Path-Q Solar

What should a landlord do before approving solar if the roof is shared with another property owner?

Answer

Do not approve installation until the ownership, roof-use rights, maintenance obligations, cost allocation, and removal responsibilities are documented and all affected owners give the required written consent. The landlord should also confirm that the lease and project contracts align with those rights.

Key points

  • Identify every roof, building, equipment, and access right affected by the project.
  • Obtain written consent from co-owners and any other party whose property or access is affected.
  • Define responsibility for roof repairs, leaks, insurance, damage, equipment access, and eventual removal.
  • Confirm who owns the system and receives its output or financial benefits.

What it depends on

  • Title, lease, easement, condominium, or shared-building documents
  • The proposed equipment location and access requirements
  • The approval and consent requirements in the relevant jurisdiction

Risks and trade-offs

  • An informal agreement may not bind future owners or resolve later repair disputes.
  • Shared roof work can delay installation or require design compromises.
  • Unresolved rights can create contract, property, insurance, or removal disputes.

Information you may need

  • Ownership and title documents
  • Existing leases, easements, roof agreements, and maintenance records
  • The installer’s layout, access plan, and contract terms
  • Written positions from all affected owners and insurers

Your next step

What to do next

Pause approval and have the ownership documents and proposed agreements reviewed by a qualified property professional in the relevant jurisdiction.

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Some details may depend on your location, installer, utility, incentives, regulations, or specific property.

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