Private Housing

Posted on 29th January at 12:58 PM, Posted by: Digital UK

In the first instance, it should depend on whether the property concerned is a flat or a house and what the tenancy agreement says in relation to fixtures and fittings such as aerials. Most houses will have their own aerial and we know that most will continue to work satisfactorily after switchover, if they work well now with analogue services – see teletext page 284.

Flats are different matter, as most households will depend on a communal TV aerial system to get services and these will need to be checked and possibly upgraded for switchover.

A landlord in this situation is likely to have two roles – one as a landlord but the other as a lessee with potentially different rights and responsibilities. In both instances reference needs to made to the lease/ tenancy agreement/ title deeds to establish the respective position.

The freeholder, property manager or residents association, may have a view or a plan to undertake the works to the infrastructure for switchover, that will involve recharging / recovering the costs. They will need to involve lessees in the decision making process. As a result of the work being undertaken the tenant will be able to benefit.

Landlords need to look at the tenancy agreements. Some may decide to do the work themselves so it is properly undertaken by a qualified contractor to avoid damage to the property. In any event upgrading the properties for switchover could improve the let ability of homes for rent especially as switchover gets nearer