Block of flats EV charging: 3 routes for UK communal parking
Communal and unallocated parking is the hardest UK flat-owner scenario to solve — but not impossible. Three working routes, depending on whether your block has an RTM/RMC, an active freeholder, or you have an allocated bay.
Free flat eligibility check
Full postcode (e.g. M1 1AA) or just the first part (e.g. M1) is fine.
The three working routes
Pick based on your block's management structure.
Route A: RTM/RMC applies for Landlord scheme
If your block has a Right-to-Manage (RTM) or Resident Management Company (RMC), it qualifies as a 'landlord' under the 2026 scheme. The RTM/RMC applies for up to 200 sockets × £500 = £100K/yr in grants and installs communal charging.
£500/socket grant funded
Pros
- Residents share infrastructure cost
- Future tenant-friendly
- £100K/yr grant available
Cons
- Requires RTM/RMC democratic decision
- Slower implementation than individual install
Route B: Freeholder installs and bills residents
Your block's freeholder applies for the OZEV Landlord scheme, installs communal charging, and charges residents either fixed monthly fees or per-kWh metered billing.
£500/socket grant + ongoing user fees
Pros
- No upfront resident cost
- Freeholder handles maintenance
- Often faster than RTM route
Cons
- Resident has less control
- Freeholder profit margin baked into charges
Route C: Individual allocated bay charger
If you have a specific parking bay assigned to your leasehold/flat, you may qualify under the Renters & Flat Owners scheme. £500 grant with freeholder consent.
£500 grant (Renter scheme)
Pros
- Charger is yours, controlled by you
- Faster — no block-wide decision needed
Cons
- Only works for allocated bays, not communal/unallocated
- Requires freeholder consent (Section 19)
Technical solutions compared
Communal charging hardware varies by parking layout and supply capacity.
| Solution | Type | Cost / socket | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trojan Energy | Embedded flush bollards | ~£1,500-£3,500/socket installed | On-street parking outside blocks, conservation areas, retrofit communal |
| Pod Point (commercial) | Wall/post-mounted with smart billing | ~£1,200-£2,800/socket installed | Block car parks with allocated bays, larger developments |
| Easee daisy-chain | Multiple sockets on single supply | ~£800-£1,400/socket installed | Underground/communal car parks where supply capacity is shared |
| ChargePlace Scotland (Scotland only) | Council-led communal infrastructure | Council-funded | Edinburgh/Glasgow tenement housing — council operates the network |
Communal charging FAQs
Can residents in flats actually get EV chargers?
Yes, but the route depends on your parking setup. Allocated bay = individual Renter/Flat Owner scheme (£500 grant). Communal/unallocated = RTM/RMC or freeholder takes the Landlord scheme (£100K/yr). Both routes work — the difference is who applies.
What if my block has no parking at all?
Then you need the On-Street Parking scheme (cross-pavement gully + council approval) IF you can park outside your block. If parking is impossible nearby, your only options are public charging or specialist non-driveway solutions like lamppost chargers (where available — Char.gy, Liberty Charge).
How do RTM/RMC companies vote on EV charging?
RTM/RMC decisions follow your company's Articles of Association. Typically: proposal raised at AGM or EGM, board votes on whether to apply for OZEV Landlord scheme + appoint installer. If approved, costs (the 25% not covered by grant) get added to service charge. The £500/socket grant makes this much easier to approve.
Will my service charge go up?
Yes, typically. Your share of the 25% install cost not covered by grant gets absorbed into service charges over time. However, residents using the chargers pay directly for electricity (smart billing). Non-EV residents typically pay a smaller share or nothing for usage — only contributing to infrastructure depreciation.
Can I install a charger in my underground car park bay?
Generally yes if it's an allocated bay assigned to your flat. You need: (1) freeholder/managing agent consent, (2) electrical capacity assessment (load on the building supply), (3) compliance with fire safety regs (lithium-ion EV charging in underground parking has specific rules from 2024).
What about fire safety in underground car parks?
From 2024, new fire safety guidance applies to EV charging in covered/underground parking. Most installers handle this via certified equipment + adequate ventilation/spacing. Old (pre-2010) garages may need additional fire-suppression upgrades. Always confirm your installer is BS 7671 18th Edition + fire safety compliant.
Can a single freeholder block all residents from EV charging?
Not unreasonably. Under Section 19 of the Landlord & Tenant Act 1927, consent to alterations cannot be 'unreasonably withheld'. Outright bans on EV charging where there's clear demand have been overturned at the First-Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). However, requiring specific safety conditions or installer credentials is reasonable.