Can apartments control your thermostat?

Author: Anita Kuvalis  |  Last update: Saturday, September 27, 2025

Yes, landlords can lock the thermostat in rental properties. It is within their rights to control and regulate the thermostat settings. However, specific regulations may vary depending on local laws and lease agreements.

Is it legal for a landlord to control a thermostat?

Yes, landlords can control the thermostat for their rental properties in most states. While they have to provide reasonable heat, they do not have to give control of the thermostat to the tenant.

Who is responsible for the thermostat?

If the tenants are responsible for the utility bills then they should have control of the thermostat in the dwelling. If they run up a big bill, that's their responsibility. However, if the tenancy includes bills, then the landlord can control the thermostat, but only to a reasonable degree.

Can energy companies control your thermostat?

Instances of Thermostat Control in Recent Times

California, 2022: During a heatwave in September 2022, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) remotely adjusted the thermostats of over 25,000 customers who had enrolled in their SmartAC program.

Can consumers' energy control your thermostat?

The Smart Thermostat Program automatically adjusts your thermostat for you on Energy Savings Event days. Before an event, we evaluate your regular settings and local weather, then cool your home beforehand to keep you comfortable. During the event itself, we adjust your settings to reduce your energy use. Don't worry!

How To Control Your Thermostat - Extended

Who can check my thermostat?

If your home's thermostat is not working, it might be due to dead batteries, a circuit breaker short or bad wiring. Remove the cover and check for loose or corroded wires. If you spot these issues, contact an HVAC technician.

What is the lowest temperature a landlord required to provide?

In fact, state law requires that every rented house includes functioning heating equipment that can keep the indoor temperature at a minimum of 70 degrees.

Who do I call if my thermostat isn't working?

If your wires are connected but your thermostat still isn't working properly, that means it's time to hire a professional. They'll open the thermostat and test the wires individually to see which one is faulty. Since messing with wires is dangerous, you'll want to contact a certified HVAC technician.

What is the biggest responsibility of a tenant?

The biggest responsibility of a tenant is typically to pay rent on time and in full. Rent payment is the primary obligation of a tenant, and failing to do so can lead to various consequences, including eviction.

Do apartments have individual thermostats?

Some apartment buildings have a single thermostat that controls all units and is accessible only to the landlord or property manager. In other apartment complexes, heating systems are set up to include thermostats in every unit.

What should an apartment thermostat be set at?

If someone is at home in the daytime, 72° F (22° C) is a good start, but aim for 68° F (20° C). If everyone is away from home in the daytime or you're asleep at night, we feel 66° F (19° C) to 62° F (17° C) is best.

What does a bad thermostat housing do?

You may also notice fluid leaking from underneath your vehicle. Inoperative heater – Your car's heater relies on hot engine coolant. A leaking thermostat housing can also lead to a low coolant level, resulting in an inoperative heater.

Can I sue my landlord for heat?

The public areas of your building are also covered by the warranty of habitability. If your apartment does not have adequate heat or hot water on a regular basis, then your landlord has breached or violated the warranty of habitability.

Is it legal to lock a thermostat?

Yes, landlords can lock the thermostat in rental properties. It is within their rights to control and regulate the thermostat settings.

Who can move a thermostat?

In some cases, you can move your thermostat yourself. But in others, you'll need to call an HVAC specialist. But that cost can potentially be recouped over time through savings.

How can you tell if your thermostat is not working properly?

What Are the Signs of a Bad or Broken Thermostat?
  • The AC or Furnace Won't Come On. ...
  • The HVAC System Won't Turn Off. ...
  • The Thermostat Is Unresponsive. ...
  • The HVAC System Short-Cycles. ...
  • The Room Temperature Doesn't Match the Thermostat Setting. ...
  • The Programmed Settings Reset Themselves. ...
  • Check and Adjust the Settings.

How much does it cost to replace a thermostat?

The average cost of a new thermostat, including installation, ranges in price from $50 to $500 or more based on several factors including the type of thermostat, labor costs, the complexity of the installation, and more.

Will my heating work if the thermostat is broken?

The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in your home is controlled by your thermostat. If your thermostat isn't working, your furnace, whole-house fan, and AC unit are probably not functioning correctly, either.

What is an unlivable temperature?

Humans need to sweat to survive in warm conditions, and that's only possible if the combination of temperature and humidity – known as the wet-bulb temperature – stays below around 35°C. According to a 2012 study by scientists at MIT, this limit could be reached globally if our planet warms by around 12°C.

What do I do if my heat doesn't work in my apartment?

Report Lack of Heat to Your Landlord
  1. Make a repair request as soon as possible.
  2. Keep a record of your written notice and any written communication or text messages.
  3. Document the temperature. Take a photo with a thermostat recording the temperature in your apartment several times throughout the day.

How long can a landlord leave you without heat?

“No heating and hot water is considered as an emergency and thus should be resolved within 24 hours as an acceptable 'reasonable time'.” If repairs take more than the reasonable time, your landlord should temporarily provide you with replacement equipment to heat your home.

Can a bad thermostat cause AC not to cool?

When your thermostat is working correctly, you can keep it as cool or warm as you need. A bad thermostat can cause your AC to not cool or heat the room to the desired temperature. Air conditioning concerns are more apparent: Your thermostat is one of the best indicators of your air conditioning system's health.

How can I tell if I need to replace my thermostat?

Signs You Need a New Thermostat
  1. Heating or cooling system will not turn off or on.
  2. The temperature reading is incorrect.
  3. Recent spike in your energy bill.
  4. Frequent temperature fluctuations.
  5. Thermostat is 10 years old or older.

Who should I call to fix my thermostat?

There are multiple factors at play when you have a thermostat issue. Only an HVAC professional can diagnose the root of AC repair problems and offer technical solutions for them.

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