EV Charger at Parking: Tenant Rights in Germany

As a tenant in Germany, when renewing your lease you may face the question of whether you may install an EV charger at your parking space. Many landlords require consent; some contracts have no provision yet. In large cities with limited parking and managed spaces, clear agreements matter: who pays for installation and electricity, which deadlines apply, and how liability and dismantling are handled. This article explains in plain terms your rights as a tenant, which legal bases apply^[1], which documents and written agreements you need, and which authorities or courts can assist in a dispute.

What you need to know

When renewing the lease, tenants should raise the EV charger topic early and record the following points in writing. A clear agreement prevents later disputes about costs, meter access or removal at the contract end.

Key points for the agreement

• Obtain the landlord's written consent and regulate payment and dismantling obligations.
• Clarify cost sharing: installation, electricity and ongoing maintenance.
• Check technical requirements and safety (qualified electrician, RCD protection, line capacity).
• Agree on deadlines for installation, commissioning and removal at lease end.

In multi-tenant buildings, consent obligations and effects on communal wiring often require involving the owners' association.

Costs, electricity and billing

Clarify in writing whether you pay for installation and how electricity consumption will be billed: via a separate meter, submeter or a landlord billing arrangement. Without clear rules, disputes over reimbursements may arise after tenancy ends.

• Agree on separate meters or measurement concepts for transparent billing.
• Include arrangements for maintenance and repairs.
• Keep all invoices and installation documents.

If the landlord refuses

If consent to a structural change is disputed, attempt a solution-oriented discussion; check whether the change can be considered reasonable or whether statutory rules apply. For legal disputes, local court jurisdiction and civil procedure rules are relevant^[3][2].

FAQ

Can the landlord generally forbid the installation?

The landlord cannot prohibit it outright; they can impose conditions and assert legitimate interests in specific cases. Written agreements are decisive.

Who pays for installation?

Cost allocation must be contractually agreed: tenants may agree to pay but should define billing and dismantling obligations.

Where do I turn in case of dispute?

For disputes about consent or costs, the local court (Amtsgericht) is competent; civil proceedings follow the ZPO rules.^[2]

How-To

1. Contact: Write to the landlord about your request and provide a technical offer.
2. Review technical aspects: obtain a quote from a certified electrician and clarify safety requirements.
3. Set costs and liability: agree in writing on cost sharing, electricity billing and removal obligations.
4. Document: Keep all offers, permits and invoices.
5. Legal steps: If refused, review legal options with reference to tenancy law and potential court action.^[4]

Key notes

Legal bases for tenancy law are found in the BGB; BGH decisions may be relevant in court disputes^[1][4]. Also observe local building regulations and distribution network operator requirements for structural changes.

Help and Support / Resources

• Gesetze im Internet: BGB (Relevant tenancy law provisions)
• Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection (BMJV)
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH): Decisions on tenancy law

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) — Gesetze im Internet
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) — Gesetze im Internet
3. [3] Informationen zu Gerichten und Zuständigkeiten — Justiz
4. [4] Decisions of the Federal Court of Justice (BGH)