A Guide to EV Charging in Leasehold Developments

Last updated: 14 September 2026

As EV adoption rises, leasehold developments face unique challenges when introducing EV charging infrastructure. To make the process clearer, here’s a helpful Q&A covering the essential steps, considerations, and common queries for leasehold properties.

Can EV charging be installed in a leasehold development?

Yes, EV charging can be installed in leasehold developments, but the process requires coordination between leaseholders, freeholders, and managing agents. Permissions, infrastructure considerations, and cost-sharing agreements must all be addressed.

What are the key steps for installing EV chargers in a leasehold property?

1. Engage Stakeholders: Inform freeholders, managing agents, and fellow leaseholders of your plans.
2. Assess Infrastructure: Conduct a feasibility study to determine electrical capacity and infrastructure requirements.
3. Get Permissions: Seek written approval from the freeholder or managing agent as specified in your lease agreement.
4. Choose a Charging Solution: Decide whether shared or allocated chargers suit the parking arrangement and compare fully funded, client-funded and grant-supported options.
5. Appoint an Installer: If grant funding is being claimed, make sure the installation is completed by an OZEV-authorised installer.
6. Agree on Costs: Confirm who will own and manage the equipment, set the charging tariff, receive revenue and cover ongoing maintenance.
7. Install and Activate: Proceed with installation and activate the chargers for use.

What permissions are needed to install EV chargers in leasehold properties?

You will likely need permission from the freeholder, managing agent, or landlord. Check your lease agreement for clauses about alterations or electrical work. Written consent is usually required, and additional planning permissions may apply if significant structural work is involved.

What factors should leaseholders consider before installing EV chargers?

• Infrastructure: Does the building’s electrical system have enough capacity for EV chargers? Upgrades may be needed.
• Space: Are parking spaces suitable for charger installation, and how will shared spaces be managed?
• Costs: Who will pay for the installation and ongoing maintenance?
• Usage: Will the chargers be for individual or communal use, and how will energy consumption be billed?
• Aesthetics: Will the installation align with building aesthetics or require planning approval?

Are there grants available for installing EV chargers in leasehold developments?

Yes. Eligible residential landlords can currently apply for the Government’s Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant for residential landlords.

As of September 2026, the grant covers 75% of eligible purchase and installation costs, up to £500 per socket and up to 200 sockets per year. It can be used for certain existing residential properties, including apartment blocks, subject to the eligibility criteria.

The separate Residential Landlord Infrastructure Grant closed to new applications on 31 March 2026.

Grant schemes and eligibility requirements can change, so always check the latest GOV.UK guidance before making any decisions.

What are the benefits of shared EV chargers in leasehold developments?

Shared EV chargers can provide convenient access for multiple residents while making efficient use of communal parking spaces. Networked chargers can record each resident’s usage separately, removing the need for the property team to calculate individual charging costs. A clear bay-management or fair-use policy may also help keep chargers available when residents need them.

What if my leasehold development doesn’t have enough electrical capacity?

A site assessment can identify whether load management, an upgraded electrical connection or additional infrastructure is required. Smart load management can balance the power available between the building and its chargers, while a phased installation can allow the network to grow alongside resident demand.

The former EV infrastructure grant for residential car parks closed to new applications on 31 March 2026. However, eligible residential landlords may still be able to claim support towards individual chargepoint installations. Check the latest GOV.UK guidance before making funding decisions.

Who pays for the installation and maintenance of EV chargers in leasehold properties?

This depends on the funding model. Under Roam’s fully funded option, Roam funds the agreed infrastructure and live chargers, with ongoing network management, maintenance, software and driver support included.

With a client-funded option, the development pays for and owns the equipment, controls the charging tariff and receives the charging revenue. Ongoing services are then covered through a monthly management charge.

In both cases, residents pay for the electricity used during their own charging sessions.

How can energy usage be managed and billed in shared EV chargers?

Smart chargers with integrated metering systems can track energy usage for each user. Costs can then be billed directly to individual leaseholders or pooled into a service charge. Discuss billing arrangements with the managing agent or installer.

What if not all leaseholders want EV chargers installed?

Engage in open discussions to address concerns and highlight benefits such as increased property value and sustainability. Emphasize grant availability to reduce costs. Managing agents or freeholders may also mediate these discussions, with the support of a trusted partner such as Roam to find a solution.

How long does it take to install EV chargers in leasehold developments?

The timeline depends on the complexity of the project. For a single charger, installation can take a few days, but larger communal setups requiring infrastructure upgrades may take several weeks to months, including the permissions process.

Are there legal obligations for freeholders to provide EV charging?

Currently, there are no legal obligations for freeholders to install EV chargers for retrofit schemes. However, rising demand and government incentives are encouraging freeholders and managing agents to explore options proactively.

On the other hand, any new build sites would require EV chargers from day one as part of Part-S building regulations.

How can Roam help leasehold developments with EV charging?

Roam supports leasehold developments from the initial site assessment and charging design through to installation, resident billing and ongoing network management. The solution can be designed around shared or allocated parking, available electrical capacity and the level of resident demand.

Eligible developments may qualify for Roam’s fully funded EV charging model, where Roam funds the agreed infrastructure and live chargers and manages the network once it is operational.

A client-funded option is also available for developments that want to own the charging infrastructure, control the resident tariff and receive the charging revenue.

If you are comparing providers, read our guide to choosing an EV charging provider for an apartment block.

Registered providers of social housing can also read our guide to EV charging for housing associations, covering funding, resident billing and portfolio-wide delivery.