Regarding the recent issue of the management board of HH Linh Đàm apartment complex (Hoàng Liệt Ward, Hanoi) refusing to store electric vehicles of residents, the People’s Committee of Hoàng Liệt Ward announced on December 4th that they have instructed the management board not to decline electric vehicle storage services.
Additionally, the People’s Committee has mandated the management board to enhance patrol efforts, promptly address any incidents or emergencies arising during vehicle storage in the basement of HH Linh Đàm.
Simultaneously, the committee has directed the maintenance of fire prevention, firefighting, rescue, and emergency systems to ensure their stable operation and compliance with design functions in case of incidents.
The People’s Committee of Hoàng Liệt Ward stated that, according to the 2023 Housing Law, the parking area of apartment complexes includes spaces for both cars and motorcycles, regardless of whether they are fueled by gasoline or electricity. Furthermore, the Fire Prevention and Fighting Law does not prohibit or restrict the parking or charging of electric vehicles in residential buildings.
Therefore, to ensure safety and minimize fire risks, the management board must designate separate charging areas, ensure safety measures, and provide firefighting equipment, as well as conduct regular inspections, rather than imposing a ban.
The parking basement of HH Linh Đàm apartment complex
HH Linh Đàm comprises 12 towers ranging from 30 to 44 floors, housing nearly 10,000 apartments (approximately 40,000 residents). However, due to unauthorized additional floors (5–10 floors per tower), the complex has not yet received fire safety certification or land-use rights certificates. With only one basement level, there is a severe shortage of car parking spaces, forcing residents to park on the streets or use illegal parking lots.
In early December, the management board of HH Linh Đàm issued a notice refusing to store electric vehicles. They cited the high risk of fire and explosion associated with electric motorcycles and bicycles due to potential electrical faults or improper charging practices.
In the event of an incident in the basement, fires could spread rapidly, generating toxic smoke and hindering evacuation, posing significant threats to residents’ lives and property. Moreover, the number of vehicles already exceeds the safety capacity designed for the building.
As a result, starting December 1st, the management board will temporarily halt new registrations for electric vehicle storage; from January 1, 2026, they will cease storing electric vehicles in the basements of all 12 towers.
This announcement has sparked outrage among residents, especially given the recent approval by the City Council of a low-emission zone policy within the Ring Road 1 area, effective July 1, 2026. The policy restricts motorcycles and scooters fueled by fossil fuels during specific hours and areas, encouraging a shift to new energy vehicles, including electric vehicles.
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