A growing number of landlords renting out sublets are encountering disputes over internet quality, prompting questions about responsibility for upgrades. Legal experts confirm that while primary lease agreements may not require faster service, landlords can be held accountable if tenants report sustained connectivity issues.
- 38% of sublet arrangements surveyed reported tenant complaints about internet quality
- 72% of reported cases involved average download speeds below 50 Mbps
- Fiber-optic installation costs range from $1,500 to $2,500 per unit
- Properties with 300 Mbps+ connections command up to 14% higher rental premiums
- In Chicago, a 2024 ruling awarded $3,200 in damages for internet-related disruptions
- Local ordinances in New York and San Francisco treat broadband as an essential utility
Landlords who sublet residential units are increasingly facing demands to improve internet speeds after tenants report unreliable or slow Wi-Fi connections. Despite some homeowners asserting they experience no issues with their own service, tenant complaints—particularly those involving streaming, remote work, and video conferencing—can trigger liability concerns. A recent survey of 1,200 sublet arrangements across urban U.S. markets found that 38% of complaints cited internet performance as a primary concern, with average download speeds below 50 Mbps reported in 72% of cases. The legal obligation hinges on lease terms and local housing regulations. While no federal mandate requires landlords to provide high-speed internet, many municipal codes now classify reliable broadband as a de facto essential utility. In cities like New York and San Francisco, courts have ruled that landlords must address recurring connectivity failures if they are material to a tenant’s ability to work or study remotely. For example, a 2024 case in Chicago awarded $3,200 in damages to a tenant after repeated complaints led to missed job interviews and online classes. The financial burden of upgrades can be significant. Installing fiber-optic connections averages $1,500 to $2,500 per unit, depending on building infrastructure. Landlords may pass on costs through rent increases, but rent control laws in certain jurisdictions limit such adjustments. As subletting grows—especially in tech hubs with high remote work adoption—legal and economic pressures are mounting. Real estate professionals advise landlords to document baseline internet performance at move-in, clearly define responsibilities in sublease agreements, and consider bundling high-speed service as part of rental pricing to avoid disputes. Market trends suggest that properties with guaranteed 300 Mbps or faster connections command up to 14% higher rental premiums in competitive urban areas.