As electric and plug-in hybrid cars become more common in Portugal, the question begins to arise in many buildings: if a resident charges their electric car in the garage, is the bill for them or for the entire condominium?
The answer depends on how the charging point is installed, but the general rule is simple. According to the website, which specializes in automotive matters, when the charger only serves one condominium, the installation and electricity costs must be borne by that user, and not by the condominium.
The current legal framework also points in this direction. In accordance with article 23 of Decree-Law No. 93/2025, which approved the new Legal Regime for Electric Mobility, the installation of charging points in existing buildings is permitted, by any condominium owner, at their own expense, as long as the applicable technical requirements are met.
Whoever uses it must pay
The most important principle is this: the cost of energy must be paid by whoever uses the charger. If the recharge point is connected to the condominium’s individual meter, the consumption goes directly to that resident’s electricity bill. This is usually the simplest solution, because it avoids later arrangements and arguments between neighbors.
When the charger is connected to the building’s common service panel, the situation requires more control. In this case, there must be metering or another reliable consumption allocation system, to ensure that the electricity used to charge the vehicle is not paid for by all condominium owners.
DGEG explains that, in multi-family buildings, charging points can be powered by the unit’s individual installation, by the building’s column panel or by the common services panel, as long as the applicable technical rules are respected.
Can the condominium refuse?
The installation of chargers in buildings is legal in Portugal. Decree-Law No. 93/2025 provides rules to facilitate the installation of charging points in existing buildings. As a rule, the condominium cannot freely refuse to install a charging point in an individual space, as long as the costs are assumed by the interested condominium owner and the installation meets technical and safety standards.
There are, however, exceptions. The condominium administration may object if, within 90 days, it comes up with a common solution that ensures the same services, the same technology and the needs of potential users. There may also be opposition if the building already has a charging point or electrical outlet for shared use of these resources.
The installation may also be stopped if it demonstrably puts the safety of people or property at risk, if it hinders circulation on common access roads or if it prevents compliance with accessibility rules in common spaces. In these cases, the decision must be reasoned and taken within the legal deadlines.
What if the cables run through common areas?
Even when the charger is located in the resident’s private space, installation may require cables to be routed through common areas, such as garages, technical walls or circulation areas.
In these cases, the condominium owner must communicate their intention to the condominium administration in writing, at least 30 days in advance. When applicable, communication must also be directed to the owner.
Communication serves to allow the evaluation of the technical solution, guarantee the safety of the installation and avoid future conflicts.
Passing through common areas does not mean, in itself, that the condominium has to pay. It just means that the work has to be coordinated with the administration and respect the applicable technical rules.
Who pays for the installation?
If the charger is for individual use, the installation is paid for by the condominium owner who requested it. This includes equipment, labor, wiring, any technical adaptations and any checks required to ensure the system is safe and functional.
Razão Automóvel emphasizes that the installation of an individual charging point is the responsibility of the interested user. The condominium only assumes costs when it approves a collective solution or when the assembly decides to move forward with a common system for several residents, also defining the method of apportionment or charging for consumption.
Shared chargers work differently
If the building chooses to install a common system, intended for several condominium owners, the payment model must be defined by the condominium.
In these cases, user cards, applications, access codes or authentication systems are often used. Thus, each resident only pays for the energy they consumed.
This model prevents the electricity bill from being distributed to everyone, including those who do not have an electric car or do not use a charger.
Pay attention to common sockets
The greatest risk of conflict arises when someone charges the car from a common socket in the garage, without individual measurement and without clear authorization.
In this situation, the energy may be paid by the condominium through the common services bill. In addition to raising questions of fairness between condominium owners, an improvised solution can pose electrical safety risks.
The ACP warns that charging from domestic sockets must be technically validated, because a common socket may not be prepared for prolonged and repeated charging. Extension cords, improvised connections or sockets used continuously for car charging should be avoided.
Charging must be done using appropriate equipment and installation validated by a qualified technician, respecting the Technical Guide for Electrical Installations for Powering Electric Vehicles, approved by DGEG.
Insurance and liability
Charging electric vehicles is safe when installed correctly, but should not be treated as a simple household connection.
Decree-Law No. 93/2025 and Ordinance No. 118/2026/1 provide for mandatory civil liability insurance for Charging Point Operators. In private chargers installed for individual use, the situation may be different, but the practical recommendation remains.
Before proceeding, it is worth confirming whether the multi-risk insurance of the fraction or condominium covers situations such as short circuits, fires, electrical damage or problems during charging.
In shared systems, the condominium can also consider specific coverage in the building’s common policy.
What to do before installing
The interested condominium owner must request a technical assessment, confirm the available power, communicate the intention to the condominium administration when the installation passes through common areas and ensure that consumption is properly measured or allocated.
You must also keep invoices, certificates, proof of installation and communications made to the condominium. These documents can avoid future doubts, especially if there is a change of owner, breakdown or discussion about consumption.
In the end, the answer is straightforward: as a rule, the condominium should not pay for the electricity for a neighbor’s electric car. Whoever carries it pays. The condominium only enters the account if it approves a collective solution or if the charging is connected to common services without measurement or control, a situation that must be corrected so that the consumption is attributed to those who actually use the charger.
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