Do landlords need to provide electric car charging?

The short answer is that it is not yet mandatory for landlords to provide electric car charging for existing residential properties. We can see that petrol engines are being replaced by quiet electric motors, and there are more and more EV charging stations popping up in shopping centres. So, do landlords need to provide electric car charging?  

Here, we’ll take a look at the current legal landscape regarding landlords providing electric car charging, including the financial incentives available and why being EV-ready is a new golden standard for rental properties. 

Is it mandatory for landlords to provide electric car charging?

Whilst it is not yet mandatory for landlords to provide electric car charging for existing residential properties, the law has become slightly nuanced over the past few years regarding this. 

New builds and major renovations 

If you are a developer or a landlord who is involved in major renovations, the law is now different to what it was previously. 

Under Building Regulations Part S, any new residential buildings with associated parking must have at least one 7kW EV charging point. Also, if you are renovating a building with more than 10 parking spaces, you are legally required to install at least one active EV charger and to ensure that cable routes are in place for at least 20% of the remaining spaces. 

Existing tenancies and the “Right to Charge”

As part of the Renters’ Rights Act, tenants now all have a stronger voice when looking to request improvements to the rental property. Although you aren’t currently forced to pay for electric car charging as a landlord in an existing single-family let, you are not able to refuse a tenant’s request to install one if they finance it. 

Why landlords are investing in electric car charging in 2026

So, why are landlords investing in electric car charging if it is not legally required? Well, the reason for this is that there is a direct correlation between market dynamics and protecting your asset. Here’s why:

Increased property value and long-lasting tenants

Data suggests that having dedicated EV charging stations installed in your rental property can add up to £5,000 to the resale value. As well as this, you’ll be attracting a specific demographic of tenants who are statistically likely to stay in your property for longer periods of time. Landlords providing electric car charging points is a great retention tool. 

Higher rental premiums

In bigger cities across the UK, ‘EV-ready’ is now one of the top-tier filters on different renting portals. Properties with a private charging point will often command a 5-10% rental premium over similar properties without private charging points. This forces tenants to rely on expensive and inconvenient charging networks. 

The 2026 grant deadline

Another big reason for landlords investing in electric car charging is the upcoming deadline for government support. The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) offers two grants that will be available until 31 March 2026. 

• The EV Chargepoint Grant: This grant provides landlords with up to 75% off the cost of a socket purchase and installation. This is capped at £350 per unit, and landlords are able to claim up to 200 of these per year for their residential properties. 
• The EV Infrastructure Grant: This grant is more specifically for blocks of flats or multi-unit developments, covering the wiring, post-mounting and electrical capacity upgrades. It offers up to £30,000 per building.

Keep in mind that these grants can’t be used if the installation is classed as a mandatory requirement. They are purely for proactive landlords looking to implement electric car charging and upgrade their properties. 

Common landlord concerns with electric car charging

You may be wondering who actually pays for the electricity? 

In all residential tenancies, the charger will be wired directly to the tenant’s fuse box, which means that the electricity used to charge their EV will be charged directly to their utility bill. 

What about fire safety? 

Modern EV chargers are incredibly safe and ensure that the car will never pull more power than the property is able to handle. This will also help prevent blown fuses if the tenant is using more than one outlet. 

EV charging options for landlords

Here are the different options for you as a landlord looking to implement electric car charging for your tenants: 

So, if you decide to move forward with a landlord electric car charging plan, here’s what you need to do to ensure you’re maximising on the opportunity: 

1. Site survey: Make sure that you have legal off-street parking.
2. Choose a ‘smart’ model: Make sure that the charger is compliant with the 2021 Smart Charge Points Regulations. This ensures EVs can be charged off-peak and that the grid isn’t overloaded. 
3. Apply for the grant: make sure that your chosen installer is OZEV-authorised. They will usually handle the grant paperwork for you. 
4. Update the lease: Make sure you add a simple clause to your tenancy agreement that clarifies that you own the hardware and that the tenant is responsible for electricity costs. 

Future-proofing is better than retrofitting

While you may not be legally forced to provide an EV charger right now, the 2026 market continues to prove that this is a necessary improvement to make to your rental property. Be proactive and install your EV charging unit so that you can protect your property’s value. 

Are you looking for landlord insurance to help protect your rental property? Be sure to get in touch with our team of specialists for a quote today on 01788 818 670, or you can visit our advice centre for more information on how to manage your rental property.