Charging stations in apartment buildings: a valuable investment?
More and more people are switching to electric vehicles, increasing the demand for charging infrastructure, including in apartment buildings. How does the installation of charging stations in co-ownership work? What are the legal obligations, costs, and benefits?
Legal framework
Since 2019, the co-ownership law (Art. 3.82-§2 Civil Code) grants owners and utility operators the right to install cables and charging facilities in the common areas of the building, such as the parking garage. However, under certain conditions, the co-ownership association (VME) has the right to oppose this.
For tenants, the procedure goes through the property owner, who must first give permission. As the installation is a structural modification to the rented property, a tenant cannot independently install a charging station. Moreover, a charging station is not a mandatory facility under the minimum quality requirements for rental housing.
Notification requirement and procedure
Anyone wishing to install a charging station in a co-ownership must comply with a notification requirement. The co-owners, often via the property manager (syndic), must be informed by registered letter of the planned installation. They then have two months to submit any objections.
An important aspect of installing charging stations is the building’s available capacity. When several vehicles charge at the same time via a shared connection, this can cause increased peak consumption or even power outages. Load balancing can help prevent this by intelligently distributing charging power. This system automatically regulates the available power between the charging points so that the total load does not exceed the maximum capacity, preventing grid overload.
Who pays for the electricity?
The electricity bill is a crucial point when installing charging stations. By using separate meters for each charging point, each user pays for their own consumption. This means that only the owners of charging stations bear the electricity costs and the capacity tariff.
Tax benefits and future value
Until 2029, the installation costs of a charging station are 100% tax deductible.
In addition to financial benefits, having charging stations increases the appeal of the apartment building to potential buyers and tenants with electric vehicles. A co-ownership association that proactively invests in charging infrastructure responds to growing demand and future-proofs the building. Given the rising popularity of electric and hybrid cars, a well-equipped parking area with charging stations is a smart choice for any apartment building.
Conclusion
Installing charging stations in apartment buildings is not only an investment in sustainability but also in the building’s future value. By acting proactively and following the right steps, a co-ownership association can contribute to a modern and energy-efficient living environment.
Do you have questions about installing charging stations in your co-ownership? Syncura will gladly assist you with professional advice and guidance.
