I live in a shared ownership property to which I would like to fit a solar panel.  Do I need to seek permission from the Housing Association who own a share in the house for me to be able to do this?

Housing Associations who own properties on a shared ownership basis with the occupier secure their interest in the property via a charge against the property, which include provisions that mean you are not entitled to carry out alterations to the property without the consent of the Housing Association.

In many cases the Housing Association will own a majority share in the property and will not be willing to allow the occupier to make any alterations to the property which may either prejudice their interest or devalue the property.

You must contact the Housing Association with details of your proposals and they may well approve them – provided their interest in the property is not prejudiced and the proposed alteration does not have an adverse effect on the valuation of the property.  You must retain any written consent given by the Housing Association for this installation as you will be required to hand this over to a prospective purchaser on re-sale.

Please be aware that your mortgage company may also be very concerned about any formal solar panel lease agreement to be entered into with the suppliers as there are strict rules governing the type of such lease agreements that are acceptable to Lenders. Both the Housing Association and your Lender may therefore have strong objections to your proposals.

* Emyr Pierce is Managing Director of Emyr Pierce Solicitors in Rhiwbina, Cardiff, Western Mail Conveyancer of the Year, specialising in Domestic and Commercial Property. Contact www.emyrpierce.co.uk or email law@emyrpierce.co.uk