Living in an apartment building or a residential complex does not have to mean giving up your own charging point. Although the process of installing a wallbox in an underground garage seems complicated, current regulations (the Electromobility Act) are on the side of drivers. Check step-by-step how to obtain permission from the housing community or cooperative and enjoy your own Defenzo station.
Can the housing community refuse the installation of a charger?
According to Polish law, in multi-family buildings, a declaration of intent to install a charging point with a power of up to 11 kW is treated as a priority. The housing community or cooperative can only refuse in specific cases, such as:
- Lack of technical connection possibilities (e.g., insufficient building connection power).
- Negative opinion from the electrical installation expert report.
- The building is listed in the register of historical monuments.
If your garage meets the technical requirements, the path to your own EV charger is open.
Installing a wallbox in an underground garage – step-by-step guide
1. Submitting an application to the manager
The first step is to submit an official application to the board of the housing community or cooperative. It should include, among other things, your details, parking space number, and the technical parameters of the device (e.g., an intelligent Defenzo wallbox with power limiting function).
2. Electrical installation expert report
This is a key document that you must finance as the applicant. A qualified electrician assesses whether the garage network can withstand the additional load. Tip: By choosing a charger with Dynamic Load Balancing, you increase the chances of a positive opinion because the device will not overload the building’s fuses.
3. Consent and agreement
After obtaining a positive expert report, the board issues consent. The next stage is signing an agreement specifying the installation rules and – most importantly – the method of electricity billing.
How to bill electricity for car charging in an apartment building?
This is the most common question: who pays for the electricity? There are two main models:
- Private sub-meter: The wallbox is connected to your apartment’s meter (if technically possible).
- Billing with the administrator: A certified sub-meter is installed at the charger, and you settle accounts with the housing community once a month or quarter based on meter readings or a mobile application.
Why is an intelligent wallbox a necessity in an apartment building?
Housing communities are afraid of “tripping the breakers.” That is why the installation of a regular power socket often meets with resistance. Modern Defenzo charging stations offer:
- Authorization (RFID/App)
- Consumption reports
- Remote power control
Summary: Your own station in an apartment building is possible
Installing a charger in an underground garage is an investment that not only increases the comfort of daily EV use but also significantly increases the value of your parking space. With the right technical support and a modern device, this process is simpler than you think.