The Homeowners Association cannot prevent you from installing a TV antenna. The rule in OTARD states that the HOA cannot do anything to impede your installation of a TV antenna, satellite dish, or wireless cable antenna. This rule is meant to promote competition between cable providers by keeping people from being shackled to a single provider based on the association where they live.

OTARD Rules: What are they?

The FCC delegated authority for the regulation of OTARD to the Federal Communications Commission in 1996. The key component of the OTARD Rule is preventing restrictions on certain reception devices’ installation, maintenance, and operation. It is prohibited to impose unreasonable restrictions on wireless cable receivers, local television broadcasts, or satellite dish installations under one meter in diameter by condominium associations, homeowners’ associations, or landlords.

HOA Management Tips

It’s a good idea to play nice first. If your TV signals are not impeded, try educating people on the law and making compromises. OTARD rules should be communicated to your homeowners’ association in writing and at the meetings of your association. Conflicts tend to arise when people are combative. In the event the HOA continues to be unreasonable, you may contact the Federal Communications Commission at 1-888-CALL FCC (1-888-225-5322), a toll-free number, or at 202-418-2120.

The dish satellite requirements for homeowners associations vary depending on the type of association and the size of the community. Some associations require a dish with a resolution of at least 720p, while others may only require a dish with a resolution of 480p.

  1. The restrictions must be reasonable and necessary to protect the health and safety of the homeowners.
  2. The restrictions must be based on objective evidence, not personal opinion or speculation.
  3. The restrictions must be reasonably related to the objectives of the homeowner’s association. ..

There are no restrictions that prevent the antenna from being used. A service can’t be made more expensive. Signal quality cannot be compromised. ..

An association cannot require approval before allowing antennas to be installed on homeowners’ properties due to the approval process delaying usage of an antenna OTARD prohibits a condo owner from installing an antenna on any communal space, like a rooftop or the common areas in a townhouse or single-family residence. Prior to installing a dish or antenna somewhere else, the owner may need to get approval if he does not receive a signal from his property. Satellite dishes may be required to be registered by associations. Depending on the amount of damage caused by the dish to the property, or to another resident, they may be required to have the proper liability insurance to cover the damage that could occur. A refundable or non-refundable deposit cannot be charged by the association for installing the dish.

Does the OTARD Rule Cover All Types of Antennas?

During the year of Alaskan operation, antennas with a diameter of one meter or less are allowed to be used for satellite television, instructional television fixed services, and local multipoint distribution services. ..

Property owners are protected in what ways?

In the event that the owner or renter has exclusive use of an antenna or dish, the OTARD protects them from other people installing antennas in common areas. This includes antennas on roofs, if the roof is a common area. Antenna lines outside of the area of exclusive use of the consumer are also exempt from OTARD protection.

Restrictions on HOAs: What Types Are Allowable?

Residential communities can restrict satellite dishes and television antennas to avoid interfering with or increasing the installation, maintenance, or use of these devices in an unreasonably excessive manner. In cases where good signals can be received in the area where antennae and dishes can be placed, the restriction should not unreasonably increase the cost to the owner. The Best Buy support page mentions that you will have to return an item if you don’t like it after buying it in a store or online from the Best Buy website. In case you decide to cancel before the product arrives, the order will be canceled. ..

Conclusion

The installation of a TV antenna should be done in accordance with the rules of the homeowners’ association (HOA). Any restrictions or preferred locations for the antenna must be specified in the CC&Rs. If you install an antenna before the HOA rules are written and published, you will be in violation. Spectrum Association Management can help you with any questions you may have about HOA management. ..