TV Aerial - Retain ownership?

JDC14

Hi,

I'm a tenant in a 1 bed flat - I have been there since June.

It's managed by an agents, but LL doesn't seem too interested.

If I were to ask to put up a TV Aerial as there isn't one (although there is a port). As it's £120+ for the job and we'll only been staying there for another 12 months maximum from June - would it be normal/okay/within the realms of decency to say - I'd like to put one up, but if I'm paying, I'm keeping and will take with me when I leave?

Thanks,

lonestar1

Are you sure the port doesnt c!nnect to a communal aerial ? I know my flat has a condition in lease to prevent me putting up my own but the block hss a communal one

eddddy

A TV aerial costs £40 or less, so you are paying about £80 to have it put up (plus cable, fixings etc)

You'd probably have to pay someone about £60 to come and take it down again. So it doesn't make sense to do that.

clarky_cat

All the flats I've lived in have had a communal Aerial, you should never need to pay for your own.
I own a flat now and had an issue with the satellite signal, it was the responsibility of the management company to resolve as my service charge goes towards maintaining things like that. Similarly your landlord will pay a service charge so they would need to raise it with the management company.

clarky_cat

Or you could offer to sort it but knock the £120 off next months rent.

JimmyTheWig

It's ok to ask, certainly.
Whether they agree or not is a different matter.

Would you have to pay someone to take it down, or could you do it yourself?
If you are paying someone to do it, is it worth it?

Would it make more sense to suggest to landlord that they pay for the aerial and you'll pay for the installation? Then they get to keep it when you leave.

freezspirit

Another option is a digital indoor aerial? Fraction of the cost and no need for LL permission to drill holes in the external wall. But it does depend of the strength of signal you get.

G_M

clarky_cat wrote: »

Or you could offer to sort it but knock the £120 off next months rent.

and then be £120 in arrears with the rent.

Great idea!

Tenants cannot simpky spend money on properties willy-nilly and claim it off rent I'm afraid.

Kynthia

Is it a purpose built flat or a conversion? Is there loft access in your flat and can you see whether there's an aerial in there or on the roof? Have you written to the landlord to ask if there's an aerial and whether it needs repair? Could there be an old analogue aerial that isn't compatible with digital?

marleyboy

It would cost you just as much to take it back down. The Aerial itself only costs around £10-£15, the rest of the cost will go into erecting it. Suggest an indoor digital aerial that you can take away with you without any costs involved in removing it.

JDC14

When I said that LL is uninterested I was being polite. They have been quite awful.

I'd have it put up by someone properly with the warranty and insurance etc then have a friend of a friend remove and fit on next property if necessary (they are qualified and trained but their company is expensive in comparison).

there is loft access and we haven't come across an aerial or booster box up there.

its only 4 flats in the building, purpose built as flats. Theres 2 satellites (each one servicing 2 properties) but don't really want to end up paying Sky prices.

Looked into BT doing it with a new contract but that's £180 which is a lot More than having it done independently