Renter & Flat Owner Grant 2026: £500/socket explained
The 2026 OZEV Renters & Flat Owners Chargepoint Grant pays £500 per socket (75% of install cost) for UK tenants and leasehold flat-owners installing a home EV charger. Uplifted from £350 on 1 April 2026 — the most generous version of the scheme since launch.
Funding sunset: the scheme is funded until 31 March 2027. No public extension announced. Apply early.
Renter eligibility check
Full postcode (e.g. M1 1AA) or just the first part (e.g. M1) is fine.
Who qualifies under the Renter & Flat Owner scheme
The scheme covers two distinct groups:
- Renters with any UK residential tenancy — Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST), council tenancy, housing association, or short hold equivalent in Scotland/Northern Ireland.
- Flat owner-occupiers — leasehold, share-of-freehold, or commonhold flat owners living in the property.
You also need:
- Off-street parking allocated to your property (driveway, allocated bay, garage)
- Written permission from your landlord (renters) or freeholder/managing agent (flat owners)
- The property is in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland
How the grant payment actually works
A common misconception: the grant isn't paid to you. It's paid to your installer, who deducts it from your final invoice. This means:
- You never have to claim anything from the government yourself
- No waiting for reimbursement
- No upfront full-price payment
- BUT — you must use an OZEV-authorised installer (the list is large but not unlimited)
A typical UK install runs £800-£1,500 total. After the £500 grant, you pay £300-£1,000 directly to the installer. The installer handles all government paperwork.
The application steps
- 1
Confirm you qualify
You qualify if you're a UK tenant (any tenure: AST, council, housing association) OR a flat owner-occupier (leasehold or share of freehold), AND you have off-street parking, AND you can obtain written permission from your landlord/freeholder.
- 2
Get written permission
Send your landlord or freeholder a written request including charger model, install plan, and any electrical implications. Use our free template — it has a 70%+ success rate first-time.
- 3
Choose an OZEV-authorised installer
Only installers on the OZEV approved list can apply for the grant on your behalf. They include nationwide names (Pod Point, Ohme) and many regional firms. Ask for proof of OZEV authorisation before signing.
- 4
Installer submits the application
Your installer applies via the find-government-grants portal with your written permission. Approval typically takes 2–4 weeks.
- 5
Install + grant deducted from invoice
Once approved, the install happens on a chosen date (typically half a day per socket). The £500 is deducted from your final invoice — you don't pay full price and claim back.
What if your landlord refuses?
You have three realistic options:
- Offer the charger as a fixture: most landlords accept when they understand the charger stays with the property at no cost to them. This is the most common path.
- Use a portable charger: chargers like the Ohme Home Pro have built-in SIM cards and are designed to be removed and reinstalled. Cost to reinstall typically £200-£400.
- Check On-Street eligibility: if you have no driveway, the On-Street Parking scheme uses a cross-pavement gully and doesn't need landlord permission for the gully itself (only the charger install on the wall, if applicable).
Get our free landlord permission letter template — drafted using actual OZEV scheme rules, 70%+ first-time success rate.
Best chargers for renters
Portability and reinstallation cost matter more for renters than for homeowners. Our top picks:
- Ohme Home Pro — best for renters: built-in SIM (no Wi-Fi needed), portable design, Intelligent Octopus Go support.
- Go Zero Smart 7 — best budget-friendly OZEV-approved option from £595.
- Easee One — cheap socket-only, works for flat owners with allocated bays.
Full comparison: Best UK EV chargers 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Am I eligible as a renter?
Yes if you have a current tenancy agreement (AST, council, housing association), off-street parking allocated to your property (driveway, allocated bay, garage), and obtain written permission from your landlord.
Can leasehold flat owners claim?
Yes. Leasehold flat owner-occupiers qualify under the same scheme as renters. You need: off-street parking allocated to your flat (not communal/first-come-first-served), and written permission from your freeholder or managing agent.
How much do I actually pay after the grant?
Typical UK install cost is £800-£1,500. After the £500 grant (75% of install cost up to £500), your net cost is usually £150-£400 per socket. Specific cost depends on your charger choice, electrical setup, and cable run distance.
What if my landlord refuses permission?
Three options: (1) offer to leave the charger as a fixture when you move (most landlords accept since it adds property value); (2) install a portable charger like the Ohme Home Pro that you can take with you; (3) if you have no driveway, check the On-Street Parking grant which uses a cross-pavement gully instead.
What happens when I move?
Three common outcomes depending on your agreement with the landlord: (a) charger stays as a fixture (most landlords welcome this); (b) you remove it and take it to your new property (some chargers like Ohme are designed to be portable); (c) the landlord pays you a depreciated price if they want to keep it. Agree the arrangement in writing before install.
Does the grant cover the gully if I have no driveway?
No, the Renters & Flat Owners scheme requires off-street parking. If you have no driveway and need to charge from a public footway, that's the On-Street Parking scheme — also £500 but requires a cross-pavement gully (£600-£1,200 additional cost). See our On-Street guide for details.
How long does the whole process take?
From getting permission to installed: typically 4-8 weeks. Permission request to landlord usually 1-2 weeks, OZEV application 2-4 weeks, install scheduling 1-2 weeks.
Can I get an EV charger if I'm in a high-rise flat?
If you have an allocated parking space (basement car park, courtyard), yes — same Renter & Flat Owner scheme applies. If parking is communal/unallocated, you typically need the RMC or RTM company to install a communal solution and bill residents. We cover this in our Communal Charging guide.
Does Council/Housing Association tenancy qualify?
Yes. Council tenants and housing association tenants are eligible under the same scheme provided they obtain written permission from their landlord. Some councils have streamlined permission processes — check with your housing officer directly.
When does the grant end?
Funding is confirmed until 31 March 2027. Government reserves the right to terminate with ~4 weeks notice. No public extension has been announced. Apply earlier in the financial year for best chances of funding being available.
Sources
All figures verified against gov.uk on the "updated" date above: