My tenants want to install a smart thermostat (at their expense), but I am hesitant. Usually, the more complicated something is, the more that can go wrong. I really don't know anything about them and have always used the basic Honeywell digital ones. What are the disadvantages to letting them install one, and is it easy to convert back if I needed to? --107.221.xxx.xx

--174.208.xx.xx

We have NEST Thermostats in our house, and my son has them too. A small learning curve but we love them. And you can set the temp from your phone anywhere. --50.82.xxx.xxx

Agree with MAP. Inserted in my electric bills is this opportunity for a free one. And yes it reads they will.monitor and control usage. I cringe when one of our residents calls to ask or just does it without asking. At your own home, do as you wish. Big brother is watching. --172.58.xxx.xx

This would be for a single-family home, and the tenant is responsible for utility bills. As long as they don't shut off the heat in the winter, I don't think the "no heat" calls would be an issue (I'm saying this without understanding how it all works). They'd be calling the tenant...? AC would be an issue in the summer. I don't know-I like what I'm used to because it's simple. I definitely don't want someone else shutting off the utilities without my consent. --107.221.xxx.xx

I would OK it - it sounds like they are settling in to stay a while - and they were considerate and cooperative enough to ask first. I would just have my HVAC guy put it in, to make sure all the wires are connected correctly. I have a clause that says improvements that are installed with permission become part of the property and will be left when they vacate. It would be an upgrade, so I might even pay for the install & keep it. --68.229.xxx.xxx

It would be a no for me. --73.120.xx.xxx

We have a smart tstat and have opted OUT of having the utility company control it despite their repeated attempts to have us join. I would put in a clause that tenant will not join a "utility saving program" which enables a utility to control said tstat. --72.231.xxx.xx

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That's different. --68.229.xxx.xxx

I found out it was so simple and so cool I do have a 7-day programmable thermostat but them neat thermostat do look good but for 195 dollars just to see how warm your house is while you're at McDonald's I don't think I need it --99.111.xx.xxx

Most newer furnaces use a expensive electronic circuit board where if not properly wired the PCB can be damaged. A smart thermostat can be controlled from a cell phone or other electronic device. Have a Honeywell in the house where can use Samsung pad to control. Had a lot of software issues where Honeywell does have the best support. It works ok. Wiring up is not easy where ran new wires right up to furnace. I worked as electronic technician where checked wire by wire colour code for correct wiring. Have two stage firing high efficiency furnace that fires at lower rate then ramps to maximum rate after a period of time then shuts down where heat is extracted from heat exchanger then furnace blower shuts down. --99.236.xxx.xxx

Or the tenant will loose the instruction and after a power outage, they forgot how to program the thermostat. --47.155.xx.xxx

FACT: tenants can't figure out the Manuel thermostat and now you give them electronic or NEST-- just crazy. --99.103.xxx.xxx

myob, I was waiting for your thoughts on that. --73.120.xx.xxx

This is a step to charging a new deposit or just say no - for frozen pipes you will have un-habitable damaged place - what does that cost? You might have guessed a lot - correct, before anything like this is considered you need to be named as additional insured on a rental policy that will pay to restore your place to habitable -and- tenant relocation costs while the walls are replaced after falling from the studs due to water. --76.188.xxx.xxx

This is the same guy that surprised me with a question of did I know whose car that was in his drive? Shortly after moving in, he had installed cameras connected to his phone. --71.219.xxx.xxx

there were 2 big screen tv's left still in a box brand new never opened under a corner pile of trash. 50 inch. --99.103.xxx.xxx

I had a tenant just switch it out to match his alarm system. Sold that house so don't know how it ended. But indeed if you get the free one advertised in the electric bill they will indeed lower or raise the temperature if there is a need to conserve energy. Thinking this thru if a resident contacted me in advance I would ask them to read the small print and get back with me. If they still wanted to do this then I would make a lease amendment that they are responsible for all repairs and maintenance on ac and furnace. --172.58.xxx.xx