Balcony solar for renters, apartments and HOAs
Balcony solar was made for apartments, but a state law allowing plug-in solar does not automatically stop a landlord or HOA from saying no. Only some states protect renters and HOA members.
Published by ChoiscoPublished Oct. 2, 2026Last verified
State by state
| State | Renters and landlords | HOAs |
|---|---|---|
| California | Nothing in the law. A lease can still restrict what you attach to a balcony. Verified | Nothing in the law. HOA or condo rules may still restrict installation. Verified |
| Colorado | From Jan. 1, 2027, no person may unreasonably prohibit installation or use. A property owner may set reasonable rules (notice, safety, location). The law has no landlord-tenant section by name. Verified | From Jan. 1, 2027, covenants that unreasonably prohibit devices are void. Devices may go on a balcony, patio or deck (limited common element); the HOA may require securing the device and indemnification. Verified |
| Connecticut | Nothing in the law. A lease can still restrict what you attach to a balcony. Local ordinances still apply. Verified | Nothing in the law. HOA or condo rules may still restrict installation. Verified |
| Maine | No right to install for renters. If you install on a structure you do not own, you must not damage it or break building, fire or zoning codes, and must restore it when you remove the system. Verified | Nothing in the law. HOA or condo rules may still restrict installation. Verified |
| Maryland | Nothing in the law. A lease can still restrict what you attach to a balcony. Verified | Nothing in the law. HOA or condo rules may still restrict installation. Verified |
| New Hampshire | Pending Pending | Pending Pending |
| New Jersey | Landlords may not ban a tenant who pays their own electric bill from using one in the leased home, including a balcony or patio. Reasonable restrictions allowed; the tenant gives 14 days' written notice. Verified | HOAs, condo associations and co-ops may not enforce rules banning devices on the outside of a unit; reasonable size and placement rules are allowed, and indemnification may be required. Verified |
| Utah | Nothing in the law. A lease can still restrict what you attach to a balcony. Verified | Nothing in the law. HOA or condo rules may still restrict installation. Verified |
| Vermont | Tenant gives at least 10 days' notice; the landlord has 10 days to set reasonable restrictions (it may require a licensed electrician at the tenant's cost). No answer means the tenant may proceed. Verified | Deed restrictions and covenants may not prohibit plug-in devices. Town zoning may not regulate them. Verified |
| Virginia | Landlords who own more than four rental units may not ban a tenant from installing one on the outside of the tenant's unit, but may set reasonable size, place and manner limits. The tenant gives 7 days' notice with documentation. Verified | Not overridden. The law says it does not change recorded covenants, condo instruments or HOA declarations. Localities may not ban devices on homes. Verified |
Sources for each line are on the state's page.
Before you ask your landlord or HOA
- Read your lease or HOA rules for anything about balconies, railings, exterior changes or electrical equipment.
- Check whether your state requires notice (Virginia: 7 days; Vermont: 10 days; New Jersey: 14 days in writing).
- Bring the product's spec sheet and certification, how it attaches without drilling, and how it comes off when you move.
- Check that the outlet you will use is on your own electric meter. Vermont also requires a smart meter, and New Jersey's renter protection applies to tenants who pay their own electric bill.
Then estimate whether it is worth it with the calculator: renters who are out during the day often use less of the power than they expect.