Deutsche Umwelthilfe sues Vonovia over balcony solar restrictions

The environmental organization Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) has filed an injunction against the major German housing corporation Vonovia at the Higher Regional Court (OLG) in Hamm. The lawsuit alleges that Vonovia is systematically obstructing tenants from installing balcony solar power systems (plug-in solar devices).

According to the DUH, Vonovia imposes unreasonable hurdles, such as a blanket ban on drilling holes or running cables indoors. Even for tenants with existing outdoor sockets, the company requires the signing of complex agreements involving disproportionately high requirements, on-site inspections by Vonovia, and full liability waivers for any potential damages.

The DUH argues these practices effectively bypass legislative efforts intended to make solar energy more accessible to renters and support the energy transition. While landlords can only refuse permission for balcony solar systems if they can demonstrate concrete or serious disadvantages, the DUH claims Vonovia’s restrictive conditions serve as an unlawful barrier to tenant rights.