Guidance or new legal duties?
The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Department for Transport are considering both voluntary guidance and legislation to ensure landlords and freeholders to make timely decisions and do not unreasonably refuse requests.
If legislation went ahead, it would set a legal time limit for landlords and freeholders to respond and require them to justify refusals.
Permissions, parking, and costs
The proposals cover demised and allocated parking, with views sought on communal arrangements. Residents would generally arrange and fund installation, including applicable alteration permission fees. Responsibility for maintenance, usage and removal remains open for consultation.
This raises practical questions for letting and managing agents about who can approve works and how requests move between the parties. A clear record of the application, any onward referral, and the decision would help everyone understand progress.
Before works begin, a written agreement should make responsibilities clear. Agents should consider what happens when a tenancy ends or a property changes hands, including whether the charger stays and who takes responsibility for it.
When could a request be refused?
Suggested grounds include conflicts with lease terms or statutory duties, electricity network upgrades, unavailable or insufficient off-street parking, a building-wide charging scheme, and failure to meet electrical standards. Dispute escalation arrangements are also under consideration.
For block managers, the practical implication is to assess individual requests alongside plans for the whole building. Electrical capacity, shared infrastructure, and fair access may need a coordinated approach.
What this could mean when marketing a property
For sales and letting agents, parking provision and permission to install a charger should be treated as separate questions. An allocated space alone should not be presented as confirmation that a buyer or tenant can fit charging equipment.
As a practical precaution, establish what charging facilities exist, who can use them, and what costs apply. Where installation is only a possibility, explain that clearly and check the relevant permissions before making assurances.
EV chargepoint grant scheme ends in 2027
Until 31 March 2027 the UK Government is offering grants of up to £500 towards the cost of installing a chargepoint. The grants are available to individual flat owners and tenants living in any type of property, subject to eligibility requirements.
Private landlords, including right to manage or residents’ management companies, and property managers acting for them, can apply for a grant of up to £500 for each of their properties if there is private off-street parking.There is also a workplace charging scheme which can provide businesses with £500 each for up to 40 sockets per site. Find out more about Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grants.
Respond to the consultation
The consultation is open until 16 December 2026. We encourage agents to submit individual responses, particularly if they manage leasehold property and can explain where a proposed response deadline could be difficult to meet, such as when specialist advice or several permissions are needed.
Members can also contact our Policy and Campaigns team directly with questions, concerns, or comments via [email protected]
