TV aerial responsibility

PrettyFlower90

Looking for advice again!

I think I know the answer to this question but thought I'd ask on here as there's a lot of people on this thread who are more clued up than myself!

We have just moved in to a rented property and we knew there was a TV aerial installed. We had asked the agents about getting a satellite dish in incase we went for Sky etc and they said LL was fine with this. However we went with BT and so just need the aerial. However it seems like there may be a problem with the aerial or the aerial lead (my partner thinks its the latter), as when we plug in our you view box practically no channels work due to error "Very weak or no signal". When we use the TV built in freeview only some of the channels work without signal being lost or channels being scrambled/freezing. So we have started to look into getting it repaired. Should we contact the agents to tell them about this and ask for LL to be informed, and they may arrange for it to be looked at? Or is this our responsiblity?

We had this issue before unfortunately (we have no luck with TV aerials in rented properties! =( ) where the aerial didn't work, but the property had satellite so agents refused to fix it as there was an alternative (obv only if using freesat or sky etc)...

I think it may be up to us, but was just wondering because it was already installed. Just hate thought of paying another £100 for something that we can't exactly take with us and keep using lol

And there's nothing mentioned in the tenancy agreement about TV.

Thanks!

Guest101

Write to the LL, cc the Agent asking them whether they are prepared to carry out the repair. Notify them if they are not prepared to do so, you will carry out the repair, but will be returning it to it's current, non working, state when you eventually leave.

audigex

The aerial is attached to the house and is something for the LL to fix, not you.

That said, unless it was advertised as having an aerial, there's probably no real obligation for it to be maintained. Most landlords will get it fixed, but don't expect them to be in any hurry about it.

If they do refuse, I'd follow Guest101's answer above... if they're awkward, be awkward back.

melstar11

Doesn't answer your original query, but sounds like the aerial needs upgrading for the digital signal. It was probably okay for analogue.

PrettyFlower90

Thanks for the replies!

Regards the analogue issue- fiance says it's definitely digital as some channels do work on built in freeview, and it wouldnt work at all otherwise. Just passing on what he said lol

Contacted agents so will see what they say. But am onboard with the previous advice here. If its broke when moved in and won't fix it, it will still be broke on check out day lol

bnegative

Does a friend or family member have an indoor powered amplified ariel you could borrow to see if strong enough to work in your new property. Would be a much cheaper alternative if the landlord doesnt want to repair the existing

dc197

The following is practical advice to avoid having to involve your LL.

That you get some channels but not all most likely means your TV/box is receiving a weak signal.
Probable causes:

* The aerial may have been blown out of true in a gale. It's not quite pointing in the right direction, so the signal is weak. Check its alignment compared to your neighbours' aerials.

* It's designed for analogue signals - its gain is too low for digital

* It's a "digital" aerial but designed for strong signal areas and you are in a weak signal area

* Duff cabling between the aerial and your TV/box

* Poorly positioned, perhaps near a chimney

This image helps explain how with digital TV there is a sudden drop off in quality (and therefore freezing, blocking) when the digital signal is too weak:
http://www.aerialsandtv.com/_wp_generated/wpea5bfb21_01_1a.jpg

From this excellent website:
http://www.aerialsandtv.com/digitaltv.html#DigitalAerial

HTH

Rodders53

First check the cables are made off properly with no stray whiskers between center pin and outer braid.

One of the commonest causes of aerial installation 'not working' is where an amplifier (aka booster) is turned off (check perhaps in loft)?

Or when there is a masthead amplifier (often can see a box under aerial outside with one cable in and one out) and the previous occupier took the power supply unit (that also connects to the aerial cable). Some TVs, PVRs etc.,. have a option in the menus for 'antenna power' which might bring the amplifier to life if that is the case.

Aerials (and dishes) are 'fixtures and fittings' so should be LL responsibility imho...

bris

LL are not responsible for your services unless stated in the lease.


They are not fixtures and fittings.

ReadingTim

In the first instance, I'd try one of those plug in aerial amplifiers to see if that makes a difference, this one is only a tenner...

teddysmum

Some area just cannot access Freeview. Though our city has widespread availability , there are certain pockets where whole streets have to take Virgin, Sky or at least a satellite dish in order to view any live tv at all.