Rented property? Who pays for the charger?
EV Chargers for Rented Apartments: A Win-Win for Tenants and Landlords
As electric vehicles (EVs) become more common, renters are increasingly looking for homes that support their switch to cleaner, more affordable transport. However, if you’re living in a rented apartment and want to install an EV charger, the process involves more than just picking the right hardware — it requires cooperation with your landlord. Fortunately, there are benefits on both sides of the tenancy agreement.
The Tenant’s Perspective
For renters, having access to a home charger is a major convenience. It means waking up to a full battery each morning and avoiding the higher costs and unpredictability of public rapid chargers. For those already driving an EV — or thinking about it — access to charging at home can make the difference between choosing electric or sticking with petrol or diesel.
A dedicated charger at home also offers significant cost savings. Electricity is usually cheaper than petrol per mile, and charging overnight during off-peak hours can reduce costs even further. Plus, there’s the added satisfaction of making a sustainable lifestyle choice.
The Landlord’s Perspective
For landlords, offering EV charging is increasingly seen as a competitive edge. As demand for EVs grows, so does the number of tenants seeking homes that can support them. Properties with charging infrastructure are more attractive to a modern, environmentally conscious tenant base and can help reduce tenant turnover.
What’s more, landlords may even be able to justify a modest increase in rent by offering EV charging as an amenity — similar to including high-speed internet or a parking space. The presence of a charger can also boost the long-term appeal and value of the property.
Who Should Pay?
The question of who pays for the installation of the charger is nuanced and should be discussed openly between tenant and landlord. While tenants are the direct users, landlords benefit from the added appeal and value to the property. In many cases, a shared-cost model makes sense — either through a rent adjustment or a cost-splitting agreement.
Some landlords may choose to cover the full cost as a long-term investment; others might ask tenants to contribute, especially if the installation is being requested mid-tenancy. The key is to outline the arrangement clearly in writing, ideally as part of the tenancy agreement or an addendum.
Final Thoughts
Installing an EV charger in a rented apartment doesn’t have to be a barrier. With clear communication and a mutual understanding of the benefits, both tenants and landlords can find a solution that works for them. As EV adoption continues to rise, properties that are “charger ready” are set to stand out — for all the right reasons.
