Landlord Question and Answer Forum

What are the general trends/rules/laws/guidelines with regard to satellite dishes being installed on a rental single family residence? Can a landlord limit or at least control where they are installed to minimize / limit property damage due to excessive cabling? The home currently has cable lines built in to the house. In order to be reasonable, I would permit a satellite dish be connected to the house cable system with a MINIMUM amount of discreet external cabling and NO internal cabling attached to walls since there are wall outlets in most rooms. Can I require I be involved/present if the tenant chooses to install a satellite dish to supervise / approve installation? Is this a reasonable and legal stance? Can the cost to repair the damage done from unauthorized cabling be deducted from the security deposit? Is this normal "wear & tear" or damage? The home currently is in pristine condition with no external cabling and freshly painted inside and out. I am in the state of California if there are any state specific issues.

There are rules and laws set by the FCC that prevent a HOA or a landlord to stop the installation of Satellite dishes. These can be found at: http://www.fcc.gov/guides/over-air-reception-devices-rule

Posted by Sharon S, OH on Saturday, January 14, 2012