New electric vehicle charging rights for tenants and leaseholders
The Government announces plans to make it easier to get approval for EV charging points.
Tenants and leaseholders will be given new rights to request EV charging points under Government proposals.
The plans being consulted on will overcome “barriers” that officials say landlords or freeholders put in the way.
Permission for an EV (Electric Vehicle) charging point is refused sometimes “without a clear reason”, the Government says.
Limited ability
“Access to these benefits is not evenly distributed. Those who do not own their homes, particularly tenants and leaseholders, often face additional structural barriers to installing home charging infrastructure, limiting their ability to make the transition,” the announcement reads.
“Lease considerations can create barriers to the deployment of EV charge points…tenants and leaseholders often face hurdles getting landlord or freeholder approval for EV charge points.
“Permission is rejected to install an EV charge point, sometimes without a clear reason”.
I’ve never encountered a landlord refusing permission for an EV charger to be installed”
However, Greg Tsuman, MD of Lettings at Martyn Gerrard Estate Agents, told the Daily Telegraph: “This looks like a solution in search of a problem. I’ve never encountered a landlord refusing permission for an EV charger to be installed. They have every incentive to facilitate it since it makes the property more attractive.
“This is part of a recent pattern of over-legislation in the rental market.”
The Government offers charge point grants up to £500 to those living in flats (including leaseholders and tenants), those in other rented accommodation and residential landlords.
