S.H. from Broward County, Florida writes:
Dear Mister Condo,
Can a condo owner opt out of the condo joint cable TV contract?
Mister Condo replies:
S.H., that is a tricky question, to be sure. For many condo associations, it makes perfect sense for the association to negotiate with a satellite or cable provider to purchase bulk service. That service is then distributed amongst the owners within the association and can be paid for out of common fees. The good news is that the association can typically save the individual unit owners some money and make a few extra bucks for the association as well. The downside is that not all unit owners are going to be happy with the service provided. Opting out is typically not an option in this circumstance because the association has entered into a bulk agreement with the service provider. However, there is often an opportunity to upgrade the service (pay more for premium services – cable channels, faster internet speeds, etc.) provided the unit owner is willing to pay more. Some owners will go a step farther and subscribe to a secondary service. I know many sports lovers who subscribe to sports channels via satellite or internet to keep up with their favorite teams. Again, this is a premium service. With all of the new streaming options available, perhaps the most important service you can have is a fast internet connection. Other than that, you are stuck with the package that your condo association has purchased for all association unit owners. Hope that help!