Landlords and freeholders in England could be required to give timely decisions on tenants’ and leaseholders’ requests to install electric vehicle (EV) chargers, under a government consultation opened on 21 October. These are proposals, with legislation still needed before the suggested legal duties could take effect.
The proposed “ability to charge” focuses on homes with off-street parking. It would give residents a clearer route to seek permission for a charger at their building’s parking space.
The government is considering voluntary guidance on making and handling requests, alongside a legislative option requiring landlords and freeholders to respond promptly and not unreasonably refuse permission. Guidance alone would create no obligation to agree to an installation.
Costs and reasons for refusal
Under the legislative proposal, the tenant or leaseholder would be expected to arrange and pay for the charger and installation, including any applicable fees for permission to alter the property. Who should pay for later maintenance, use and removal remains a consultation question.
Possible grounds for a reasonable refusal include a need for local electricity-network upgrades, an installation that fails to meet electrical standards, or a building-wide charging scheme already being adopted. The consultation seeks views on these circumstances; they are not a settled list of legal grounds.
For landlords who are themselves leaseholders, the proposed process would normally involve passing a tenant’s written request to the freeholder, unless the landlord already has authority to decide.
Landlords can give their views through the government’s consultation page. It closes at 11:59pm on 16 December 2026.
Source
- Department for Transport and MHCLG: expanding EV charging access for tenants and leaseholders, published 21 October 2026.
