As you may or may not be aware, I’m currently renting a lovely new flat and so this blog is a place where I can discuss my own experiences with you all. I’ve had a vast amount of experience when it comes to renting and so, today, I thought it would be worth sharing my experience of arranging internet access.
Arranging Access
Lots of tenants can have problems when trying to arrange internet access and sometimes your landlord may indeed provide the internet service for you. In my case, I was left to arrange it myself, which actually suited me well as I was able to hunt around for the best deal.
However, here are just a few tips for any landlords that want to provide their tenants with internet access themselves.
Packages
Most packages these days will offer wireless broadband and tenants are not likely to be interested in any other kind of internet service. Wired access is not a disaster however, but may cause logistical issues.
Many companies also offer broadband and TV package deals. This will, of course, increase costs however. If you throw in Sky as an added bonus, free of charge, it is likely to be a great incentive for prospective tenants however. When I was a student, quite a few years ago, my landlord at the time subsidised our Sky bill as part of the tenancy agreement. This, in particular, won me over as the prospective tenant! So that may be worth considering, especially when letting to students.
Furthermore, with large properties, it may be worth investing in some broadband boosters as they can be placed wherever the landlord/tenant sees fit in order to pretty much do what it says on the tin: boost the broadband signal.
Of course, for landlords, it will be worth ensuring that any extra electrical equipment is covered via a landlord insurance policy. Things like broadband boosters, you may find, get easily damaged in properties with several occupants.
Problematic Access
What’s more, as a tenant, I have also experienced periods where internet access can become rather limited, or very slow indeed, due to cable problems. As a landlord, this is very unlikely to be your fault, however, it will be good to enquire with the particular internet provider and to keep your tenants informed. Having limited or no internet access can be extremely frustrating. Especially for students! Important deadlines need to be met and most work these days involves using the internet.
Arranging internet access doesn’t have to be a stressful process and it doesn’t have to be problematic either. However, if you do experience hiccups along the way, make sure you keep your tenants informed. They’ll appreciate you as a landlord all the more!