[RAM4580]

Can my lanlord evict me or take down my satellite in a private apartment bldg first the superintendent told me I can't have it now he says I can but outside my window but not on the roof where it is currently installed what are my rights?

[robertva]

Tenants on the side(s) of a building opposite the satellites are often unable to get satellite service without some form of voluntary cooperation from their landlord or association. Similar conditions apply to all multi residence situations including rental apartments, condominiums and even homeowners associations in neighborhoods with single residence buildings. US regulations even prevent prohibition of dishes by state and local governments for purely aesthetic reasons.

The key issues are:

Federal override of landlord, association and/or local/state control only applies when your antenna's reflector is 1 meter in diameter or under.

Antenna must be in an area subject to the exclusive use of the individual unit's residents. This includes a balcony or patio that is used only for that unit. It doesn't include shared balconies like those some complexes use for second and third floor entrances. The exclusive use area often don't include areas outside windows or past balcony railings (antenna can't overhang common or limited common areas on a lower level). Roofs would normally be considered at least limited common areas except for rented detached houses and where the owners of a condominium unit are separately responsible for the maintenance of the roof over their unit.

Holes for wires and/or mounting brackets would be subject to the same conditions limitations and deductions from deposits as other "damages" like those resulting from mounting curtains, hanging plants and pictures. Consider a section of antenna mast in a bucket of concrete or the base and table opening intended for a patio umbrella. Wire could be routed through a board inserted in the jamb of a sliding patio/balcony door where a piece of dowel holding the door "closed" against the board.

Between mounting location, height and design antenna mustn't be prone to falling onto nearby property, people and especially utility lines.

Try to use as inconspicuous a mounting location as the configuration of the area under your exclusive use and the position of the satellite(s) permit.

Being "right" under the FCC regulations doesn't prevent you from being involved in a long, expensive legal dispute with your landlord, association or local/state government.

[rockinmommy]

What type of roof does your apartment building have? Flat, pitched, shingled, etc?

[excon]

what are my rights?

Hello RAM:

If the landlord approved of the installation, or he didn't say anything for a time after the installation, then you DO have rights.

However, you're going to have to tell us the WHOLE story. Your rights depend on the DETAILS.

What does your lease say about it, if anything?? Speaking of a lease, do you have one?? If not, you're a monthly tenant. So, whatever rights you have only last a month. After that, you can be asked to leave. So, if you want to stay, you better put the antenna where they want it.

In my neck of the woods, however, cable or satellite TV installers won't make any permanent installation in a rental unit without written permission from the landlord. IF you have such permission, let me know, and I'll tell you how to deal with them.

excon

[Fr_Chuck]

It is common, very common in Atlanta for apartment complexs not to allow dishes to be mounted anywhere "on" their buidings, and the ones mounted on poles on the ground are always damaged my young kids.

In my current apartment I had to provide the dish company a letter from the management that said I could have a dish and it had to say where it was allowed