EV Charging at Parking Spots: Protect Tenants in Germany

Why rules for EV charging at parking spots matter

Without clear agreements, conflicts easily arise about installation, electricity costs, liability for damage and removal. Tenant rights and landlord duties on maintenance and use follow from the German Civil Code (BGB, §§ 535–580a).^[1] A written agreement protects both parties and creates clarity about deadlines, cost allocation and technical requirements.

Key clauses in the lease

Draft clear addenda or model clauses that cover the following points. Always record changes in writing and get consents signed.

• Liability and cost allocation for installation and electricity (payment): who pays acquisition, connection and ongoing costs?
• Consent to structural changes such as a wallbox, cable routing and outlets (consent).
• Metering and billing rules: direct billing, submeter or flat fee (payment).
• Maintenance and repair responsibility (repair): who is responsible for inspection, upkeep and liability for damage?
• Obligation to remove on move-out and condition on return (move-out).

Step-by-step checklist for tenants

• Check the contract: review parking spot rules, service charge clauses and deadlines (deadline).
• Clarify costs: who pays acquisition, electricity and metering? A suggested cost split helps negotiations (payment).
• Propose a model clause: send a written amendment to the landlord and request a signed addendum (form).
• Documentation: keep photos, emails, quotes and invoices in case of dispute (evidence).
• If refused: seek mediation, set a deadline for response, and consider court action at the Amtsgericht (court).

Forms, templates and authorities

For disputes or court action, these legal sources and form references are important:

• Statutory texts: read §§ 535–580a BGB on tenancy, maintenance and use.^[1]
• Court proceedings: the Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) governs the filing of claims and the complaint at the local court; check procedural requirements.^[2]
• Legal precedents: rulings of the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) provide guidance on tenancy disputes.^[3]

Practical example: You want to install a wallbox. Send the landlord a specific request with a technical proposal, a deadline for consent (e.g., 14 days) and a suggested cost-sharing method. If the landlord does not respond or refuses, document the exchange and consider mediation or court action at the Amtsgericht.^[2]

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install a wallbox as a tenant without permission?

Generally you need prior written permission from the landlord because structural changes and connections require consent. Without agreement you may face claims for removal and damages.^[1]

Who pays for electricity used for charging?

This must be contractually agreed: direct billing via a submeter, a flat fee or inclusion in service charges are possible options. Without agreement there is potential for dispute.

What if the landlord refuses?

Seek mediation, set a deadline for a response and then consider filing a claim at the competent local court. Legal advice may be helpful.

How-To

1. Set deadlines: send a written request with a concrete deadline (e.g., 14 days) for consent (deadline).
2. Submit a model clause: draft an addendum to the lease and request a signature (form).
3. Document: collect offers, invoices and photos of the installation for potential disputes (evidence).
4. Legal steps: if necessary, seek mediation or consider filing a claim at the local court (court).

Help and Support / Resources

• BGB: German Civil Code §§535–580a - gesetze-im-internet.de
• Code of Civil Procedure (ZPO) - gesetze-im-internet.de
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) - bundesgerichtshof.de

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §§535–580a - gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) - gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH) - bundesgerichtshof.de