The digital TV switchover has started and takes place around the UK at different times.
Who is responsible for adjusting television sets?
If you, the landlord, are providing a television as part of the tenancy then you will be responsible for ensuring that it can pick up a digital signal after the switchover. If in doubt, ask our staff.
Tenants are responsible for upgrading their own personal TVs and recording equipment. However, it is worth finding out when the switchover is happening in your area so you can keep your tenant informed of the change (and remind them that it is their responsibility to adjust their TV).
The tenancy agreement should indicate whether the landlord or tenant is responsible for paying the TV licence and any subscriptions to cable or satellite TV. The inventory should include the make, model and serial number of any TV sets that are provided.
What can you or your tenants do?
If you have more than the five standard channels or receive Freeview, freesat, satellite or cable then you already have digital TV. Check this applies to all sets in your property.
If you do not have digital, almost all sets can be converted with a digital box. If you buy a new TV, look out for the digital tick logo.
Prices will vary depending on which service you choose but, there are two ways of going digital: A one-off payment with services such as Freeview or freesat from Sky A monthly subscription with services such as Sky TV or Virgin Media
Aerials on houses
If you or your tenants choose a digital service like Freeview or Top-up TV you will need to check whether the aerial needs replacing. You can check the reception in your area with the Teletext digital test. This can be found on BBC One, BBC Two, ITV1, Channel 4 and S4C (welsh language channel).
Shared aerials in flats and blocks
Where the TV signal is provided through a shared aerial system, the freeholder or property manager need to check whether this needs upgrading. The industry recommends an Integrated Reception Service (IRS) which provides both Freeview, subscription and non-subscription satelite services giving leaseholders and tenants a choice of providers.
Check if your tenants qualify for help
Your tenants may be eligible to apply to the Switchover Help Scheme if they are 75 or over, registered blind or partially sighted, or entitled to certain disability allowances. More information about this scheme is available from Digital UK (link available below).
When is the switchover happening? Border 2008, second half West Country 2009, first half HTV Wales 2009, second half Granada 2009, second half HTV West 2010, first half Grampian 2010, first half Scottish Television 2010, first half Yorkshire 2011, first half Anglia 2011, first half Central 2011, first half Meridian 2012, first half Carlton / LWT (London) 2012, first half Tyne Tees 2012, second half Ulster 2012, second half
Where to go for more information?
The government has given the task of managing the switchover to a not-for-profit body called Digital UK. Call 0845 6 505050 or visit www.digitaluk.co.uk
Are you ready?