EV Charging for Blocks of Flats
Professional EV charging block of flats solutions, from infrastructure planning and OZEV grant applications to charge point installation and ongoing management for communal buildings.
EV charging block of flats is rapidly becoming one of the most important infrastructure considerations for residential buildings across the UK. With the ban on new petrol and diesel car sales approaching and the growing number of leaseholders switching to electric vehicles, blocks of flats must prepare for the transition. At Block, our EV readiness advisory service helps freeholders, directors, and managing agent teams plan, fund, and deliver ev charging points for communal buildings that meet current demand and scale for the future.
Whether a tenant wants to install electric car charger equipment in their allocated parking space or you need a building-wide EV charging stations strategy, we coordinate every aspect of the process. Our approach covers electrical capacity assessments, grant funding applications, charge point procurement, Section 20 consultation where required, and integration with the building's existing building maintenance and block management programmes. The cost of installation and ongoing maintenance is transparently managed through the service charge so every leaseholder understands what they are contributing towards.
Right to Charge Legislation and What It Means for Your Building
The Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018 introduced the right to charge, giving leaseholders and tenants in electric car charging in apartment blocks UK the legal right to request EV charging infrastructure. This means freeholders and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse a resident's request to install a charge point. For block management teams, understanding this legislation is essential to handling requests properly and avoiding disputes.
In practice, the right to charge does not mean a charger can be installed without any oversight. The freeholder or managing agent can impose reasonable conditions to protect the building and other residents. These conditions typically cover the specification and location of the charge point, the qualifications of the installer, compliance with fire safety regulations, and the impact on the building's electrical supply. Our role is to facilitate these requests efficiently, ensuring residents can access EV charging while maintaining the safety and integrity of the building.
Our electrical safety team works alongside our property managers to ensure every installation meets Part P of the Building Regulations and is carried out by a qualified, accredited electrician.
OZEV Grant Scheme for Residential Buildings
The OZEV grant for residential buildings is a significant funding opportunity that can substantially reduce the cost of installing ev charging points for communal buildings. Administered by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles, the EV Infrastructure Grant covers up to 75% of the cost of installing charging infrastructure, including electrical upgrades, cable routing, and charge point hardware, subject to per-space and per-building caps.
Eligibility extends to freeholders, resident management companies, and managing agent teams acting on behalf of buildings with at least two dwellings and off-street parking. The grant is designed specifically for multi-unit residential buildings and recognises the additional complexity and cost involved in installing EV charging in shared environments compared to individual houses. Applications must be submitted before work commences, and the installation must be carried out by an OZEV-approved installer.
At Block, we handle the entire grant application process on behalf of our clients. We assess eligibility, prepare the documentation, coordinate with approved installers, and ensure all requirements are met to secure the maximum available funding. This significantly reduces the financial burden on leaseholders and makes electric car charging block of flats projects far more affordable when funded through the service charge.
For buildings looking to improve their overall energy performance alongside EV readiness, our EPC and energy performance service provides complementary assessments and recommendations that can be delivered as part of a joined-up sustainability programme.
Infrastructure Planning and Electrical Capacity Assessments
Successful EV charging block of flats installation begins with a thorough understanding of the building's existing electrical infrastructure. Most residential blocks were not designed with electric vehicle charging in mind, and the electrical supply may not have sufficient capacity to support multiple charge points without upgrades. An electrical capacity assessment is the essential first step in any EV readiness project.
Understanding how to charge ev in apartment settings requires careful infrastructure planning. We commission detailed assessments from qualified electrical engineers that evaluate the building's incoming supply capacity, the condition and capacity of the distribution board, cable routing options from the electrical intake to the car park, and the potential for load management systems that allow multiple chargers to share available capacity without requiring a costly supply upgrade.
For buildings exploring broader technology integration, our smart building management service can incorporate EV charging monitoring alongside other building systems, providing centralised oversight and data-driven decision-making for property managers.
Charge Point Management and Section 20 Considerations
Once EV charging stations are installed, ongoing management is essential to ensure reliable service, fair billing, and proper maintenance. A charge point management system provides the software layer that controls access to chargers, monitors energy consumption, handles payment collection, and reports usage data to the managing agent. This is particularly important in communal settings where multiple residents share charging infrastructure and costs need to be allocated fairly.
Where the cost of installing ev charging points for communal buildings exceeds £250 per leaseholder, a Section 20 consultation is required under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. This statutory process ensures leaseholders are informed about the proposed works, have the opportunity to make observations, and can nominate contractors. We manage the full Section 20 process for EV charging projects, ensuring compliance at every stage and protecting the freeholder's ability to recover costs through the service charge.
