In many homeowners' associations (HOAs), one topic has been moving increasingly into focus for several years: fiber optics. Whether it is more stable internet, more attractive property value, modern building connections, or the requirements of home offices and streaming—the future of digital infrastructure cannot bypass a fiber optic connection. But as soon as things get specific, questions quickly arise:
How does the fiber optic rollout work in a multi-family house? Who must give consent? What is the role of the property manager? What needs to be considered regarding structural changes to the building? Which providers are available—and what about contracts, costs, and financing? This comprehensive guide provides you as owners, landlords, or tenants with a clear overview of all important steps, legal foundations, practical processes, and the role of the homeowners' association—so that you can make well-informed decisions.
Why fiber optics is becoming more important for homeowners' associationsLink to this section
Many buildings in Germany are still connected via old copper cables (VDSL or cable TV). These often reach only limited bandwidths—frequently far removed from today's common daily requirements: home offices, video conferences, streaming, gaming, smart homes, IP telephony, and more and more digital applications require reliable bandwidth. A fiber optic connection (Fiber To The Home – FTTH, or “to the home”) provides a remedy:
- stable bandwidths from 100 Mbit/s to well over 1,000 Mbit/s
- weather-independent and interference-free fiber optic lines
- significantly better upload speeds
- long-term increase in property value
- future-proofing, as fiber optics becomes the new standard
For homeowners' associations, a fiber optic connection is therefore not just a nice-to-have, but a central building block for the digital future of buildings.
The basics: What does fiber optics mean for a multi-family house?Link to this section
Many homeowners' associations underestimate how complex a fiber optic connection in a building is. It consists of several levels:
Building connection (Premises) The fiber optic lines are routed through the street to the facade or into the basement. In-house cabling The fiber optic cable must be routed from the building connection into each individual apartment. Installation in the apartment The fiber optic modem will later be located inside the unit.
For the homeowners' association, this means: These are structural changes that generally require the consent of the HOA. This includes the laying of fiber optic lines in the building, drilling, and the installation of technology.
Why homeowners' associations benefit from a fiber optic connectionLink to this section
Fiber optic expansion in a multi-family house is not just a technical upgrade—it has a long-term positive effect on the building and its value.
1. Higher property value Modern infrastructure is a relevant factor in purchasing decisions. Many property owners today specifically look for a fiber optic connection.
2. Optimal rentability Landlords benefit from higher demand—especially among younger tenants or people working from home.
3. Future-proofing VDSL, cable & co. have reached their technical limits. Fiber optics offers unlimited bandwidth in the long term.
4. Stability even during high usage In multi-family houses especially, the network often slows down during peak times. Fiber optics remains stable, regardless of the usage behavior of others.
5. Attractive tariffs Many network operators—such as Deutsche Glasfaser or regional providers—offer favorable expansion packages for homeowners' associations.
Prerequisites for fiber optic expansion in the HOALink to this section
In order for a fiber optic connection to be implemented, several prerequisites must be met.
1. Resolution by the owners' meeting A fiber optic connection is a structural change to the building. Therefore, the homeowners' association must decide for or against the connection to the fiber optic network via a formal resolution. The process is similar to passing a resolution on renovations or technical modernizations. In practice, a distinction is made between:
- Basic resolution: “We want to introduce fiber optics into the building.”
- Execution resolution: “We commission provider X with the implementation under conditions Y.”
2. Clear information basis Before deciding for or against the fiber optic connection, the HOA typically requires:
- information about the planned fiber optic expansion
- technical documentation
- offers from providers
- cost models
- draft contracts
- construction and installation descriptions
3. Majority Depending on the scope, a simple majority is usually sufficient. Since fiber optics generally represents an improvement, it is legally well-justifiable.
Fiber optic connection Yes or No: How does the resolution process work?Link to this section
In the course of the owners' meeting, the following points are discussed and decided:
- Should a fiber optic connection be realized?
- Which network operator will be commissioned?
- How will the in-house cabling be carried out?
- What specific costs will arise?
- Who coordinates planning and implementation?
The resolution should include, among other things:
- Scope of expansion (building connection + in-house networking)
- possible costs
- contract duration (e.g., building connection contract)
- consent to the structural change
- rights of the provider for laying/installation
- role of the property manager
A clean resolution is important so that the network operator can start the expansion.
Fiber Optics Homeowners' Association: The AdvantagesLink to this section
Many owners underestimate how effective a connection to the fiber optic network can be:
More bandwidth for everyone Whether streaming, home office, or large amounts of data—fiber optics offers stable bandwidths.
Modern building = higher value A modern house network increases the attractiveness and future viability of the property.
Fewer disruptions In contrast to old copper cables, fiber optic cables are virtually interference-free.
Attractive for tenants Especially for young people or professionally flexible users, a fiber optic connection is a key decision criterion.
What risks or challenges are there?Link to this section
Even with fiber optic expansion, homeowners' associations should consider a few points:
- Structural interventions in the building (drilling, laying of lines)
- Coordination with tenants in the multi-family house
- possible contractual obligations to providers
- access to apartments for installation
- scheduling of appointments
- possible visual impacts in hallways or basements
Competent management helps to resolve these challenges early on.
What role does the property manager play in fiber optic expansion?Link to this section
For homeowners' associations, the HOA manager is a central partner. As the property management, we take over:
1. Obtaining offers We compare providers such as Deutsche Glasfaser or regional network operators and check tariffs, expansion variants, and contract conditions.
2. Preparation of the owners' meeting We create templates for the quorum at the owners' meeting and prepare all necessary documents.
