Mini photovoltaic systems for balconies may only be installed with the consent of the landlord. The Association of North German Housing Companies (VNW) drew attention to this on Wednesday in view of the great demand for the “balcony power plants”. “Usually, it is agreed in the rental agreement that a structural change in the apartment or on the balcony requires the consent of the landlord,” explained VNW director Andreas Breitner. And this is about structural changes.
“It is up to the landlord to decide whether he or she agrees to the tenant’s request or not.” Incidentally, “balcony power plants” should only be connected to the socket and nowhere else. “Right where “wild lines” are laid, the risk of fire and technical defects increases,” Breitner warned. “No wild west staycations!” he demanded.
In the event of a breach of the rental agreement, the consequences for tenants could be serious. It becomes particularly problematic if the house facade, including the insulation, is damaged when installing a photovoltaic system. “This can result in significant dismantling costs that the polluter has to bear.”
Photovoltaic systems attached to the balcony could also cause insurance problems. “Who is liable if falling components injure people or cause damage to other objects – for example a car?” said Andreas Breitner. “I wouldn’t bet on your own household or liability insurance covering it.”
Breitner therefore advised all tenants interested in a “balcony power plant” to contact their housing company beforehand and obtain approval. “This avoids disputes, annoyance and considerable costs if an installed system has to be dismantled.” The VNW represents a total of 407 housing cooperatives and housing companies in Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Schleswig-Holstein. Around 1.5 million people live in the 686,000 apartments they manage.
