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Emergency

A satellite dish on the rented apartment: is that allowed?

Installing a satellite dish is not simply allowed; it interferes with the building fabric and appearance. On the other hand, you have a right to information. Whether you may install a dish is the result of a balancing of interests.

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Your chances of getting your money back

Two fundamental rights are weighed: the landlord's property and your freedom of information (Art. 5 GG). If the desired programs are already available to you via cable, IPTV or the internet, the landlord can usually prohibit a dish.
A special interest in information, such as receiving foreign home-country channels that cannot be received otherwise or only with difficulty, can shift the balancing in your favor. Then the landlord often has to tolerate the installation (at a reasonable location).

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Check alternatives

    Do you already get the desired channels via cable, IPTV or the internet? That is decisive.

  2. 2

    2. Set out your interest

    Justify a special interest in information (for example home-country channels with no other reception option).

  3. 3

    3. Obtain permission

    Ask the landlord in writing for consent and propose a gentle installation location.

  4. 4

    4. Offer a compromise

    Offer professional installation, removal on moving out and, if applicable, a security; this improves the chances.

Frequently asked questions

May the landlord prohibit a satellite dish?

Often yes, namely when the desired programs are already available to you via cable, IPTV or the internet. Then the landlord's property interest usually prevails. But it always comes down to a balancing with your freedom of information (Art. 5 GG) in the individual case.

When must the landlord tolerate a satellite dish?

Above all with a special interest in information, for example if you want to receive foreign home-country channels that are not or barely available via the existing routes. Then the balancing can come out in your favor. It helps to offer a professional, gentle installation and removal when you move out.

Take action now

We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.