# Do Tenants Need Landlord Approval for Fibre Installation? Source: https://urbanx.co.za/knowledge-hub/fibre-coverage-installation-home-readiness/tenant-landlord-approval-fibre-installation **Answer:** If the installation can drill, trench, mount fixed equipment or alter a cable route at a rented property, obtain written permission from the owner or authorised managing agent before the visit. In a complex or apartment building, separate approval may also be required for common property. The lease, property rules and proposed route determine what is needed. This guide provides practical preparation, not legal advice about a particular lease or dispute. Part of [Fibre Coverage, Installation & Home Readiness](https://urbanx.co.za/knowledge-hub/fibre-coverage-installation-home-readiness) · 8 min read · by UrbanX Knowledge Hub **Last reviewed: 26 August 2026 · 8 min read** ### Why permission matters A fibre installation can leave permanent components at the premises: - external or internal ducting; - drilled wall entry; - termination box; - ONT and power supply; - clips, fasteners or surface-mounted cable; - a small private-property trench; - equipment or cable crossing common property. Even when the ISP promotes installation as included, the physical alteration still affects the property. The tenant should not assume that ordering the service proves the owner consented. ISPA recommends that landlords and property owners include fibre ownership, installation, transfer and cancellation clauses in leases and purchase agreements. That is useful precisely because unclear responsibility creates problems when occupants change. ### Check the lease and property rules first Look for clauses covering: - alterations and drilling; - telecommunications services; - fixtures and equipment; - contractor access; - reinstatement when the lease ends; - body-corporate or HOA rules; - responsibility for damage and additional costs; - which party may sign installation acceptance. If the lease is silent, ask rather than treating silence as permission. ### What to send the landlord or managing agent A useful request is specific. Include: 1. FNO and ISP names. 2. Exact address and unit. 3. Expected appointment type. 4. Photographs or a simple sketch of the proposed entry and equipment area if known. 5. Explanation that the final route will be agreed on site. 6. Whether drilling, surface ducting or trenching may occur. 7. The proposed ONT location and power requirement. 8. Confirmation that extra work will not be approved without permission. 9. Who will remain responsible for the service account and router. 10. Request for written consent and any conditions. Do not promise “no drilling” unless the installer has confirmed a usable existing route. ### A sample permission request > I would like to arrange a fibre installation at [address and unit] through [ISP] on the [FNO] network. The installation may require a cable route, wall penetration and fixed termination equipment. Before work starts, the installer will propose the route for approval. Please confirm in writing whether I may proceed and list any conditions, prohibited areas, approved equipment location or managing-agent/body-corporate process that must be followed. This is a communication template, not a substitute for any form required by the property. ### Permission should identify conditions A vague “yes, fibre is fine” can still cause disagreement. Ask the owner to record conditions such as: - approved entry wall or route; - no drilling through specified finishes; - use of existing conduit if the FNO accepts it; - colour or position of visible ducting; - authorised equipment location; - requirement for managing-agent attendance; - obligation to photograph the work; - who pays for non-standard work; - whether any reinstatement is required at the end of the lease. Share relevant conditions with the installer before drilling begins. ### Renting in a complex, estate or apartment Landlord approval may cover the unit but not common property. The route may also need approval from: - body corporate or trustees; - homeowners’ association; - managing agent; - building owner; - facilities manager; - estate security. Confirm whether the building already has an approved FNO and resident-installation process. See [Fibre Installation in Complexes, Estates and Apartment Blocks](/knowledge-hub/fibre-coverage-installation-home-readiness/fibre-installation-complex-estate-apartment). ### Who should attend the installation? An adult who can make route decisions must be present. If the tenant may not approve structural changes, arrange for the owner or managing agent to: - attend; - approve the exact route by message or call before work; - nominate an authorised representative; - pre-approve a clearly documented route. An installer should not be asked to interpret a lease or decide who has legal authority. ### Equipment ownership is separate from property permission The ONT and fibre wall equipment may remain associated with the FNO and premises, while the router may belong to the ISP or customer under different terms. Confirm both. Do not remove the ONT when moving out unless the FNO expressly instructs it. Moving, transferring and cancelling a service are separate lifecycle questions; confirm the required process with the ISP before leaving the premises. ### If the landlord refuses Ask for the reason and whether an alternative route or removable solution would be considered. A refusal may relate to: - recent renovations; - prohibited façade changes; - an existing building-wide fibre agreement; - safety or heritage requirements; - concern about reinstatement; - another active line at the premises; - uncertainty about ownership or liability. Provide accurate installation information rather than arguing from a generic promise. If a legal dispute remains, obtain appropriate independent advice; an ISP or installer should not adjudicate it. ### If an installation happened without clear consent Document the equipment, route, date, contractor and condition of the property. Notify the relevant owner or managing agent and keep communication factual. Do not disconnect fibre equipment, cut cables or remove an ONT yourself. ### Sources - [ISPA FNO and ISP Best Practice Recommendations](https://ispa.org.za/about/working-groups/best-practice-recommendations/) - [ISPA Fibre Primer](https://ispa.org.za/policy-and-advocacy/fnos-and-isps/ispa-fibre-primer/) - [Frogfoot Networks installation process](https://www.frogfoot.co.za/faqs/) - [Octotel installation contact channel](https://octotel.co.za/contact/) ### Related guides - [All Fibre Coverage, Installation & Home Readiness guides](/knowledge-hub/fibre-coverage-installation-home-readiness) - [Fibre Installation in Complexes, Estates and Apartment Blocks](/knowledge-hub/fibre-coverage-installation-home-readiness/fibre-installation-complex-estate-apartment) - [How to Prepare Your Home for a Fibre Installer](/knowledge-hub/fibre-coverage-installation-home-readiness/prepare-home-for-fibre-installer) - [Fibre Installation Handover Checklist](/knowledge-hub/fibre-coverage-installation-home-readiness/fibre-installation-handover-checklist) ## Frequently Asked Questions **Is verbal permission enough?** Written permission is safer because it records the approved scope and conditions. Use email, a signed form or the property’s formal process. **Can the landlord choose the ONT location?** The owner can set property conditions, but the route must also be technically feasible and accepted by the FNO. Agree a workable position before installation. **Does the tenant pay for installation?** That depends on the ISP offer, FNO scope, lease and any non-standard work. Permission and payment responsibility should be documented separately. **Can a managing agent approve on the owner’s behalf?** Only if authorised to do so. Ask for written confirmation and follow the property’s process. **Must the tenant remove the fibre when moving?** Do not assume so. Fixed fibre infrastructure is generally associated with the premises and may belong to the network operator. Confirm the lease and FNO/ISP instructions.