Commercial landlords can add EV charging as a lease amenity, a tenant alteration, or a landlord-operated network across a multi-let site. Success depends on clear responsibility for capital, electricity, maintenance and data, written into licences for alterations or side letters. OZEV commercial landlord or workplace routes may offer per-socket support where eligibility fits, but published caps are limited relative to full car-park works, so check GOV.UK. Specify load management, access control and metering before chasing hardware discounts.
Choose an operating model
Landlord-funded amenity can lift lettability. Tenant-funded installs need alteration licences and reinstatement rules. Hybrid models share capital against longer lease terms.
Pick the model before inviting three installer quotes so scopes match the legal plan.
Meters, billing and VAT
Decide whether kWh sit on the landlord supply with recharge, on a tenant sub-meter, or through a charge-network merchant account. Ambiguity here creates service-charge disputes.
Finance and managing agents should approve the billing story while drawings are still cheap to change.
- Who sets the pence-per-kWh rate
- Who absorbs idle fees and overstay
- Who holds the OCPP or network contract
Technical minimums worth specifying
Require surveyed cable routes, protective devices, open-PEN measures where relevant, remote monitoring and a spare capacity strategy. Ban domestic sockets dressed up as workplace charging.
For multi-let yards, insist on load balancing across tenants so one occupier cannot brown-out another.
Grants and evidence
Commercial landlord grant rules typically look for business-rates-paying occupiers and set annual socket limits that differ from residential landlord schemes. Confirm live text on GOV.UK and use authorised installers.
Keep a socket asset register tied to claim photos.
Lease events and exit
Document whether chargers remain landlord fixtures, how data is wiped, and how bays are reallocated on vacating. Dilapidations arguments are easier when the side letter was clear on day one.
Insurance schedules should list outdoor electrical assets.
Frequently asked questions
Can I force all tenants to use my network?
Only within lease and competition realities. New leases can set rules more easily than mid-term variations.
Who claims the grant, landlord or tenant?
Match the applicant to the scheme rules and the party paying for the eligible works. Do not double-claim.
Are payment terminals mandatory?
Not for private staff yards. Public or semi-public destination bays increasingly need open payment options under wider UK charging policy trends. Check current regulations for your access model.
Should I standardise one brand across the portfolio?
Standardisation helps maintenance, but keep escape routes if a vendor fails. Specify interoperability where practical.
Core buying guides
Start with these high-intent guides, then dig into the rest of the library.
Related guides
Sources and further reading
How this guide was prepared
This guide was written by the Local EV Installers Editorial Team. We compare official guidance, legislation and established consumer information, separate general information from project-specific advice, and show publication dates and sources. We do not accept installer accreditation claims at face value.