As Darren says, it's probably illegal for your landlord to refuse to let you have cable. And frankly that's just BIZARRE that he/she won't let you get it. What possible difference could it make to them and how would they even know if you had it?
When we moved in, I did call the cable company and they came out, but apparently had it in file that they cannot hook up here, told me that and left. My mom also lives in these apts. and she was told that the landlord asked for the cable wires to be put underground, and since they wouldn't do that, he would not allow it. This was all decided back in the 80's. I think most here are afraid to fight it because he keeps the rents so low to draw elderly and disabled, and no one want to rock the boat ($425/mo for a good size 2 bedrm is unheard of in this city) Still I might look into what you said about them needing to allow it, since all this was decided 20 years ago. Thanks for the info-I'll check it out.