Tenants of residential properties in Denmark are facing an increasingly pressing challenge as electric cars are rapidly developed and deployed. The issue of access to charging stations for electric cars is therefore becoming more relevant. In this article, we will explore whether tenants can require the landlord to provide an electric charging station, or whether this is something the tenant can establish at their own expense.

First of all, it is important to understand that Danish legislation currently does not specifically oblige landlords to install charging stations for electric cars. This area is still relatively new, and therefore there is no direct legislation in the area. Therefore, the question of establishing charging stations must often be decided based on the general rules in the Tenancy Act and any agreements in the lease.

What does the rental agreement say?

If the lease or the bylaws of the housing complex do not contain provisions on the installation of electric charging stations, the tenant generally does not have the right to require the landlord to install them. However, it is worth noting that tenants and landlords are free to enter into agreements on improvements to the lease, including the installation of charging stations. However, such agreements should always be recorded in writing to avoid misunderstandings.

In cases where the tenant wants to pay for the installation of an electric charging point, the situation becomes a little more complicated. In general, changes to the character or appearance of the lease require the landlord's consent. This means that even if the tenant is willing to pay for the installation of a charging point, the landlord must first give his consent. The landlord cannot refuse this without reasonable grounds, especially if the change can be considered an improvement to the property, and as long as it does not cause inconvenience to the landlord or the other residents.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the tenant submit a concrete proposal to the landlord that includes details about the installation, maintenance, and who will be responsible for the ongoing costs. A good solution may be to enter into an additional agreement to the lease that clarifies these matters.

Finally, it is worth noting that a number of municipalities and housing associations in Denmark are working to promote the use of electric cars by facilitating the installation of charging stations. It may therefore be a good idea for tenants to investigate local initiatives and support options before approaching their landlord.

In summary, tenants cannot generally require the landlord to install an electric charging point unless this is agreed in the lease or the bylaws of the housing complex. However, tenants can propose and potentially agree to the installation of a charging point at their own expense, provided they obtain the landlord’s consent. It is crucial to have clear agreements in place to ensure that the rights and obligations of both the tenant and the landlord are clearly defined.

If you have any questions about the Danish Tenancy Act in general or about the preparation or interpretation of a tenancy agreement, you are very welcome to contact us at info@paragrafadvokaterne.dk, or phone 82 82 82 42.