Some Help Scheme eligible people living in individual properties will need a new external aerial (or satellite dish) to get TV services after switchover. Under the terms of the Help scheme standard offer a new aerial, if needed, can be supplied and fitted at the property at no additional cost to the applicant.
For owner occupiers in these houses and bungalows, this process is straightforward. However, if the applicant is a tenant (either public or private) there are two pre-requisites that need to be met before the Help Scheme can install the new aerial (or satellite dish).The first is that the tenant is responsible for the aerial and the second is obtaining the landlord’s consent to any works.
Many tenancy agreements pass the responsibility for the upkeep of the aerial to the tenant. However, the Help Scheme requires clear evidence that the tenant is responsible for their aerial and the landlord’s consent for any necessary work, so, the Help Scheme needs:
If a landlord has eligible tenants in houses and bungalows that are responsible for the upkeep of the aerial, the Help Scheme is happy to receive a general letter from the landlord or organisation confirming this fact and giving consent to the installation. It should be sent to DSHS Limited, eaga House, Archbold Terrace, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 1DB. A downloadable draft letter is available that landlords can use or customise as appropriate
Providing a letter to cover their entire housing stock or property portfolio should limit the number of individual requests a landlord could receive from Help Scheme eligible tenants, for permission to install a new aerial or satellite dish.
The Help Scheme will not install an aerial or satellite dish on a building where a landlord explicitly withholds their consent. However, if the tenant is responsible for the upkeep of the aerial, and can certify that they have endeavoured to obtain their landlord’s consent but with no success, the Help Scheme will proceed with an installation to ensure continuity of TV services after switchover.
Please note that the Help Scheme cannot upgrade or supply communal aerials or satellite dishes.
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