3. Communication with network operators We coordinate feasibility studies, construction planning, and technical details.
4. Construction supervision During the laying of the fiber optic lines, we provide support with appointments and access.
5. Documentation Minutes, installation plans, contracts, construction documents—we keep everything transparent and organized.
In short: We ensure that planning, expansion, and installation run smoothly—in the interest of the entire homeowners' association.
Costs: What does a fiber optic connection cost?Link to this section
Costs vary depending on the provider and the construction effort:
- With many network operators, the building connection is free of charge if enough owners sign a contract.
- If demand is low, construction costs may apply.
- In-house cabling can vary depending on the condition of the building.
Many homeowners' associations opt for:
- free basic cabling
- routing through basement corridors
- later individual apartment selection of tariffs
Providers often take over large parts of the implementation free of charge because they want to promote the expansion of their network.
Process of fiber optic expansion – step by stepLink to this section
1. Site inspection (feasibility) The provider checks whether a fiber optic network is already in the street or can be expanded.
2. Owners' meeting & resolution The community votes on the expansion and the provider.
3. Conclusion of contract The building connection contract is signed.
4. Construction phase at the building
- Establishment of the building connection
- Laying of the fiber optic cable into the basement
- Installation of the distribution point in the building
5. In-house cabling (optional) Upon request, lines are laid into each apartment.
6. Installation for the resident The fiber optic modem / ONT is installed.
7. Activation & Usage Full bandwidth is available after activation.
Checklist for owners: Make the right decisionLink to this section
- Is the fiber optic connection technically sensible?
- What bandwidths do residents need today and in the future?
- What offers are available?
- Are the contract terms transparent?
- Are there subsidy programs or free expansion offers?
- Is the structural change clearly described?
- Was a clean resolution passed?
If you can answer "Yes" to most points, the decision is usually clear.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions from owners about fiber optic expansionLink to this section
Do all owners need their own contract? No, an individual contract for every single owner is not necessary for the fiber optic building connection. What is decisive is a collective resolution by the HOA so that the network operator may lay the lines into the building. This building connection forms the foundation for the entire property and is always decided collectively. Only when individual residents actually want to use an internet service via fiber optics do they sign their own contract with the provider as needed. No one is forced to enter into a contract. At the same time, all owners benefit from the fact that the property is technically upgraded—regardless of personal usage behavior. This ensures the decision remains flexible and future-proof.
Are tenants allowed to demand fiber optics? Tenants generally have no legal claim to have landlords provide fiber optics or initiate the expansion. Nevertheless, the desire for a fast and stable internet supply is understandable, as digital work, streaming, and smart home solutions have greatly increased requirements. For landlords, it is therefore often sensible to agree to the expansion because modern infrastructure significantly improves the rentability of an apartment. Vacancies can also be reduced in the long term if the technical equipment meets current standards. Furthermore, a fiber-ready building is increasingly becoming a real locational advantage on the rental market. Therefore, the expansion is worthwhile not only technically but also economically.
Can a single person prevent the expansion? No, a single person generally cannot block fiber optic expansion. The decision is made democratically by the owners' meeting, usually by a simple majority. Since fiber optic expansion is often a structural improvement, the resolution is legally well-supported and, in many cases, even eligible for approval without the consent of everyone. Individual dissenting votes therefore do not lead to the project being stopped. For the community, it is important to think long-term and create infrastructure that increases property value and living comfort. Property management ensures that all owners are fully informed and that the decision can be made on a solid foundation.
What if no one is at home for the installation? If no one is present in individual apartments, this is initially not a problem for the building connection. The work on common property—i.e., in the basement, hallway, or technical room—can be carried out regardless of the presence of individual residents. For the line into the apartment, an individual appointment is later agreed upon, which can be flexibly coordinated. Residents can therefore decide for themselves when and if the connection in their unit is activated. There is no obligation to accept an appointment immediately. Property management coordinates all steps so that the expansion takes place smoothly and without time pressure for the residents. This makes the installation well-plannable for the community as well as for individuals.
Can property management control the expansion of fiber optics? Yes, property management plays a central role in the entire expansion process. We coordinate the alignment between owners, providers, and contractors and ensure that all legal requirements are met. In addition, we prepare the basis for decisions, check offers, obtain permits, and accompany the HOA through the entire resolution process. During implementation, we keep an eye on the construction process and ensure that the work is carried out in a structured manner and with minimal burden on the residents. This active support results in clear processes and no unnecessary delays. In this way, we support the homeowners' association in implementing the step into the digital future safely and efficiently.
Conclusion: Fiber optics creates the future – for buildings, residents, and homeowners' associationsLink to this section
Digital infrastructure today is as important as water, electricity, or heat. Fiber optics is therefore not a luxury modernization, but a future-proof upgrade that:
- strengthens the value development of the house,
- improves rentability,
- brings reliable technology,
- and makes the property competitive in the long term.
With the right planning, transparent resolution-making, and professional management, fiber optic expansion becomes a smooth and value-enhancing process—entirely in the interest of owners and their HOA.
Do you know Ralph yet?Link to this section
If you are looking for property management that does not just manage, but consistently leads your property into the future, you should get to know us. At Ralph, we rethink property management —digitally, efficiently, and with a clear focus on value enhancement. A central building block for this: a modern fiber optic infrastructure. We actively accompany your HOA on the way to a fast, stable, and future-proof internet connection. From the first feasibility study to provider coordination and decision-making processes, all the way to coordinated implementation in the building, we keep everything in view for you. And the best part: switching to us as your property management is uncomplicated and possible at any time. Get a free quote now!
