Property Owners/Property Managers
If you own or manage a property, you will need to check if it is digital ready. If your tenants have digital equipment, like a set-top box or a digital TV, and they can’t receive free-to-air digital TV channels, you may need to upgrade your property’s antenna system.
Am I responsible for upgrading the antenna?
If your property is a free-standing house, you may wish to check the tenancy agreement and relevant tenancy legislation in your state or territory. In many cases, if your rental property has an antenna, the owner is obliged to keep it in working order. This would include upgrading it to receive digital TV or digital satellite TV.
Even if not clearly stated, it is good practice to arrange upgrades yourself, using an approved antenna installer. This will ensure your property is digital ready for current and future tenants, and avoid possible damage caused by tenants attempting to install their own fixtures.
What if I have a shared antenna?
If your property is in an apartment block or a group of townhouses, it may have a shared antenna system (sometimes known as a Master Antenna TV or MATV). Shared antenna systems usually receive both analog and digital TV signal, however some may need to be upgraded or replaced.
The owners corporation (or body corporate) is responsible for maintaining and repairing common property, including the shared antenna system. Upgrades to antenna systems can be complex and getting approval from all unit owners may take time. Start the process early to ensure your building is digital ready before your area’s switchover date.
Is my equipment tax deductible?
As the owner of a rental property, you may be able to claim a tax deduction for part or all of the cost of your antenna installation, purchase or upgrade.
To find out whether you are eligible for tax deductions, contact the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) or find more information at ATO 'Guide to property'.
To find your nearest endorsed installer, download the list below or call the Digital Ready Information Line on 1800 20 10 13.
•
Endorsed Antenna Installer list
To assess the options for getting your property’s antenna system digital ready, see Antenna Systems eToolkit (ASeT).
Renting your home? Here's what you need to know if you're a tenant.
If you are renting a property, you will need to discuss who is responsible for upgrading your antenna or satellite TV service. In many cases the current antenna system will already pick up digital free-to-air signal. If you have purchased digital ready equipment and still cannot receive digital free-to-air channels, you will need to organise to have your antenna replaced or upgraded.
If you receive specific payments from the government, or live in an area that requires you to swap to satellite TV you might be able to receive some government assistance in becoming digital ready. Please note this assistance does not include external antenna works.
For more information, see Government assistance.
Am I responsible for upgrading the antenna?
If your rental property has an antenna, the owner is often obliged to keep it in working order. This would include upgrading it to receive digital TV or digital satellite TV.
You should not attempt to upgrade the antenna without first consulting your property manager or landlord.
What if I have a shared antenna?
If you live in an apartment, unit or group of townhouses you may have a shared antenna system. Installing or upgrading your antenna system can take time as often all owners must be in agreement. As such, make sure you talk to your landlord or property manager as early as possible.
