Can I install a charger in my communal garage space? What the laws say in Spain and Portugal

Can I install a charger in my community garage space? What the laws in Spain and Portugal say

Making the switch to an electric vehicle brings up the same question on both sides of the border: Do I have to ask the homeowners' association for permission to install my home charger?

The short answer is no, you don't need them to vote in favor, but the rules and timelines change depending on the country you are in. Current legislation has removed bureaucratic hurdles to accelerate the energy transition, protecting your right to charge at home.

We explain how to do it 100% legally in Spain and Portugal without having "drama" at the next residents' meeting.

🇪🇸 In Spain: The Horizontal Property Law (LPH)

In Spain, your great ally is Article 17.5 of the Horizontal Property Law. This legal text makes it very clear that you do not need anyone to raise their hand in a homeowners' meeting to authorize your installation.

What steps should you follow?

Prior written communication: You only need to formally inform (by signed letter, burofax, or certified mail with acknowledgment of receipt) the community president or the property administrator.

Notice period: You must deliver this communication at least 30 days in advance before starting the works. You are not waiting for approval; it is an informative act.

Mandatory technical report: The installation must be carried out by an authorized technician and strictly comply with regulation ITC-BT-52 (the low voltage technical regulation for charging points).

⚠️ The only reason for opposition: The community could only legally object if technical unfeasibility is demonstrated or if the installation poses a risk to the structural safety of the building. The installation costs and the electricity consumption from the meter are, of course, 100% your responsibility.

🇵🇹 In Portugal: Decree-Law No. 93/2025 and Condominium Rules

In Portugal, the legal framework was completely renewed with Decree-Law No. 93/2025 (and the recent Ordinance No. 128/2026/1), making life easier for owners, tenants (arrendatários) or legal occupants in horizontal properties.

What steps should you follow?

Written communication: As in Spain, you must send written notification to the condominium administration 30 days in advance. This must include the technical project.

Regulated right of opposition (Article 23): The condominium administration has a maximum of 30 days to respond. They can only deny the installation under four very specific conditions:

If the condominium commits to installing an equivalent shared solution within a maximum of 90 days.

If there is already suitable shared infrastructure in the garage.

If there is a proven technical risk to people or property.

If the installation physically blocks or hinders circulation in common areas.

Mandatory power management: The new 2026 rules require condominium installations to include a Load Control System (intelligent power management) so that the building's common infrastructure is never overloaded when multiple cars are connected.

Quick Comparison: Spain vs. Portugal

Legal Detail	🇪🇸 Spain	🇵🇹 Portugal
Requires voting at a meeting?	No	No
Advance notice period	30 days	30 days
Condominium response time	No response required (green light after the deadline)	Up to 30 days to object with justification
Key technical regulations	ITC-BT-52	Decree-Law No. 93/2025 / Ordinance 128/2026/1
Who pays the costs?	The interested owner	The interested owner

Eco Cargadores' advice

Whether under Spanish or Portuguese laws, the key to a frictionless installation is professional planning. Presenting a clean and impeccable technical scheme to your administrator not only complies with the law but also provides complete peace of mind to the rest of the building.

If you need the technical report design or to choose the ideal smart charger that fits your garage's power limits, at Eco Cargadores we take care of the entire process.