Have you ever noticed how some rental properties have 2 or 3 satellite dishes on their roof? Or wondered why some properties have strict rules about installing satellite dishes? While providing a valuable service, these dishes can sometimes become quite the nuisance to property owners if rules for the proper installation and removal are not set in advance.
Who is responsible to remove an old satellite dish from the property once a tenant moves out?
Answer: Tenant
Many people believe it is the responsibility of the satellite service provider to remove the equipment since they are the ones who installed it, but this is not the case. According to a representative from DISH, “The dish, or antenna, is the property of the customer.”. The tenant is actually responsible to remove their satellite dish; however, you need to get it in writing. Unless it is stated in your rental agreement that the tenant is solely responsible for removal, then the responsibility falls to the property owner or property manager.
What about the damage caused by the removal of the dish? The tenant is also responsible to leave the property in the condition it was received which includes repairing any holes caused by the installation of the satellite dish and repainting damaged areas.
Your Real Property Management office is familiar with the issues related to satellite dishes and will assist you in avoiding costly mistakes and repairs.
Many investment property owners in Indianapolis have asked: “Who is responsible for removing a satellite dish once the tenant moves out?” The answer may surprise you… the tenant.
Though this answer may surprise many of you out there, once the tenant becomes a customer of the satellite company, the dish or antenna becomes their property. Because of this rule, it would then become their responsibility to remove it upon move out and fix any damage left behind from installation. Since this explicit detail is often left out of tenant lease agreements, the responsibility of removal and repair often falls to the Indianapolis investment property investor.
Dish Laws: Know it Before Going to Battle with a Tenant
According to the Federal Communications Commission, landlords are prohibited from restricting a tenant from getting a satellite dish as long as it meets criteria set forth by the commission. When installed by a professional and smaller than 40 inches in diameter, the dish must be allowed on the property. The landlord can be present during installation and place reasonable restrictions on how and where the dish is installed. Reasonable restrictions can include not allowing the dish to be hung in common areas of an apartment complex, requiring that the tenant carry renters insurance to cover any damage caused by the satellite dish, and having the final say in placement and the process of installation.
Real Property Management Indianapolis Edge Can Remedy This Problem
By setting strict guidelines about installation and removal of satellite dishes and reviewing these guidelines at the time of lease signing, the tenant becomes responsible for removal of equipment and repair of any holes from installation and painting of damaged areas. Having these rules in writing makes it clear whose responsibility it is and keeps your property from having 2 or 3 dishes on the roof.
Real Property Management Indianapolis Edge is well versed in the issues related to satellite dish installations and removals and can help you ensure that the tenant’s responsibility is clearly spelled out in the lease. Knowing what is in your lease agreement can save you the hassle of having to remove the dish yourself.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
