Installing an EV charger costs landlords £800–£1,200 per unit
If you rent out a property with off-street parking, you are likely wondering how much an EV charger will cost and whether you can pass the expense on to your tenant. The answer depends on the charger type, property layout, and whether you qualify for government grant support.
EV chargers cost landlords £800–£1,200 per unit, with a 7kW smart charger averaging £900–£1,200. The UK grant covers up to £350 per socket, reducing your outlay to around £750 for a typical installation. Most tenants pay for their own electricity via smart metering.
- Install a 7kW smart charger for £900–£1,200 per unit.
- Claim up to £350 per socket via the landlord EV grant.
- Budget £150–£300 for a pre-installation electrical survey.
- Use an OZEV-authorised installer to qualify for grant support.
- Bill tenants directly via smart meter or app-based payment.
- Installing an EV charger costs landlords £800–£1,200 per unit
- The UK government grant for landlords covers up to 75% of costs
- Most tenants will pay for the electricity they use at the charger
- Smart chargers are now mandatory for new installations in rental properties
- Landlords must use an OZEV-authorised installer and get MCS certification
- Quick numbers EV charger costs, savings, and payback for landlords
- Rental properties with off-street parking must have a charger by 2028
A standard 7kW smart charger installation for a house with dedicated parking typically costs between £900 and £1,200, including labour, cabling, and any necessary consumer unit upgrade (Energy Saving Trust, 2026). Basic 3.6kW chargers cost £800–£1,000 but are rarely suitable for modern EVs with larger batteries. Flats or apartments with communal parking can add £500–£1,500 for trenching or long cable runs. Landlords should budget separately for an electrical survey (£150–£300) before choosing a charger type.
The UK government grant for landlords covers up to 75% of costs
The Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant for landlords (formerly the OZEV grant) provides up to £350 per socket, capped at £2,500 per property (GOV.UK, 2026). This means a typical 7kW installation costing £1,100 would leave the landlord paying around £750 after the grant. The grant is available for single-unit dwellings rented out, and multi-unit buildings with dedicated parking. It applies to both existing tenancies and new-build rentals, but the property must be registered before installation. Landlords must use an OZEV-authorised installer to qualify.
Most tenants will pay for the electricity they use at the charger
Landlords can set up the charger to bill tenants directly via smart metering or app-based payment systems. Typical off-peak electricity costs 7p–12p per kWh, compared to 28p–38p per kWh during peak hours on standard domestic tariffs (Ofgem, 2026). The charger must be on a separate meter or submeter to avoid disputes; installation cost includes this. Some landlords include charging as part of rent, adding £20–£40 per month, but you should check local rental market norms before setting a premium.
Smart chargers are now mandatory for new installations in rental properties
Since June 2024, all EV chargers installed in the UK must be “smart”, meaning they can schedule off-peak charging and remotely manage load (UK Government, 2026). Smart chargers reduce grid strain and allow landlords to set charging schedules for tenants. All new rentals with off-street parking must have at least one smart charger installed if the landlord provides parking. Non-smart chargers are illegal to install new; existing dumb chargers can remain but cannot be replaced with another dumb unit.
Landlords must use an OZEV-authorised installer and get MCS certification
Only installers on the OZEV-authorised installer list can deliver grant-funded work, and they must hold MCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certification for EV charging (MCS, 2026). Landlords should verify the installer’s MCS certificate number on the MCS website before paying. Without valid MCS certification, the grant is void and the installation may not meet building regulations (Part P in England). EV charger installation regulations UK
Quick numbers EV charger costs, savings, and payback for landlords
| Item | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Average installation cost (after grant) | £550–£850 | After £350 grant |
| Typical tenant annual charging cost (10,000 miles) | £280–£400 | At 8p/kWh off-peak |
| Grant cap per property | £2,500 | For multiple sockets |
| Payback period for landlord (if tenant pays for electricity) | 1–3 years | From rental premium |
| Rental premium for EV-ready property | £15–£30/month | Per parking space |
Sources: Energy Saving Trust, 2026; GOV.UK, 2026. Payback assumes landlord charges £25/month extra rent for EV charging; tenant pays own electricity at 8p/kWh. Payback period shortens if landlord installs multiple chargers due to economies of scale on labour.
Rental properties with off-street parking must have a charger by 2028
The UK government’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy mandates all new rental tenancies with off-street parking to have a working EV charger by 1 January 2028 (DESNZ, 2026). For existing tenancies, landlords must install a charger within 12 months of a tenant’s written request if parking exists. Failure to comply can result in a £500–£2,500 fine enforced by local authorities. Grant funding is first-come, first-served annually, so landlords should start planning now to avoid last-minute rush and higher costs. Landlord obligations for EV charging 2028 deadline
Frequently Asked Questions
A standard 7kW smart charger installation costs £900–£1,200 for a house with off-street parking, according to the Energy Saving Trust (2026). Basic 3.6kW chargers cost £800–£1,000 but are less suitable for modern EVs.
Yes, the Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant for landlords covers up to £350 per socket, capped at £2,500 per property (GOV.UK, 2026). You must use an OZEV-authorised installer to qualify.
Yes, by setting up a separate meter or app-based billing system. Off-peak electricity costs 7p–12p per kWh compared to 28p–38p peak rates (Ofgem, 2026), so tenants pay only for what they use.
Yes, a pre-installation survey costs £150–£300 and checks your consumer unit capacity and cable routes. This is essential before choosing a charger type.
A 7kW smart charger with app-based billing is best for most rentals. Basic 3.6kW chargers are cheaper but too slow for modern EV batteries, according to the Energy Saving Trust (2026).
