Tenant Rights: EV charger at parking space in Germany

Many tenants in Germany consider whether they may install an EV charger at a private parking space — and how this is handled when renewing the lease. This guide explains in plain language the rights and obligations of tenants and landlords, how to include a secure agreement in the lease, which deadlines and technical requirements are important, and which official forms and proofs are relevant. I describe concrete action steps, sample texts for requests to the landlord and guidance on what to do in case of refusal. This gives you practical certainty whether an EV charger is possible and how to legally secure the installation. I answer open questions in a practical manner.

What applies legally?

Tenancy relationships are governed by the provisions of the BGB, in particular the landlord's obligations and tenant rights in §§ 535–580a BGB.^[1] Court procedures for tenancy disputes follow the procedural rules of the ZPO.^[2] Decisions of the Federal Court of Justice (BGH) often set standards in disputes about tenants' obligation to tolerate structural changes.^[3]

Key points for an agreement

Before making an agreement, tenants should clarify technical feasibility, liability issues and cost-sharing and secure the landlord's consent in writing.

• Check technical requirements: power connection, capacity, feed-in and meter readings.
• Toleration or addendum: written lease supplement or annex with landlord consent.
• Costs and payment: who pays installation, operation and decommissioning; regulation on advance payments.
• Insurance and liability: clarify whether building insurance needs adjustments.
• Qualified installers and certifications: only certified electricians and compliance with VDE standards.

What an agreement can look like

Practically, a short lease addendum is recommended, which regulates the scope of permission, cost sharing, technical requirements and decommissioning obligations. Include concrete deadlines and a contact person. A sample letter for the request helps to obtain the consent formally and traceably.^[4]

Procedure in case of refusal

If the landlord refuses installation without factual reasons, you should request the reasons in writing, set deadlines and, if necessary, send a formal follow-up with a deadline for response. Documentation is important: photos, quotes and correspondence strengthen your position in a later legal review.

Sample texts

• Request to landlord: ask for consent to install an EV charger at the parking space with proposed technical requirements and cost sharing.
• Proposed addendum: duration, decommissioning, insurance, indemnity for damage and metering of additional consumption.

FAQ

Can my landlord generally prohibit the installation?

No, a general prohibition is only possible in narrow limits; a factual balancing is often required, considering aspects such as safety and building protection.

Who pays for installation and electricity?

That depends on the agreement. Often the tenant pays installation costs while additional consumption is billed separately; cost allocation is negotiable.

What if the landlord does not respond?

Set a written deadline and document all steps; if refusal persists, legal advice or clarification through the local court can be useful.

How-To

1. Check the lease for existing rules on structural changes.
2. Have a qualified electrician check technical feasibility and prepare a quote.
3. Send a formal request to the landlord with a concrete proposal and deadline.
4. Negotiate in writing about costs, liability and decommissioning; record an addendum.
5. Hire only certified professionals and document installation and acceptance.

Help and Support / Resources

• Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §535
• Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO) – Overview
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) – Case law on tenancy

1. [1] Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB) §535
2. [2] Zivilprozessordnung (ZPO)
3. [3] Bundesgerichtshof (BGH)
4. [4] Bundesministerium der Justiz (BMJ)