Residents may install reception devices such as satellite dishes on their leased space without the owner or operator’s permission, subject to the applicable statute and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations. This includes space balconies, balcony railings, patios, and yards. For a resident whose leased premises do not include any outdoor space, s/he can install reception devices indoors if the devices are amenable to such installation. However, a resident may not install a reception device in a common area or restricted access property over the owner or operator’s objection. Moreover, an owner or operator is not required to provide video programming reception equipment to residents.

Any fee an owner or operator imposes on a resident for the use of a reception device must be “reasonable in light of the cost of the equipment or services.” (47 C.F.R. § 1.4000(a)(4).) Any exclusive contract an owner or operator has with a satellite company is unenforceable to the extent that the contract impermissibly impairs a viewer’s statutory rights. However, for legitimate safety reasons, an owner or operator may require certain methods and locations for installing such devices.