Question about setting up network for tenants and legality

[MrDingleDangle]

So I know someone who is thinking of setting up a wireless network in the house they rent out. I am not a big fan of this because they do not know that much about computers. Probably they would get someone to come set it up, but not maintain it. I told them it might be easier to just run wires and put a jack in each room, but they dont want to do that.

One question I hope you guys could answer would be, what would be their responsibility if they set up a network in the house and one of the tenants use it for illegal purposes (anything from sharing music/movies to more severe hacking)

 

[RagingBITCH]

Not too sure about legality but does the owner provide the net access, or did the renters purchase it themselves? You should be more worried about that than "wireless networking".

 

[Frosty3799]

Could make a clause in the rental agreement that states he isn't responsible for any illegal actions done through the connection

 

[MrDingleDangle]

Originally posted by: RagingBITCH
Not too sure about legality but does the owner provide the net access, or did the renters purchase it themselves? You should be more worried about that than "wireless networking".

well they would be the ones providing the internet access to them

 

[MrDingleDangle]

Originally posted by: Frosty3799
Could make a clause in the rental agreement that states he isn't responsible for any illegal actions done through the connection

dont get me started with their rental agreements, its horrible already and have tried to convey that, but I could suggest that if I knew it would save them any legal responsability

 

[ActuaryTm]

How many tenants total? A number of ISPs offer a business level of service; and in such a situation, the liability is usually passed onto the end user.

 

[AStar617]

Originally posted by: Frosty3799
Could make a clause in the rental agreement that states he isn't responsible for any illegal actions done through the connection

You could run a Mack truck right thru that clause. As far as the ISP is concerned, your name is on the account, and the buck stops there.

 

[Frosty3799]

Originally posted by: AStar617

Originally posted by: Frosty3799
Could make a clause in the rental agreement that states he isn't responsible for any illegal actions done through the connection

You could run a Mack truck right thru that clause. As far as the ISP is concerned, your name is on the account, and the buck stops there.

True, maybe just give them the option to sign up, but provide the means ... such as router/hub/modem/etc.

 

[MrDingleDangle]

Originally posted by: ActuaryTm
How many tenants total? A number of ISPs offer a business level of service; and in such a situation, the liability is usually passed onto the end user.

well there are 2 or 3 houses, each one probably has 5 tenants

 

[aplefka]

Originally posted by: MrDingleDangle

Originally posted by: ActuaryTm
How many tenants total? A number of ISPs offer a business level of service; and in such a situation, the liability is usually passed onto the end user.

well there are 2 or 3 houses, each one probably has 5 tenants

Oh, do the Verizon DSL thing. It's like 90 bucks a month I think and that should be good enough for 10-15 people. It might be 115 though, I don't remember. Check it out at their site under the business section.

 

[Encryptic]

Originally posted by: MrDingleDangle
So I know someone who is thinking of setting up a wireless network in the house they rent out. I am not a big fan of this because they do not know that much about computers. Probably they would get someone to come set it up, but not maintain it. I told them it might be easier to just run wires and put a jack in each room, but they dont want to do that.

One question I hope you guys could answer would be, what would be their responsibility if they set up a network in the house and one of the tenants use it for illegal purposes (anything from sharing music/movies to more severe hacking)

Bottom line: Your friend (or whoever they might be) is a Grade-A nimrod. Let the tenants get their own Internet access if they want it. Otherwise, he's opening himself for way too many problems.

- What if someone gets busted for file sharing?

- What if someone hacks into the wireless network and uses it to download kiddie porn or something?

- What if....?

You get the point, I'm sure. If he's bent on doing this anyway, I'd suggest he get a good lawyer to make sure his ass is covered AND for the luvagod, don't use a fscking wireless network, especially if this service is going to be for people who aren't very computer literate.

 

[MrDingleDangle]

Originally posted by: Encryptic

Originally posted by: MrDingleDangle
So I know someone who is thinking of setting up a wireless network in the house they rent out. I am not a big fan of this because they do not know that much about computers. Probably they would get someone to come set it up, but not maintain it. I told them it might be easier to just run wires and put a jack in each room, but they dont want to do that.

One question I hope you guys could answer would be, what would be their responsibility if they set up a network in the house and one of the tenants use it for illegal purposes (anything from sharing music/movies to more severe hacking)

Bottom line: Your friend (or whoever they might be) is a Grade-A nimrod. Let the tenants get their own Internet access if they want it. Otherwise, he's opening himself for way too many problems.

- What if someone gets busted for file sharing?

- What if someone hacks into the wireless network and uses it to download kiddie porn or something?

- What if....?

You get the point, I'm sure. If he's bent on doing this anyway, I'd suggest he get a good lawyer to make sure his ass is covered AND for the luvagod, don't use a fscking wireless network, especially if this service is going to be for people who aren't very computer literate.

well i wouldnt consider them a grade-a nimrod...a grade-a nimrod would have done it...they asked me what I thought of the idea before they did it because they know I have more computer knowledge then them...I have basically talked them out of it, but came here to find out the legal issues so I can relay them to them and for my own knowledge...