1. Satellite Dish TV Rules and Regulations

If the landlord doesn’t approve and permit satellite dish TV, under the FCC (Federal Communication Commission) rules and regulations, renters have the right to install dish antennas in permissible areas. The FCC ruled that landlords do not have the right to prevent installation, maintenance, or use of a satellite dish to receive video programming such as satellite TV.

Under the FCC guidelines, renters are allowed a satellite dish in exclusive areas designated to be used by the tenant, but not in common areas. Renters are permitted to install satellite dish television in their own exclusive areas such as their balcony, patio, or other areas that they have exclusive right to use. Renters are restricted to install satellite dishes in common areas that are generally used by other tenants such as shared balconies, patios, and roof decks.

For single family homes and leasehold properties, satellite dish TV may be installed in areas that are part of the leased space which includes inside or outdoor areas. A Satellite dish may be installed upon the home itself or other leasehold property such as outdoor gardens, patios, yards, or other areas accessible to leaseholder’s exclusive use.

For apartment buildings, rules do not apply to common areas such as roofs, exterior walls, or other areas accessible to other tenants. In this case renters may install a dish inside or on their balcony.

2. Satellite Dish TV Restrictions

• Size of satellite dish - The size of the satellite dish antennas must be one meter or less (39.7") in diameter. The standard 18" and 20" dish antennas from dish network and directv comply with this rule.
• Safety restrictions - There are safety restrictions for a dish satellite being on a fire escape or violating any fire or safety codes. Dish satellites are to be a certain distance away from any power lines.
• Historic preservation - Satellite dishes are restricted from Historic preservation properties that have a prehistoric or historic district and are registered in the National Registers of historic places.
• Damage restrictions - There are damage restrictions for having a satellite dish when necessary to prevent property damage such as drilling holes to exterior walls or roofs. Check with installer for installing without holes.

3. Satellite TV Home Compatibility

Outdoors are recommended to get a clear reception. If you are a renter who does not have access to outdoor areas, you may still install a satellite dish TV inside near a window or on a balcony facing south. In order for you to receive satellite television broadcast signals, the satellite dish must be placed facing view of southern exposure that is unobstructed from any large trees, buildings, or other large object that may block and diminish quality of reception.

If you are a renter who doesn’t face southern skies, you can talk to your landlord to workout finding a place to install your satellite dish. You also need to obtain consent prior to installing when installing in common areas. If you do have such an area to install satellite television, the landlords may not charge extra rent, fees, or make you sign a satellite dish addendum mid-lease to have a satellite dish.

4. Satellite Dish Installation

Most satellite dish providers provide free professional installation. So you won’t have to worry about mounting the dish. You may use a clamp or a tripod in order not to make any holes in exterior walls. Tripods should be set up in areas that are not in high traffic areas of walking or people bumping into it. The antennas are sensitive to any movement that may throw off your reception signal which you would have to readjust and reposition tripod to catch signal again.

5. Satellite TV Reception

To make sure you get the most optimum picture quality, connect the receiver directly to the TV and not to the VCR/DVR to receiver. Once your satellite dish is in a secure place of any movement and in a clear view of southern skies; rain, snow or wind won’t usually affect or interfere with the satellite dish reception signal.

This article was posted on September 23, 2005