- Charge point management systems with user authentication and billing
- Real-time monitoring of charger status, energy usage, and fault alerts
- Fair cost allocation between EV users and the wider service charge
- Maintenance contracts for charge point hardware and software updates
- Full Section 20 consultation management for qualifying installation costs
- Transparent reporting of all EV charging costs within service charge accounts
For a tailored assessment of your building's EV charging needs, please get in touch or call us on 0161 371 7190. We will survey your building and provide a clear, no-obligation proposal covering infrastructure, grant funding, and installation options.
Frequently Asked Questions About EV Charging in Blocks of Flats
Can you install an EV charger in a block of flats?
Yes, you can install an EV charger in a block of flats. The Electric Vehicles (Smart Charge Points) Regulations 2021 and the right to charge legislation under the Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018 give leaseholders and tenants the right to request the installation of EV charging infrastructure in residential buildings. However, the process requires careful planning. The freeholder or managing agent must assess the building's electrical capacity, identify suitable locations for charge points, ensure compliance with fire safety and building regulations, and consult with leaseholders where costs will be recovered through the service charge. A professional block management company can coordinate the entire process, from initial feasibility through to installation and ongoing management.
How will people in flats charge electric cars?
People living in flats can charge electric cars through several methods. The most convenient option is dedicated EV charging points installed in the building's car park, either as individual chargers assigned to specific parking spaces or shared communal charging stations. Where on-site parking is limited, residents may use public EV charging stations located nearby, including on-street charge points provided by local authorities. Some buildings install EV charging hubs with multiple connectors and a charge point management system that handles billing and access control. For blocks of flats, a phased infrastructure approach is often recommended, where electrical capacity is upgraded to support future demand and charge points are installed as residents request them.
Do apartment freeholders have to put EV chargers in?
Apartment freeholders are not automatically required to install EV chargers, but they cannot unreasonably refuse a leaseholder's or tenant's request to install one. Under the right to charge provisions in the Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018, residents of leasehold properties have the right to request EV charging infrastructure, and the freeholder must engage with the request in good faith. The freeholder can impose reasonable conditions, such as requiring the installation to be carried out by a qualified electrician, specifying the location of the charge point, and ensuring the work does not compromise the building's electrical system or fire safety. Where installation costs are significant and will be recovered through the service charge, a Section 20 consultation may be required.
Can a landlord refuse EV charger installation?
A landlord cannot unreasonably refuse an EV charger installation request. The Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018 establishes the right to charge, which means leaseholders and tenants can request permission to install EV charging equipment. A landlord may refuse only on reasonable grounds, such as genuine structural or electrical safety concerns, but a blanket refusal without proper consideration would likely be deemed unreasonable. If a landlord refuses without valid justification, the leaseholder can apply to the county court for an order requiring the landlord to grant consent. In practice, a proactive managing agent will work with the landlord and leaseholder to find a solution that satisfies all parties while maintaining the safety and integrity of the building.
What is the EV grant for flat owners?
The EV Infrastructure Grant, administered by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), provides funding for the installation of EV charging infrastructure in residential buildings with multiple dwellings. The grant covers up to 75% of the cost of installing EV charge points and associated electrical works, capped at a set amount per parking space and per building. Eligible applicants include freeholders, managing agents, and resident management companies responsible for residential buildings with at least two dwellings and off-street parking. The grant can be used towards electrical capacity upgrades, cable routing, charge point hardware, and installation labour. Applications must be made before the work is carried out and the installation must be completed by an OZEV-approved installer.
How do people with no driveway charge their electric cars?
People without a driveway charge their electric cars using a growing network of public and communal charging options. For flat residents, on-site communal EV charging points in shared car parks are the most convenient solution. Where buildings do not yet have charging infrastructure, residents can use public EV charging stations located on streets, in supermarket car parks, at workplaces, and at dedicated charging hubs. Local authorities across the UK are expanding on-street residential charging, including lamp post chargers and dedicated charge point bays. For residents of blocks of flats, requesting EV charging installation through the managing agent under the right to charge legislation is often the best long-term solution, particularly when combined with OZEV grant funding to reduce costs.
Ready to Install EV Charging in Your Block of Flats?
Get in touch for a free EV readiness assessment. Our team will evaluate your building's electrical capacity, identify OZEV grant funding opportunities, and deliver a complete EV charging solution tailored to your building and residents.