Although you may be enjoying Freeview before switchover, problems could occur when the signal is broadcast at full power and the signal strength increases. Communal aerial systems are likely to need changing when the cable is old and unable to adequately carry the stronger digital TV signals when switchover happens. Cabling deteriorates over time, and the TV signal could be more prone to interference and loss of service, particularly the further away a receiver is from the aerial, and as the number of homes served by the communal system increases. Digital UK recommends that as a general rule, systems with cables over 30 years old should be replaced.

Property managers may also want to consider changing the communal system where residents want access to satellite services as well as Freeview services via a communal system. To minimise the potential for ‘satellite rash’ with the proliferation of dishes on the outside of a building, property managers could upgrade the system to an Integrated Reception System (IRS), that will be able to offer the choice of Freeview and subscription digital terrestrial TV services as well as Sky and freesat to all properties.

Listed or registered building and conservation areas are subject to specific planning requirements. There are also restrictions as to the number and location of aerials and satellites dishes on buildings. This may restrict the options that are available. You can usually replace like with like where permission has been previously been granted, but do check first. It is always advisable to speak to the local planning officer to check the current situation.

If you live in England and Wales the first place to look is in your lease. There is likely to be a reference to the provision, maintenance and upkeep of communal services including cables and aerials, and it should identify how the costs are to be met. These will depend on the terms of your lease. If you live in Scotland the first place to look is in your title deeds. There is likely to be a reference to the provision, maintenance and upkeep and cost implications of communal TV services including cables and aerials. If there is no clear reference to this in your title deeds you may need to refer to the Tenements Management arrangements for more information.

If the problem is with a social landlord, residents can join together to petition the landlord. If they still have no satisfaction they could refer to the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal (leases/RTB purchasers) or the Rent Assessment Panel (tenants), if the tenancy agreement has a presumption that the landlord is responsible. Housing Association Tenants can put in a formal complaint to the Housing Corporation (England) or The Scottish Executive or Community Wales (Wales) or the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NI), if a complaint to their landlord has failed to resolve the problem. All housing associations are registered/ regulated by these bodies who will expect the complainant to have exhausted the Housing Associations internal complaints procedures before they will intervene. Any UK resident could contact their MP or local councillors to ask for assistance in persuading their landlord/leasor to take action.

Landlords and property managers should consult with residents about the existing system and the implications associated with a potential upgrade (see ‘Calling All Landlords’ leaflet).

In many instances where the cabling is being replaced, the preferences of the residents may lead the property manager to offer multiple options even though the costs are higher. The property manager may decide on an Integrated Reception System (IRS) to ‘future-proof‘ the property, recognising that the higher specification will make the property more attractive to future purchasers and tenants. Residents are still free to decide which TV services, if any, they take up.

The UKs TV broadcasting system will be switching to digital, TV region by TV region between now and 2012. If communal TV aerials haven’t been checked, upgraded or replaced, residents in blocks dependent on receiving their TV signals through these aerials may not be able to watch TV, even though they have upgraded or converted their own equipment.

By starting the process now, property managers will have sufficient time to consult, prepare and procure the appropriate systems for the buildings that they are responsible for. It is not only public and private sector housing providers that need to take action. Those with responsibility for care homes, hospitals, hotels, student accommodation, commercial buildings, barracks and prisons will all need to carry out work - the laws of supply and demand are likely to impact on prices the closer digital switchover gets.

This is a certification mark that is awarded to a public or private sector property manager or developer that can demonstrate and guarantee that all the homes with a communal aerial that they are responsible for will be ready at least 3 months in advance before switchover in that TV region. For full details of the criteria for the Homes set for digital accreditation scheme visit "homes set for digital" Accreditation scheme.