tariffs for Renters

You Can Switch Energy Supplier

Important: Renters CAN switch energy supplier if:

• You pay energy bills directly (not included in rent)
• Property has its own meter
• You're the named account holder

Best EV Tariffs for Renters:

Octopus Intelligent Go with Portable Charger:

• Works with Ohme Go portable charger
• Automatically charges at cheapest times
• Set departure time in app
• £300-£500 annual savings vs standard tariff

Setting Up Smart Charging as a Renter

Requirements:

1. Smart meter (request free from supplier)
2. Compatible charger (Ohme Go recommended)
3. WiFi at charging location
4. Octopus Energy account

Process:

1. Switch to Octopus (takes 2-3 weeks)
2. Request smart meter installation (free, 2-4 weeks)
3. Buy Ohme Go portable charger (£299)
4. Link charger to Octopus app
5. Set departure time - charging happens automatically

When You Move Properties

Portable Charger Advantage

Take It With You:

• No need to negotiate removal
• Works at any property with socket
• Zero cost when moving
• Already set up and familiar

If You Installed a Charger

Options:

1. Leave charger for landlord - Often expected, adds value
2. Negotiate removal - May need to make good
3. Sell to landlord - Agree price for installed unit
4. Remove and reinstall - Expensive, rarely worth it

Check Your Agreement: Installation permission letters should specify what happens when you leave. Clarify before installing.

Finding EV-Friendly Rentals

Search Tips:

• Filter for "parking" on property sites
• Ask agents specifically about EV charging
• Look for properties with garages (easier installation)
• Check for outdoor sockets in photos
• Ask about landlord's attitude to improvements

Growing Trend: More landlords now advertise "EV charging available" as selling point. This will increase as EV adoption grows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my landlord refuse EV charger installation?

Yes, landlords can currently refuse, but "unreasonable refusal" is increasingly challenged. If you have off-street parking and offer to use the OZEV grant, a flat refusal with no reason may be considered unreasonable. Document everything and consider escalating to housing ombudsman if refusal seems arbitrary.

Do I need landlord permission for a portable charger?

No permission needed for a portable charger using existing sockets. However, ensure the socket is in good condition, use it safely, and avoid any modifications. If you want an outdoor socket installed, you do need permission.

Can I get the OZEV grant as a renter?

The OZEV grant goes to the landlord, not the tenant. However, you can inform your landlord about the grant (£350) to encourage them to agree to installation. The landlord claims the grant through an OZEV-approved installer.

What happens to the charger when I move out?

Typically, installed chargers stay with the property—this should be agreed in writing before installation. Portable chargers are yours to take. The charger adds value for the landlord's future tenants.

Is 3-pin charging safe for regular use?

Yes, when done correctly. Use a dedicated socket (not shared), avoid extension leads, check socket condition regularly, and use a quality EVSE cable. Modern EVSEs have built-in safety features. Many EV owners charge this way for years without issues.

Can I charge my EV if electricity is included in rent?

This depends on your tenancy agreement. Some landlords may object to high electricity use. Check your agreement or ask. If concerned, offer to contribute extra towards electricity or switch to a metered arrangement.

Related Guides

• EV Charging Rights for Tenants UK 2025
• OZEV Grant Complete Application Guide
• Flat and Apartment EV Charging UK 2025
• Best Smart Energy Tariffs for EV Charging
• Portable EV Chargers Complete UK Guide