Landlord restrictions biggest barrier to installing EV charging points

Renters are finding it harder than homeowners to charge electric vehicles at home due to installation costs and landlord restrictions, according to new research.

Data from temporary car insurance provider Tempcover reveals that homeowners are far more likely to have access to home charging than renters.

As previously reported by Property118, the government has said it wants to incentivise landlords to install EV chargers.

Landlord restrictions biggest barrier for tenants

According to the research, 90% of homeowners have access to home charging, compared with 69% of renters. Installation costs (36%) and landlord restrictions (27%) were identified as the biggest barriers for tenants.

Renters also cited concerns over higher electricity bills (19%) and the need to secure multiple permissions (18%).

The research found renters are twice as likely as homeowners (18% versus 9%) to rely on public charging stations daily, while more than a third (34%) of all EV drivers surveyed use public charging at least once a week.

Despite these additional challenges, renters are the most optimistic group about the UK’s electric vehicle future. Seven in 10 tenants (70%) said they are confident the UK will develop sufficient charging infrastructure.

Renters are making it work

Claire Wills-McKissick, temporary car insurance expert at Tempcover, said: “Those who rely most on the public charging network are also among the most optimistic about the future, suggesting that regular experience of public infrastructure may be  building rather than denting confidence in what’s coming.”

“What the data does show is that the experience of electric vehicle ownership can look quite different depending on your housing situation. Renters are making it work, but often have to navigate more hurdles to get there, and closing that gap will be key to making the EV transition work for everyone.”

Until March 2027, renters and landlords can claim up to half the cost of installing a charger, worth up to £500, as the scheme is extended for a final year.

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has welcomed the plans and urges landlords to make use of the grants available.