Topic: Do you think Satellite Dishes are an eyesore?

I'd love to hear what Multifamily Insiders think about satellite dishes on their properties. Do you consider them necessary or a nuisance?

Boston is poised to become one of the first cities in the nation to ban satellite dishes from marring neighborhoods...Read more about the Boston Resolution Here.

I would not say an eyesore, but here are the problems I have with them:

1) When multiple residents have them and have them installed improperly, then yes. Especially if they are all installed in such a way as to be visible from the street (curb appeal), in different improper manners.

2) When you have multiple residents that have them, and some residents cannot install them based on the position of their unit; then you potentially run into the question of 'so-and-so has one installed, why can't I?' that can have the appearance of denying access.

If you have a large percentage of units (say more than 20%) of residents that have them installed, and they are mostly installed improperly. I would explore an option that allows you to install 1 per building that ALL residents can tap into. This way you limit the number of dishes and control the work. PLUS you have a marketable amenity.

YES! I do not see how they can be banned when allowed by federal law and administered by the FCC. We strictly enforce the FCC rules and in most cases it becomes to much hassle for the residents to bother

My community has it's own satellite system from which we draw revenue, however we are required by FFC law to allow residents to have their own dish but they must:

Be able to receive reception from their "rented space", patio/balcony and the dish may not go past the railng (which means it can not be installed in the rail as part of the dish then hangs over)
Be installed by a professional, no alterations to the unit may be made (no drilling holes, etc)
Be mounted in a concrete filled taracotta colored flower pot
Have 100k worth of renters insurance. (we're tax credit and our rents are too high to require renters ins. for everyone)

Due to these stipulations I only have 2 residents with their own dish.

Stephani's answer is correct from my understanding. We do get several leases from people who live where they are "forced" to accept the television service the property provides. I always wonder how these companies, like Edward Rose, are allowed to do this. While I do not think dishes are attractive, this is not a battle I care to wage when the law is pretty definitive.

I have had prospects tell me they "drove through a community and didn't think it was very nice because of all of the satellite dishes."

Beginning January 1st of this year, I changed our policy where they can only have dishes at the rear of the building or on the back side. If they can't get reception, too bad.

I also put this in my Resident Selection Criteria so they know before they lease.

Some sports fanatics HAVE TO HAVE THEM!

Right now, they are in front of the townhouses, where they have to be next to their porches and no higher than 3 feet off the ground. However, some residents, who were there before me, have them up about 4-6 feet off the ground.

Anyone have any suggestions how to get these lower?

I also have a $100 dish deposit if they want one. I was hoping this might discourage them from getting one. It has, but not much.

So yes! I think they are a big eyesore!!

TLM,

Not only are satellite dishes an eyesore to a nice community, it’s also a maintenance/structure issue if not properly installed. I seen too many buildings exterior damages due to satellite, and seen many beautiful communities look trashy by having satellite dishes all over the walls and common areas. However, the services satellite dishes provide sometimes are better than the typical cable service, but there is always a way to accommodate. For example, we manage a nice community in West Palm Beach called Merry Place at Pleasant City. This property is only 4 years old, and it’s extremely beautiful. Too avoid issues with satellite dishes around the property and building structure, we went into contract with DirectTV who installed a dish per building in a non-visible area, where all units can connect like if it was a basic cable service. This is the best way to have satellite dish service at a community. One master dish per building, with feeders to the units.

That is exactly what I have been suggesting.....

Our buildings are pre-wired for cable. That, and TV set top antennas are all we allow. Satellite dishes are "not so" popular here anymore.