In a significant boost for electric vehicle (EV) drivers residing in rented properties, new research indicates that a majority of freehold landlords are willing to install EV chargers at the request of tenants.
A survey conducted by Direct Line reveals that 86 percent of freehold landlords are amenable to installing an EV charger, addressing a common challenge faced by EV owners who live in rented flats and often have to rely on more costly public charging facilities.
The study, which polled 1,004 residential landlords (625 of whom were freeholders), highlights a trend that could benefit both tenants and landlords. Tenants would gain the convenience of home charging, while landlords could see a potential increase in property value. Despite this mutual benefit, there is contention over who should bear the installation cost.
Approximately 20 percent of landlords indicated a willingness to cover the cost of the installation if a tenant requested it. This financial support is particularly advantageous for tenants who wish to avoid the dependence on public charging stations.
Notably, 40 percent of landlords cited property value appreciation as a primary reason for installing a charger, with another 40 percent aiming to make their properties more attractive to prospective tenants. However, 35 percent of landlords expect tenants to cover the installation costs, and 30 percent believe the costs should be shared equally.
In a more self-serving stance, 15 percent of landlords admitted they would agree to the installation merely to justify an increase in rent. This underlines the importance of a clear written agreement between landlords and tenants regarding the responsibilities for maintenance and repair costs of the charge point, especially when the tenant moves out.
Concerns over additional costs and maintenance are shared by 26 percent of landlords, yet current regulations do not mandate an annual service for EV charge points, unlike for boilers, despite such servicing potentially extending the charger’s lifespan.
Financial incentives are available to both tenants and landlords to alleviate installation costs. The Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant, introduced by the previous Conservative government, offers up to £350 or 75 percent of the cost of purchasing and installing a home charger. Additionally, landlords can access the electric vehicle infrastructure grant, which provides up to £30,000 or 75 percent of the cost of infrastructure work, depending on the number of parking spaces covered.
These grants can be combined for the same property, further reducing the financial burden and encouraging the adoption of EV infrastructure.
A recent ChargeGuru survey of 1,254 consumers and property managers highlighted a knowledge gap, with 53 percent of flat residents unaware of private charging solutions available to them. As a result, 70 percent reported reliance on public charging. However, the survey also indicated a growing interest in EVs, with 53 percent planning to switch to electric vehicles in the near future. This interest is particularly strong among younger generations, with 34 percent of 25 to 34-year-olds intending to transition to EVs within the next two years.
As the trend toward electric mobility gains momentum, the willingness of landlords to install EV chargers could play a crucial role in supporting this shift, making rented properties more attractive and accommodating to the next generation of EV owners.