PV and Tenant Power 2025 in Germany

Tenants in Germany increasingly face offers for photovoltaic (PV) systems and tenant electricity models in 2025. This text explains clearly which rights you have as a tenant, how cost promises and modernization notices work legally, and which practical steps you can take if your landlord plans a PV system or offers electricity directly. We explain the landlord's duties under tenancy law, how cost allocations should be checked and which deadlines apply for objections^[1]. The aim is that you as a tenant can make an informed decision, ask questions and know the right documents and applications in case of a dispute.

What tenants need to know about PV and tenant electricity

PV on the roof can increase residential value but also trigger modernization costs. Landlords must announce modernizations and may not arbitrarily pass costs onto the rent; the legal rules are found in the BGB and relevant regulations^[1]. In tenant electricity models the landlord sells electricity to tenants; contractual terms, billing and pricing should be transparent and documented in writing.

Key points on costs and allocation

• Carefully check any announced cost allocation for modernization and request the calculation.
• Request the written modernization notice including deadline, scope and cost breakdown.
• Collect all receipts, photos and emails as evidence for changes to the apartment.
• If installation causes defects or damage (e.g., roof damage, moisture), report it to the landlord in writing immediately.

Which laws and regulations apply

Important are in particular the rules on tenancy agreement and modernization measures in the BGB as well as regulations on operating costs and heating cost accounting^[1][3][4]. In case of disputes, the local court (Amtsgericht) decides in first instance; higher instances handle appeals and legal questions up to the Federal Court of Justice (BGH)^[5].

Forms, templates and practical documents

There is no uniform nationwide mandatory form collection for every rental issue, but some formal steps and applications are standardized: notices of defects, objections to modernization notices and applications for legal aid or legal costs assistance. Use the provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure for deadlines and procedural rules^[2].

Examples of wordings and when to use them

• Defect notice (in writing): Describe defect, location, date and desired deadline for remedy. Example: "Moisture in the attic since 01.03., please remedy within 14 days."
• Objection to cost allocation: Request the detailed cost breakdown and set a deadline for submission, e.g. 14 days.
• Application for legal aid/provision of court costs: If you consider court action and need financial support, check PKH/legal aid under the rules of the ZPO.

FAQ

Can my landlord simply install a PV system and pass costs on to me?

No, modernizations must be announced; an immediate and full allocation of costs is legally limited and must be transparently calculated.^[1]

Do I have to participate in a tenant electricity contract?

Participation in a tenant electricity offer is generally voluntary; contractual obligation only if the tenancy agreement expressly regulates it and it is legally permissible.

Where do I turn in a dispute about costs or defects?

For formal disputes the competent local court (Amtsgericht) is the first instance; you can also consider legal advice or legal aid.

How-To

1. Check your lease for clauses on modernization, operating costs and energy supply.
2. Request a written modernization notice from the landlord including cost breakdown and deadlines.
3. Document condition, photos and communication; keep a file of all records.
4. Seek legal advice if unclear; check for legal aid or court cost assistance.
5. If necessary, initiate legal proceedings at the local court and submit all evidence.

Help & Support

• BGB (Tenancy Law) — gesetze-im-internet.de
• ZPO (Civil Procedure) — gesetze-im-internet.de
• Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — bundesgerichtshof.de

1. [1] BGB §§ 535–580a (Civil Code) — gesetze-im-internet.de
2. [2] ZPO (Code of Civil Procedure) — gesetze-im-internet.de
3. [3] Operating Costs Regulation (BetrKV) — gesetze-im-internet.de
4. [4] Heating Costs Ordinance (HeizKV) — gesetze-im-internet.de
5. [5] Federal Court of Justice (BGH) — bundesgerichtshof.de