§ 25.44. Landlord/Tenant Relations.

A.

Interference with Cable Service Prohibited. Subject to applicable property rights, neither the owner of any multiple unit residential dwelling nor his agent or representative shall interfere with the rights of any tenants or lawful residents thereof to receive Cable Service, cable installation or maintenance from a Cable Television company regulated by and lawfully operating under a valid and existing Cable Television Franchise issued by the City; provided, however, the City may establish necessary rules and standards it deems appropriate to protect the property rights of landlords and tenants.

B.

Gratuities and Payments to Permit Service Prohibited. Other than payments for just compensation and actual costs incurred, neither the owner of any multiple unit residential dwelling nor his agent or representative shall ask, demand, or receive any payment, service or gratuity in any form as a condition for permitting or cooperating with the installation of a Cable Communication System to the dwelling unit occupied by a tenant or resident requesting service.

C.

Penalties and Charges to Tenants for Service Prohibited. Neither the owner of any multiple unit residential dwelling nor his agent or representative shall knowingly penalize, charge or surcharge a tenant or resident, or forfeit or threaten to forfeit any right of such tenant or resident, or discriminate in any way against such tenant or resident who requests or receives cable communications service from a Grantee operating under a valid and existing Franchise issued by the City. Any person convicted or violating any provision of this section is subject to a fine of not more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) for each offense.

D.

Reselling Service Prohibited. No Person shall resell, without the expressed, written consent of both the Grantee and the Mayor, or Designee, any Cable Service, program or signal transmitted by a Cable Television System operating under a Franchise issued by the City.

E.

Protection of Property Permitted. Nothing in this section shall prohibit a Person from requiring that Cable Television System facilities conform to laws and regulations and reasonable conditions necessary to protect safety, functioning, appearance and value of premises or the convenience and safety of persons or property.

F.

Risks Assumed by Grantee. Nothing in this section shall prohibit a Person from requiring a Grantee to agree to indemnify the owner, or his agents or representatives, for damages or from liability for damages caused by the installation, operation, maintenance, repair or removal of Cable Television facilities.

(Ord. of 1-7-1985, Doc. #19125; Ord. of 9-23-1996, Doc. #29666)