States with renter or HOA protections
- New Jersey (from about March 1, 2027): landlords and HOAs can’t ban plug-in solar. They can set reasonable rules on size and placement.
- Colorado (from Jan 1, 2027): unreasonable bans by landlords and HOAs are void. Reasonable limits are allowed.
- Virginia (from Jan 1, 2027): landlords with more than four units can’t ban devices outside the unit. HOA rules still apply.
- Vermont: tenants give the landlord 10 days’ notice, and covenants can’t ban devices.
- Maine: when you remove a system, you must restore the building to how it was.
In the other states with laws, the law stops the utility from blocking you but says nothing about landlords. Your lease, and any building rules on balconies, still apply.
Make it easy to say yes
Landlords worry about three things: damage to the building, fire risk and liability. Answer all three before they ask.
- Choose a mount that clamps to the railing or stands on the balcony floor. No drilling.
- Choose certified equipment and say so.
- Offer to remove it when you move out.
- Mention your renters’ insurance.
Template letter
Dear [landlord’s name],
I’d like to install a small plug-in solar kit on my balcony at [address, unit]. It is [number] panels with a total output of [watts] W, which is within [state]’s legal limit of [limit] W. [It is certified to UL 3700 / The inverter is certified to UL 3700.]
It plugs into the existing outdoor outlet [or: an existing outlet]. It needs no wiring changes and no drilling: the panels attach with clamps [or: stand on the balcony floor] and come off without marks. The inverter shuts off automatically if the power goes out.
I’ll remove it and restore everything when I move out, and my renters’ insurance is with [insurer]. I’m happy to send the spec sheet or show you the setup first.
May I go ahead?
[Your name]
Keep the reply in writing. If your state requires notice to the landlord or the utility, send that too.