E-car charging stations for rental properties: the rules

Installing an electric car charging station: legal considerations

In Switzerland, tenants are not legally entitled to install a charging station. This requires the approval of the property managers. However, landlords may be willing to pay for installation (at least in part) if they recognise that this will increase the value of the property.

Specific laws and ordinances may vary from canton to canton. You can find these on the official website of the cantonal government or on the website of the cantonal building and housing offices. The local municipality or city council may also have additional regulations or policies. Make sure you are thoroughly informed before you start making moves towards having a charging station installed.

Swiss legislature has not yet adopted any specific regulations for the installation of electric charging stations at rental properties, so it is worth consulting a lawyer for advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

It may also be helpful to review your lease agreements or agree special clauses on installing a charging station. This creates a clear legal position between tenants and landlords.

Case study: Tenant Stefan wants to charge his electric car at home

Stefan, a young professional from Zurich, recently bought an electric car. However, there was no charging station at his rented apartment. After doing some research and consulting his landlord, he found that installing a charging station is permitted, but the costs are not covered by the landlord. Stefan nevertheless decided to install the charging station because he saw the long-term benefits.

Stefan also asked his neighbours if they were interested in jointly funding the charging station. Some neighbours were interested, as they were also considering buying an electric car.

The installation costs can be substantial (see here for a cost calculator). Whether the landlord contributes to the costs or not will depend on individual agreements. In some cases, it may be possible to share the cost between tenants, or the costs may be covered by the property managers and then added to the rent.

Some cantons and communities have incentives and subsidies for installing charging stations, so it’s worth finding out about any local funding options. SwissEnergy also has a national support scheme for electric charging stations. The website energiefranken.ch shows funding schemes for which you may be eligible. All you need to do is enter your postcode or your place of residence. On the results page, switch the slider to ‘Mobility’ to see all projects eligible for funding at once.

What about when the tenant moves out?

If you end up moving, there may be questions about the cost of dismantling the charging station or remuneration for any remaining value. Drawing up clear agreements in advance can help to avoid any ambiguity or disputes. We recommend that you record everything in writing before installing your electric car charging station, so that arrangements are already settled if you choose to move out of the rental property five years later.

Technical considerations

Installing a charging station requires specialist knowledge and often structural work, too. It is important to consider the technical specifications and the current set-up at the residential building, including the existing electrical capacity. In some cases, the building’s electrical infrastructure needs to be upgraded to cope with the extra load of the charging station.

Safety aspects such as fire protection and compliance with electrical standards are crucial. In view of all this, it’s essential to have the installation carried out by a qualified professional.

Working with your landlord

Liaising and communicating effectively with your landlord can remove many obstacles. We recommend explaining the benefits of installing a charging station and addressing any concerns the landlord may have.

An electric car charging station can enhance the property’s appeal, so installing one is in the landlord’s interest, too. When both parties recognise the benefits and work together to find a solution, it’s a win-win situation.

Practical tips

• Discussing the work at an early stage: Tell your landlords about your wish to install a charging station well in advance. It’s best to raise the matter before even buying your electric car.
• Sharing the costs: It may be possible to share the costs with your landlord or other tenants and property owners. Get talking to those who might want to be involved early on.
• Coming to an agreement: Draw up written agreements with your landlord on costs, maintenance and how to proceed if you move.

With proper preparation and good communication with landlords, charging stations for electric cars can usually be installed at rental properties.