As electric vehicle (EV) adoption continues to accelerate across Ireland, many renters are asking a key question: Can I install an EV charger at my rented home? For homeowners, the process is relatively straightforward. But for renters, especially in apartments or shared housing, the path to home charging is less clear.
In this article, we’ll explore your rights as a tenant, what permissions you’ll need, the role of your landlord, available grants, and practical alternatives if you can’t install a charger right away.
Here's the Short Answer: Yes, but you need your landlord's permission.
Renters in Ireland can install an EV charger, but only with the landlord’s written consent. You may also need permission from a management company if you live in an apartment block. The process is entirely possible, and SEAI grants are available to tenants, but it requires collaboration and forward planning.
Why Renters Need Home Charging
Public EV charging infrastructure is improving in Ireland, but relying on public chargers full-time can be inconvenient and expensive. Home charging is:
- Far more affordable than using public chargers
- More reliable, since it avoids queues and charger downtime
- Faster, particularly with a 7.4kW unit
- Safer, compared to using a 3-pin plug from a standard socket
For renters who’ve committed to driving electric, having a charger at home is the missing piece of convenience and cost-efficiency.
Legal & Practical Considerations for Tenants
Installing a charger involves modifying the property. Drilling, cabling, and sometimes trenching for cabling to an external wall or parking area. This qualifies as a structural or electrical alteration, which means you must:
- Get written permission from your landlord
- Consult with the property management company (if you live in an apartment or multi-unit development)
- Ensure installation complies with local planning and electrical safety regulations
It’s advisable to involve your landlord early, explain the benefits, and share documentation from the installer or grant provider to help them feel confident about the safety and reversibility of the work.
The SEAI EV Charger Grant for Renters (2025 Update)
As of 2025, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) continues to offer EV Home Charger Grants to help reduce the cost of installation. This includes renters, as long as:
- You have landlord approval
- The property is your primary residence
- The charger is installed by an SEAI-registered electrician
- You apply before installation begins
The grant offers up to €300 towards a home charger unit. WattCharger can assist with all required documentation, ensuring your grant application runs smoothly.
Talking to Your Landlord: How to Make the Case
Approaching your landlord might feel daunting, but most landlords are open to EV charger installations. Especially if they see it as a value add. Here’s how to make your case:
- Frame it as an upgrade: Let them know the charger can boost property value and attract future eco-conscious tenants.
- Offer to cover the cost: Many renters agree to pay for the installation (or at least the non-grant portion).
- Reassure them about reversibility: Modern chargers can be removed with minimal disruption.
- Work with a professional installer: WattCharger’s team can provide documentation, schematics, and guarantee safe, regulation-compliant work.
What About Apartments or Multi-Unit Developments?
Renters in apartments may face additional hurdles. If your parking space is in a shared car park or underground garage, you may need:
- Permission from the owners’ management company (OMC)
- A dedicated parking spot with access to your unit’s electricity meter
- Or agreement to connect to a shared charger network
SEAI and local councils have begun supporting shared infrastructure, and some landlords are already investing in future-proofed solutions.
If you’re unsure what’s possible in your building, WattCharger can conduct a site visit and offer tailored advice.
Alternatives If Installation Isn't Possible Right Now
While home charging is ideal, some renters may find that installation isn’t possible. Either due to cost, landlord resistance, or property limitations. But there are still ways to manage EV ownership:
- Use public charging networks: Ireland has a growing network of fast and rapid chargers from ESB, EasyGo, and Ionity.
- Ask your workplace: Many Irish employers now offer EV charging for staff.
- Consider smart-charging cables: Some models, like the Ohme, allow charging from a standard socket in a smarter way (though slower and not recommended long-term).
- Search for EV-friendly rentals: As demand grows, some landlords advertise EV-ready properties.
Future Outlook: EV Chargers Will Become the Norm
Ireland is working towards a cleaner, greener transport network, and EVs are at the heart of that plan. As part of national climate goals, the government is supporting wider charger access and infrastructure upgrades. Over the next few years, expect:
- Greater support for renters and apartment dwellers
- Standardisation of charger-friendly home designs
- Landlord incentives to upgrade properties
As a renter, you’re part of this transition and your decision to go electric can influence how quickly we move toward a more sustainable future.
WattCharger Can Help Renters Go Electric
At WattCharger, we work with renters across Dublin, Cork, and the rest of Ireland to make home EV charging possible. Whether you’re in a semi-detached house, a terraced property, or a city centre flat, we’ll assess your setup, liaise with your landlord (if needed), and recommend the best charger for your situation.
We handle:
- Grant paperwork and advice
- Liaison with landlords and property managers
- Full installation and maintenance
- Future-proofed, removable solutions
Final Thoughts
Renting doesn’t mean you have to give up the convenience and cost savings of home EV charging. While the path requires a bit more planning and collaboration, it’s entirely possible and increasingly common.
If you're a tenant considering installing a charger at your home, contact WattCharger today for expert help and a no-obligation quote.
Blog Author: Rowan Egan