Can renters install plug-in solar? Landlord and freeholder permission

What do the rules say about renters and leaseholders?

• The product specification makes kits tell users they “are responsible for obtaining any necessary permissions from the property owner, landlord, freeholder, managing agent or relevant authority prior to installation including agreeing how any costs associated with installation will be apportioned” (IPS §8.3.1).
• DESNZ says people should check permissions “before purchasing or installing”, and that “decisions on whether to approve requests are a matter for landlords, freeholders or councils” (press release).
• The Government Response commits to guidance that “renters, leaseholders and residents in managed buildings should obtain any permissions that may be required” (GR).
• Ofgem says consumers remain responsible for “landlord or building-owner permissions, and any other property-specific obligations” (Ofgem).

Who do you need to ask?

You are	Ask
Private or social tenant	Your landlord or letting agent, in writing
Leaseholder in a flat	The freeholder and/or managing agent. Check your lease for rules on alterations and fixing things to the exterior or balcony
Shared owner	Your housing association and any freeholder
Owner of a house with a management company	Check your deeds or transfer for covenants
Anyone in a listed building or conservation area	Your council as well. See planning permission

What should your request include?

Landlords and managing agents will want to know what the kit is, where it goes, how it’s fixed and whether it’s legal. Cover these points:

1. The product. Make and model, and its ENA Type Test Register reference showing it’s listed as Compliant. Our device list has these.
2. Where and how. The exact spot (for example, “rear balcony railing, second floor”) and the mounting. Kits must use reversible, non-permanent mounting; ties, rope, tape or straps alone aren’t allowed.
3. The connection. It plugs into an existing fixed socket, with no new wiring, extension leads or adaptors.
4. Electrical safety. Whether the circuit has modern residual current protection (RCBO), and whether you’ll have an electrician check it. The specification recommends this for older installations and kits over 960 W. See sockets and wiring.
5. Registration. You’ll notify the DNO, as required.
6. Removal. You’ll remove it and make good at the end of the tenancy, and notify the DNO when you do.
7. Costs and insurance. Who pays for any electrician’s check, and that you’ll tell your contents insurer. The landlord may want to tell their buildings insurer. See insurance.

A short template

Dear [name],

I’d like permission to install a plug-in solar kit at [address]. It’s a [make/model], listed as Compliant on the ENA Type Test Register (ref [ref]), and meets the government’s Plug-in Solar Device Interim Product Specification.

It would go on [location], fixed with [mounting method], which is removable and doesn’t need drilling [edit if it does]. It plugs into the existing socket at [location]; no wiring changes are needed. [I will have an electrician check the circuit first.]

I’ll register it with the network operator as required, tell my insurer, and remove it and make good when I leave, at my own cost.

Please let me know if you’re happy for me to go ahead, or if you need anything else.

What if the answer is no?

The decision is the landlord’s or freeholder’s. Ask what would change their mind: a different spot, a freestanding mount, or an electrician’s report. Don’t install without permission, as it could put you in breach of your tenancy or lease.

Can you take it with you when you move?

Yes, a plug-in kit is designed to be removed. When you move:

What to do next

• Narrow down kits with the kit finder, then check what one would save with the calculator.
• See our pages for renters, leaseholders and flats.