If you rent your home or own a flat, you can get up to £500 off the cost of installing an EV charger under the government’s EV chargepoint grant scheme. This grant was extended in April 2026 with a higher payment and a new application platform. This guide covers exactly who qualifies, what you need to prepare, and how to claim it.
Key Takeaways
- Renters and flat owners can claim up to £500 towards a home EV charger (increased from £350 in April 2026).
- You must have private, off-street parking with documented legal rights to use it.
- If you live in a block of flats, you need written permission from your freeholder or managing agent before applying.
- Only a charger from the OZEV approved list, fitted by an OZEV-authorised installer, qualifies.
- The scheme is confirmed until 31 March 2027.
- Figures verified against GOV.UK guidance, April 2026. Verify current rates at publish time.
Who this grant is for
The EV chargepoint grant for renters and flat owners was specifically created for people who are not homeowners in the traditional sense. It covers:
- Renters of any residential property (house, flat, or purpose-built rental accommodation)
- Flat owners — whether you bought outright, through shared ownership, or with a mortgage
- Residents in properties converted into flats, provided you occupy one unit
The grant does not cover homeowners who own and occupy a house, people in lodging arrangements where the homeowner also lives, or properties that are unoccupied or still under construction.
Parking: the most common sticking point
The biggest reason applications are rejected is parking. Your parking space must be:
- Off-street — not on a public road or shared carriageway
- Private and clearly defined — it does not need to be attached to the property itself, but it must be demonstrably yours
- Accessible to you at all times — not shared with others on a rota or subject to use by neighbours
- Legally yours to use — either owned by you or covered by a lease agreement, licence, or other documented entitlement
If your parking space is allocated within a housing estate, underground car park, or communal courtyard, you will need to provide documentation proving your right to use it. Your installer will inspect the space before submitting your application.
What about on-street parking?
If you only have on-street parking, the renter/flat-owner grant does not apply. There is a separate scheme — the Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant for Households with On-Street Parking — which covers cross-pavement charging solutions in certain circumstances, also up to £500. Ask your installer whether your situation qualifies.
Getting permission in a block of flats
If you live in a leasehold flat, you will almost certainly need permission from your freeholder, managing agent, or residents’ management company before an installer can submit your application. This is a formal requirement, not just a courtesy.
Steps to take:
- Write to your freeholder or managing agent explaining you want to install an EV charger at your allocated parking space
- Provide details of the proposed installation: charger model, installer name, location of the charger, and any cable routing
- Obtain written permission — an email is acceptable provided it clearly approves the specific installation
- Pass this documentation to your installer before they submit the grant application
If permission is refused, you cannot proceed with the grant. Some freeholders and managing agents charge an administration fee for reviewing requests; this is not covered by the grant.
What vehicle do you need?
You must own, lease, or have on order an eligible electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle from the OZEV approved list. Acceptable arrangements include:
- Registered ownership
- A lease agreement of six months or more
- Use of a company vehicle for six months or more
- A confirmed order with a delivery date
The vehicle does not need to be at the property yet, but you will need to provide proof of ownership or lease when you apply.
The application process step by step
- Choose an OZEV-authorised installer — search the register on GOV.UK
- Confirm your charger is on the OZEV approved product list — your installer can advise
- Gather your documents: proof of tenancy or flat ownership, proof of vehicle ownership/lease, and (if applicable) written permission from your freeholder
- Book a site survey — your installer visits to confirm the parking space is suitable
- Submit the application — since April 2026 this is done via the new GOV.UK platform; your installer guides you through the process
- Installation takes place — typically within a few weeks of approval
- The grant is deducted from your invoice — you pay the remaining balance only
The new platform introduced in April 2026 operates a 10-working-day assessment timeline from submission to decision.
How much will the charger cost after the grant?
A typical 7kW smart home charger costs between £800 and £1,200 fully installed (unit plus standard installation). After the £500 grant, your out-of-pocket cost is typically £300–£700. Prices vary depending on the charger model, cable run length, and any additional electrical work required.
If you have solar panels, a solar-compatible charger such as the myenergi Zappi is worth considering. It is grant-eligible and can divert surplus solar generation directly into your car at close to zero cost per kWh.
Can you claim if you previously got the EVHS?
No. If you previously claimed the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) or the Domestic Recharge Scheme at any property, you are not eligible for the current chargepoint grant. These are predecessor schemes and the restriction applies even if you have moved home since claiming.
Frequently Asked Questions
I rent from a private landlord — do I need their permission to install a charger? Yes. You need written permission from your landlord before applying, as the installation involves attaching equipment to the property and routing cables. Some landlords may also want to apply for the separate landlord grant themselves, which covers up to £500 per socket for up to 200 sockets across their properties.
I live in a flat I own, but my freeholder has refused permission. Can I still get the grant? No. The application requires evidence of third-party permissions if they are needed. If your freeholder refuses, you cannot proceed. You may want to contact your managing agent or consult a solicitor if you believe the refusal is unreasonable, as some leasehold agreements do include rights to make minor improvements.
The grant is £500, but my installer quoted £1,100 installed. Who pays the rest? You do. The grant covers 75% of the combined purchase and installation cost up to £500. Your total cost is the full invoice minus the £500 grant. On a £1,100 installation, you would pay £600.
Can I apply for the grant if I am moving soon? No. You cannot apply for the grant for a property you are planning to leave. The guidance specifically excludes properties where the resident is relocating.