• 5
• Management Tips ,
• 06 Jan

Many property managers in Sioux Falls have asked, “Who is responsible for removing a satellite dish once the tenant moves out?” The answer may surprise you.

Sioux Falls Property Managers Answer: The Tenant

Though this answer may surprise many of you out there, once the tenant has becomes customer of the satellite company, the dish or antenna becomes their property. Because of this rule, it would then become their responsibility to remove it upon move out, and fix any damage left behind from installation. Since this explicit detail is often left out of tenant lease agreements, the responsibility of removal and repair often falls to the Sioux Falls property manager.

Property Managers in Sioux Falls Can Remedy This Problem

By setting strict guidelines about installation and removal of satellite dishes and reviewing these guidelines at the time of lease signing, the tenant becomes responsible for removal of equipment and repair of any holes from installing, and painting of damaged areas. Having these rules in writing makes it clear whose responsibility it is, and keeps your property from having 2 or 3 dishes on the roof.

Your local Sioux Falls property managers are well versed in the issues related with satellite dish installations and removals and can help you ensure the tenants responsibility is clearly spelled out in the lease. Knowing what is in your lease agreement can save you the hassle of having to remove the dish yourself.

Dish Laws: Know it Before Going to Battle with a Tenant

According the the Federal Communications Commission, landlords are prohibited from restricting a tenant from getting a satellite dish as long as it meets criteria set forth by the commission. When installed by a professional and smaller than 40 inches in diameter, the dish must be allowed on the property. The landlord can be present during installation and place reasonable restrictions on how and where the dish is installed. Reasonable restrictions can include not allowing the dish to be hung in common areas of an apartment complex, require that the tenant carry renters insurance to cover any damage caused by the satellite dish, and that they have the final say in placement and the process of install.