A survey claims that 86 per cent of freehold landlords with a suitable property would install an electric vehicle (EV) charge point if their tenant requested one. 

A fifth (20 per cent) of landlords would be willing to cover the cost of installation for a tenant requested a charger was installed.

The majority of landlords would expect the tenant to pay for (35 per cent), or to share the cost (30 per cent) of, the EV charging point and installation. This could potentially cause problems between tenants and landlords in the long run, if there isn’t a clear written agreement in place outlining what happens to the charge point when the tenant moves out. It is also important there is an agreement as to who is responsible for paying maintenance and repair costs should something go wrong.

The main reasons for installing an EV charging point for a landlord is to increase the value of the property (40 per cent), to make the property more attractive to tenants (40 per cent), and to keep their tenant happy (40 per cent). A further 15 per cent would do so to enable them to charge more rent.

A quarter of landlords (26 per cent) would be concerned about the additional cost and maintenance associated with installing a charging point. Unlike the annual boiler service, landlords are not legally required to carry out an annual service on EV charge points, however doing so could help to ensure that the charge point is efficient and safe to use. It can also help extend this lifespan of the charger.

There are currently two grants available to support the purchase and installation of chargers for electric vehicles at a property owned by landlords: an electric vehicle charge point grant (either £350 or 75 per cent off the cost to buy and install a socket, whichever amount is lower), and an electric vehicle infrastructure grant (up to £30,000 or 75 per cent off the cost of the work, with the amount depending on how many parking spaces the work covers). 

Landlords can use an infrastructure grant and a charge point grant on the same property.

A spokesperson for Direct Line, which commissioned the survey, says: “One in 40 vehicles on our roads are now zero emission, including 960,896 cars. With the UK government pathway for zero emission vehicle transition by 2035, demand for rental properties with EV chargers is set to soar as more drivers make the switch. Installing a charger will make a property appealing to a broader range of tenants and add value to the property. To avoid complications and disputes, it’s important that landlords and tenants have a written agreement to make sure that there is a clear understanding of who is responsible for maintenance and ownership of the charger.”