Path-Q Solar
What roof-condition records should a landlord retain before solar installation to resolve responsibility if the roof later needs repair or replacement?
Answer
Retain dated evidence of the roof's condition, age, construction, prior repairs, drainage, warranties, and any known defects, along with a signed allocation of responsibility for future work.
Key points
- Keep a roof inspection report, photographs, plans, repair invoices, leak history, warranty documents, and maintenance logs.
- Record roof areas, penetrations, drains, flashing, membrane condition, and pre-existing damage before installation.
- Document who pays for removal, storage, reinstallation, roof repair, replacement, and related production loss.
What it depends on
- The roof type, age, condition, and remaining warranty
- The solar agreement, lease, and installer contract
- The parties' maintenance and replacement responsibilities
Risks and trade-offs
- Without baseline records, it may be difficult to distinguish pre-existing defects from installation damage.
- Solar removal and reinstallation can materially increase roof-replacement cost and downtime.
- A detailed survey costs time or money but reduces later attribution disputes.
Information you may need
- Roof inspection and condition report
- Dated photographs and marked roof plan
- Existing warranties and repair history
- Written allocation of roof and solar responsibilities
Your next step
What to do next
Complete and sign a pre-installation roof condition report with the owner, tenant, installer, and roof contractor where applicable.
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