The EV Chargepoint Grant for Renters and Flat Owners

If you rent your home or own a flat, you can still apply for a government grant to help fund a home EV chargepoint, though the rules differ from those that applied to homeowners with a private driveway. The scheme is specifically designed for people in flats and rented properties who might otherwise assume that home charging is out of reach. To be eligible you generally need to own or have on order a qualifying battery electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle, and the chargepoint must be installed by an OZEV-approved installer at your property. Because the amounts and eligibility details are reviewed and can change, always check gov.uk or contact OZEV directly for the current position before getting quotes.

Do you need your landlord's permission?

Yes. If you are a tenant rather than an owner-occupier, you will need your landlord's consent before any fixed chargepoint can be installed. The landlord owns the property and ultimately controls what is permanently attached to it. It is a good idea to approach this conversation early, before you get quotes or book an installer. Some landlords are straightforward about it; others may have concerns about structural work, liability, or the impact on future tenants. Bringing information about the grant (including the fact that a separate landlord route exists) and a clear explanation of what the installation involves can help. The Renters' Rights Act landscape is also evolving, so it is worth checking whether any statutory rights to request EV charger installation apply in your situation.

What if you live in a block of flats with shared parking?

This is one of the trickier scenarios. If your parking space is shared or managed by a management company or residents' association, you may need consent from them as well as your landlord. Some blocks have already installed shared chargepoints in car parks, often funded through separate commercial or local authority schemes rather than the residential grant. If your block has no charging provision at all, it can be worth raising the issue collectively with other residents, as a shared installation across multiple spaces can be more practical and cost-effective than individual applications. The grant does support installations in communal settings in some circumstances, but the detail varies, so check with OZEV and an approved installer who has experience with flatted developments.

Does the chargepoint have to be tethered or untethered?

Both types can be approved under the grant scheme, provided the unit is on OZEV's approved product list. A tethered charger has the cable attached permanently to the unit, which is convenient because you simply plug in without handling a separate cable. An untethered charger has a socket but no built-in cable, so you connect using a Type 2 charging cable stored in your car. For renters, an untethered charger can be a practical choice because the cable comes with you if you move. For shared or communal installations, tethered chargers are often preferred as there is no risk of a cable being removed or going missing. Whichever you choose, confirm it appears on the approved list before your installer orders it.

Can you use the grant if you have street parking only?

The EV Chargepoint Grant for renters and flat owners is intended for installations at a property, which generally means the chargepoint needs to be at a parking space associated with where you live. Street parking without an allocated space does not qualify because there is no fixed location to install a wall-mounted unit. If you have no off-street parking at all, your charging options are public chargepoints, workplace charging, or, as a supplementary option, a portable three-pin charger for top-up charging from a standard socket when you do have access to one. Local authorities in some areas are also trialling on-street charging solutions such as lamppost chargers and kerb-mounted units, though these are funded separately and installed by the council rather than the resident.

What does the installation actually involve?

A standard home chargepoint installation typically takes a few hours. The installer will assess your electrical supply to confirm it can support the charger, identify the best location for the unit, and run the necessary cabling. In a flat, this may involve routing cable through communal areas, which is one reason landlord and management company consent matters. The chargepoint will be connected to your electricity meter, so any electricity used for charging shows on your bill in the normal way. Smart chargers, which most approved units now are, can be scheduled to charge at off-peak times through an app, which can reduce running costs if you are on a suitable tariff. Your installer should walk you through the setup and app configuration on the day.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply for the grant myself, or does my installer do it?

Your OZEV-approved installer handles the application on your behalf and deducts the grant amount from your invoice. You do not apply directly. This means you need to find an authorised installer before any grant can be claimed, and the installation must happen through that approved route. Applying after the fact is generally not permitted, so do not book an unapproved installer expecting to reclaim later.

Does the grant cover the cost of a new consumer unit if mine needs upgrading?

The grant covers the supply and installation of the chargepoint unit itself, not wider electrical upgrade work. If your consumer unit or wiring needs upgrading to support the charger safely, that additional work is typically quoted and charged separately. Always ask your installer to quote the full scope of work, including any enabling electrical work, so you know your total cost before committing.

Can a PHEV driver get the grant, or is it only for full EV owners?

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are included alongside full battery electric vehicles in the scheme's eligibility criteria. You simply need to own or have on order a qualifying vehicle. PHEVs charge through the same Type 1 or Type 2 connection as full EVs, so the chargepoint installation process is identical, and home charging makes a significant difference to running costs even for a hybrid.

What happens to the chargepoint if I move out?

Because the chargepoint is a fixed installation, it generally stays with the property rather than moving with you. This is something to discuss with your landlord when seeking consent. If you paid towards the installation, it is worth agreeing in writing how any contribution is treated should you leave. Some landlords may see a chargepoint as an asset that adds value to the property for future tenants who drive EVs.

Is there a separate grant route for landlords who want to install chargers for their tenants?

Yes. The EV Chargepoint Grant includes a landlord route that allows residential landlords to apply for funding to install chargepoints at their rental properties. The tenant must own or have on order a qualifying vehicle. The grant cap and conditions for landlords may differ from the renter route, so check current terms on gov.uk. Landlords can potentially apply for multiple installations, subject to the scheme's rules.

Can I charge a full EV from a standard three-pin socket in a flat while I wait for a charger to be installed?

You can use a portable three-pin charger as a temporary measure, provided you have safe access to an external socket or can run a cable safely from an indoor socket. Charging rates via a three-pin plug are slow compared to a wallbox, so it works best as a top-up rather than a primary charging method. Do not run extension cables across communal areas or out of windows permanently, and check with your landlord or management company about socket access.

Once your chargepoint is installed, the next decision is whether you need a cable to go with it. Untethered chargers require a separate cable to connect to your car, and it is also useful to carry one for public AC charging. Browse our Type 2 charging cables to find the right lead, or visit our guides section for more on home charging, cable types, and getting the most from your EV.