Stop Cable TV vs Raising Rents

[Yuliany W.]

Hi BP,

I'm considering to stop cable tv subscription on my 14 unit rental. It costs about $500 per month. The previous owner set this up and I'm wondering if this is a common practice for multifamily rental.

I am debating whether I should just keep the cable and raise rents for $35 per unit or just don't provide cable.

Property management seems to favor raising the rents and keeping the cable (they are paid on a fixed amount, so I don't think they will benefit from raising rent).

What would you do in this situation?

Thank you

[Bryan H.]

Call the cable company and see if you can negotiate a better price.

I'd also see what the leases say about including cable, you may be stuck there. I'd also check out local competition and see what they offer, do what they do.