lsu_tiger_in_dallas replied: "Yes you can install a satellite dish in your building despite a contract your landlord has with the cable company. Under the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which among other things, was passed to allow consumers choices for receiving video programming, sets standards for consumers to be able to install satellite dishes on their properties. The rules have been amended several times, each time giving more rights to consumers. In short: •A landlord or homeowners association cannot put unreasonable restrictions for installing satellite dishes •A satellite dish is effectively treated as a piece of patio furniture of same size and weight. For example, a landlord cannot require excess insurance for a satellite dish to be installed if they would not require the same insurance for something else that is going on a patio •The rule applies to "exclusive use" areas, i.e. areas to which only the tenant and tenant’s visitors would have access such as terraces, balconies, or patios. Common areas such as roofs or exterior walls are not considered "exclusive use" areas. •Unreasonable rules which place an undue burden on a consumer receiving satellite programming are prohibited. •Reasonable rules, such as those intended to prevent damage to property are allowable, provided that they are reasonable. There are certain legal recourses available to consumers if they are denied the right to install a dish, including filing a complaint with the FCC. For more information, read through the following: "Installing Consumer-Owned Antennas and Satellite Dishes" - "FCC, Information Sheet, Over-the-Air Reception Devices Rule" - In the end, however, the decision to install a dish may come down to how difficult it will be to do so. Legally, the landlord cannot make it difficult for you to put up the dish. If, however, it takes a legal proceeding to be able to install the dish, you'll have to decide whether it is worth it. Good luck!"