Cable TV: Beware of media consultants!

Cable TV: Beware of media consultants!

The so-called additional cost privilege for cable connections in apartment buildings ends on June 30, 2024. From July 1 of the same year, owners are no longer allowed to pass on the costs of the cable connection to tenants via the additional cost bill. This means that tenants will then have to take care of contracts with television providers themselves.

Many tenants are already receiving messages from their landlords about the upcoming cable television shutdown due to legal changes. The landlords inform about the impossibility of centrally supplying the residential complex with cable television and radio. Therefore, from a certain date onwards, tenants have to take care of their TV supply themselves.

Television providers and cable companies have been known to launch advertising campaigns and even send out press columns to persuade tenants to sign new contracts. Such “media consultants” work on behalf of cable network operators and aim to conclude expensive new contracts in order to receive commissions. The consumer advice centers warn tenants about these undesirable contracts.

It is important to remain calm about unwanted visits from media consultants at the front door and not to conclude any contracts. Tenants should not sign at the front door and, in the event of unwanted contracts, notify the consumer advice centers and revoke the contract. It is also important to ask about your ID card and, if in doubt, to ban the person from entering the building. In cases of unauthorized entry into the apartment, tenants can go to the police and report trespassing.

If tenants are persuaded to sign a contract, they have the right to cancel the contract within 14 days without giving reasons. It is recommended that you simply hang up and never agree to unsolicited advertising calls about cable connections.