Tenant asking for cable install reimbursement

[Mike York]

Hello everyone.  I had an interesting question presented to me by my renter.  When they moved in, they ordered cable and had to pay a $50 install fee.  They want to be reimbursed for the $50 because when they move out, then the house is cable ready.  I was so taken back by this, I didn't have a good response.  I don't see this as any different then them buying a house, having cable installed there and moving out.   Would they as their buyer to reimburse for an install fee?  Anyone experience anything like this and any good way to tell them "um no"?    

[Linda S.]

Unless it's something you agreed, and saw it as an improvement, I don't think you're responsible for the $50 cable install.   The cable is something they chose to have, and they paid to get it, just like internet.   

I'd tell them that "unfortunately that wasn't agreed on, and wasn't part of the lease. "   Whether it's got the wires or not, is up to the cable company and the future renters.  I'd bet $50 the next renters will  have to pay the $50 install fee too.