Residents have the right to set up power-generating systems on their balconies.
Setting up a balcony-mounted power station in Germany is becoming more straightforward. Thanks to a recent ruling, landlords can only object in a limited number of circumstances. This legislation also alters the guidelines for homeowners' associations.
Soon, tenants will have the primary right to install a balcony power station, often known as a plug-in solar device. The German Bundesrat has passed a law that classifies these devices as favored adjustments within rental legislation. Landlords can only veto this request in extraordinary situations. To date, tenants had to secure the landlord's written approval to install a plug-in photovoltaic system, which involves alterations to the property structure.
Now, rental laws and apartment ownership regulations are evolving to enable these projects without straightforward denial. To accomplish this, the installation of plug-in solar devices is being deemed a favored measure. Previously, initiatives like barrier-free modifications, burglary protection, or electric car charging stations enjoyed this status.
However, landlords and homeowners' associations can still influence the installation methods of these systems. Nevertheless, whether the installation happens or not is now fundamentally determined. There are exceptions, such as for historic buildings.
Additionally, the law modifies rules for homeowners' associations. In the future, these may conduct meetings online or in a hybrid format, if a three-quarters majority in the apartment owners' community approves it. Until now, all homeowners had to consent to the online conduction of the meeting.
Federal Minister of Justice Marco Buschmann praises the upcoming law passage from his department. He anticipates "less red tape" and "more freedom". He comments, "Another objective to modernize the law has been achieved. Tenants and owners across Germany will benefit from this."
The solar sector is showing significant growth in Germany, with tenants now having primary rights to install balcony power stations, or plug-in solar devices, in their rented apartments. These devices are now classified as favored adjustments within rental legislation, allowing for fewer landlord obstructions.
Moreover, this evolution in rental laws also impacts homeowners' associations, enabling easier online or hybrid meetings for conducting association business, provided a three-quarters majority approves it.
