Tips for setting up internet and TV in an apartment or rental unit

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Key takeaways 

• First things first, find out if internet is included in your apartment or rental utilities
• Weigh the pros and cons of setting up your own internet and using your rental’s internet, if applicable
• If setting up your own service, consider the speed you need for the number of devices in your home and the types of internet activities you do every day
• Consider TV options that make the most sense for your home. Streaming services are a great choice for many since you can use your internet connection and avoid signing up for cable

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From state-of-the-art fitness centers to off-leash dog parks and even breweries, added amenities can give an apartment complex or other rental unit a major competitive edge. According to the National Apartment Association (NAA), cable TV ranks in the top 10 of the most highly sought-after amenities. It’s right up there with in-unit washer/dryers and hardwood floors!

Many apartments even come pre-wired for cable TV and internet service. But there are some pros and cons. Before you sign up, here is our renter’s guide with a few things to keep in mind.

Does your unit come with TV or internet? 

If your unit does not come with Wi-Fi or cable included, which is likely the case, then you need to find your own internet service provider (ISP) or TV provider. Most apartments are set up to handle cable services, but you may be able to get fiber if your apartment is wired for it. 

Fiber internet provides the fastest speeds of any internet technology type. Cable also provides fast speeds, is widely available and provides more bundling options with TV service. Internet provider availability varies based on location, so always check your address first to ensure you’re comparing providers available at your home.

Find a provider that’s right for you

First things first, enter your address to find internet providers available to you. Not all ISPs are available everywhere, so entering your address ensures you are choosing from ISPs that are serviceable to your exact address.

Find ISPs near you

Or call us today: (844) 451-2720 (844) 451-2720

Once you know which ISPs are available at your address, it’s time to choose the right internet plan. You’ll be presented with different speeds and prices, so it’s essential you know the internet speed you need to support your everyday internet activities.

The more devices you connect to your home network, the more internet speed you’ll need to ensure a smooth connection. Consider the types of internet activities your household participates in. Gaming and heavy downloading require more bandwidth than web browsing or social media use. Working and learning from home will also require more speed to support video chatting and other activities.

It’s also a good idea to explore bundle options. Some providers, like Spectrum, Xfinity, T-Mobile and Verizon offer discounts if you bundle certain services, which could save you money down the road.

Consider your need for speed

Internet speed is based on the number of data bits per second (bps) that travel from your device to the internet and vice versa. Whether you’re using your apartment’s internet or subscribing to your own internet plan, first take time to think through what you use the internet for and how much speed you’ll need.

Do you check your work email at night and browse the internet? Stream lots of videos? Do you have multiple devices you’d like to use simultaneously? Do you have a roommate who is using your internet as well? All of these things factor in when determining the speed you need.

Pro tip: If you are opting in to your apartment’s Wi-Fi, check with current residents to see if they’re happy with the service at key times of the day. For the average tenant, provided bandwidth likely suffices, but not always. If you’d prefer having ultimate control over your provider, speeds and price, consider choosing your own ISP and internet plan.

Not sure what internet speeds you’re getting? Take our speed test to measure your upload and download speed.

Check out some popular ISPs and internet plans below.

*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Speeds may vary. As of 03/04/25.
**Limited time offer; subject to change; new residential customers only (no Spectrum services within past 30 days) and in good standing with Spectrum. Taxes and fees extra in select states. SPECTRUM INTERNET ADVANTAGE: Offer based on eligibility requirements. Standard rates apply after promo period. Additional charge for installation. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds (including wireless) vary and are not guaranteed. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. ©2025 Charter Communications, all rights reserved.
**Limited time offer; subject to change; new residential customers only (no Spectrum services within past 30 days) and in good standing with Spectrum. Taxes and fees extra in select states. SPECTRUM INTERNET: Standard rates apply after promo period. Additional charge for installation. Speeds based on wired connection. Actual speeds (including wireless) vary and are not guaranteed. Capable modem required for all Gig speeds. For a list of capable modems, visit Spectrum.net/modem. Services subject to all applicable service terms and conditions, subject to change. Not available in all areas. Restrictions apply. ©2025 Charter Communications, all rights reserved.
***PABP & Paperless billing + taxes and equip fee. Price includes $5/mo. AutoPay & Paperless billing discount (within 2 bills). $10/mo. equip. fee applies.

Avoid potential roadblocks

If you determine you don’t want to go with your apartment’s provider, check with the complex to make sure they allow you to add your own lines. If you are allowed to subscribe to a different provider, remember that you will end up paying twice if the service is included in your rent. In other words, if they’re going to charge you for the service anyway, and what is offered will do, consider going with the provided plan.

If you are able to opt in to your own service, call our experts to find out what providers are available at your particular address. You may uncover a world of options for service at your building.

Network security

Whether you use apartment-provided internet or set up your own service, keeping your network secure ensures your personal information remains safe from security threats.

You can protect your network by securing your router. Change the name of your home network if it’s set to a default name, and protect your network with a strong, unique password.

Third-party protection can also be extremely useful in protecting your network. VPNs are a common security measure used to protect personal data. A VPN sets up an encrypted tunnel between your device and server that keeps your data hidden when you use the internet.

Firewalls are another great tool to protect your network. Firewalls monitor all data passing in and out of your network and block anything malicious that could harm your device. You can set up third-party software to protect your device from malware and viruses, but always remember to keep your device’s own security software up to date, too.

Guest Wi-Fi

Setting up a guest network can also be a great way to add an extra layer of security to your home network. A guest network is separate from your primary network and can prevent guest devices from accessing your Wi-Fi. It can also keep any infected devices separate from your home network, which keeps your primary devices more secure.

Learn more about setting up a guest network.

Weigh potential time and financial savings

If you’re moving into a newly constructed complex, installation of fiber optic internet and other wiring may be included in the contract at little to no cost to the owner, according to Stephanie Anderson with the NAA. Residents then receive special pricing through that provider and are encouraged to join by the leasing staff.

If the complex offers these services, you often won’t have to waste time researching, calling and setting up appointments with the provider. Further, properties often designate representatives to handle resident setup, questions, transfers and equipment returns.

Think through the length of your stay

How long will you be in this apartment or rental? If you plan to move in a year, and the apartment or ISP calls for a two-year contract, consider that before you sign anything. Premature cancellation could produce unforeseen fees and you might be on the hook for another full year of payments if you end up moving.

Want to go beyond our renter’s guide and find out more about available internet and TV providers in your area? Chat with our experts or search our resource center to find additional information to help you in your search.

Consider no-contract internet options 

If you plan on only staying in your apartment or rental for a short period of time, say six months to a year, then consider a no-contract internet option so you can avoid early termination fees (ETFs). Some providers may lock you into a contract for one, two or even three years and charge you if you cancel service before this time is up. If you are unsure of how long you’re going to stay in your rental, or if you know you won’t be there long, search for a no-contract provider that won’t charge you for canceling your service.

Explore the best no-contract internet providers.

What about TV?

Streaming has become popular among renters because you can sign in to your streaming service wherever you are, and many streaming platforms now have live TV. Check out some popular cable TV alternatives below:

*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. As of 03/04/25.
**Channel selection varies by location.

Setting up internet and TV FAQs