Pillar · Tenant Rights
What Virginia renters can — and can't — do under HB 395
HB 395 doesn't give every renter an unconditional right to install balcony solar. It does, however, sharply limit what most landlords can prohibit. Here's how the lines are drawn.
Threshold
4+ rental units
System cap
1,200 W
Notice
Written, in advance
Removal
On lease end
Articles in this pillar
Can my landlord say no to balcony solar?
The default answer is now usually no — but the law carves out specific exceptions for small landlords, structural risk, and safety violations.
6 min read
How to give your landlord proper written notice
What the SCC's draft notification template requires, when to send it, and a copy-paste template you can use today.
5 min read
What counts as a 'reasonable restriction'?
Landlords can still impose conditions on mounting, drilling, and removal — within limits. Where those limits sit.
Coming soon
Lease language to watch for in 2027
Clauses landlords are starting to add — and which of them are unenforceable under HB 395.
Coming soon