The team at specialist property solicitors JB Leitch have followed the development of EV charging and the impacts for landlords and managing agents. The article below provides a recent summary of activity.
At the end of November 2025, the government published a consultation into changes to various permitted development rights (PDRs) – those rights which allow certain building works to be carried out without the need to submit a planning application, in order to simplify and streamline processes and reduce costs for property owners and developers.
The consultation, which closed on the 21st of January specifically focused on multiple units of equipment housing or storage units for electric vehicle chargepoints in non-domestic, off-street car parks, and the installation of cross-pavement solutions and associated domestic chargepoints. At the time of writing, the consultation response is yet to be published.
Since June 2022, all new-build homes with associated parking —and those undergoing major renovation—have been required to install EV charging infrastructure during construction. The government’s zero-emission vehicle targets mean that by 2030, 80% of new cars and 70% of new vans sold must be zero emission. To support this, the government has introduced grants for landlords and property owners: up to £30,000 per building, or £350 per chargepoint for up to 200 chargepoints in residential properties.
Applications are open for the £381 million Local EV Infrastructure Fund, aiming to deliver tens of thousands more chargepoints and transform charging availability for drivers without off-street parking. These incentives are designed to encourage landlords and managing agents to invest in charging infrastructure, future-proofing their properties and meeting tenant expectations.
EV charging is increasingly viewed as an essential amenity, akin to internet connectivity or parking spaces. Properties equipped with charging points are more attractive to tenants and can command higher rents. Recent data shows that three quarters of flat dwellers (74%) say access to EV charging is a factor in where they choose to live*.
For landlords and managing agents, installing EV chargepoints in flats and multi-unit dwellings presents unique challenges. Many households lack dedicated parking, and upgrading the underlying electricity connections to serve multiple chargepoints can be costly and complex. Building approvals, planning, and coordination among property managers, owners, and tenants add further layers of complexity.
There is no national law preventing tenants from installing an EV charger at their rental property, but installation involves physical changes to the building and requires landlord consent. Tenants do not have an automatic right to modify the property, and most tenancy agreements classify charger installation as a property alteration. Landlords must provide written approval, ensure installation by a qualified electrician, and clarify whether the charger will remain with the property at the end of the tenancy.
Recent regulations require all new electric car charging points to be “smart”—capable of scheduling off-peak charging, providing usage data, and meeting minimum cybersecurity standards. Planning permission is usually not required for wall-mounted chargers at houses with off-street parking, but flats, maisonettes, listed buildings, and certain designated areas may require express consent. New regulations require greater transparency and data management. Chargepoints must be pre-configured with smart behaviour and be able to measure, record, and transmit usage. Managing agents must ensure compliance with these standards and provide clear information to tenants about usage, costs, and maintenance.
Landlords and managing agents must respond promptly to tenant requests for charger installations, with many tenancy agreements including reasonable response timeframes. It is important to consider requests fairly and communicate clearly about the process, costs, and any limitations. By installing EV charging infrastructure, landlords and managing agents are not only meeting current tenant demands but also future-proofing their properties. As EV adoption grows, properties without charging facilities risk becoming less attractive and losing value.
As of the end of March 2026, changes to the grant schemes supporting EV charging will change. The Residential landlord chargepoint grant has been extended for a final year until 31 March 2027, with the maximum grant rate increasing to £500 per socket. From 1 April 2026 new applications for this grant will be made on the government’s Find a Grant platform which will replace the current portal.
EV charging is rapidly becoming a core facility in residential property management. Landlords and managing agents must navigate regulatory requirements, installation challenges, and tenant expectations, while leveraging government incentives and market solutions. The financial and operational benefits of installing EV chargepoints are clear, but barriers remain for tenants without dedicated parking or landlord support.
As the UK moves towards a zero-emission future, proactive landlords and managing agents will be best positioned to attract tenants, enhance property values, and ensure compliance with evolving regulations. The sector must continue to adapt, embracing innovation and collaboration to meet the needs of residents and support the transition to sustainable transportation.
If you have any questions, please contact us: [email protected]
*evaengland.org.uk
