Is It Legal For My Landlord To Lock My Thermostat? (Find Out Now!)

You might get excited when you see the words “heat included” on a rental sign. Heat and air conditioning can be some of the highest utility expenses when renting a home. Your excitement may change to confusion or anger when you move in and see that the thermostat is locked by the landlord.

It is legal for your landlord to lock your thermostat. Know who is responsible for paying the utilities before concluding whether or not you should have thermostat access. Research local heat and habitation laws as they vary from state to state. Portable heaters and wall unit air conditioners are good ways to reach more comfortable temperatures in your home when the thermostat is locked.

When you notice a lock on your thermostat, your first instinct might be to find a way to take it off. Before you try to pick a lock, you should look more deeply into the utility expense, and tenant rights in your area. Start by finding out who is paying the heat or air conditioning bill.

Before you dive deep into tenant laws in your state, you need to determine who is footing the bill for heat and air conditioning.

Utilities and their payment should be reflected in your lease. Most leases go into a bit of detail in regards to who is responsible for bills. Look for this information in your rental agreement.

Find out what type of energy your heat and air conditioning use. This is important, because you may be responsible for some utilities, like electricity, but your heat may run on oil or natural gas. It is not uncommon for apartment buildings to include heat but leave tenants responsible for electricity costs.

Almost every state, there exists an implied promise in any rental agreement that is legally referred to “implied warrant of habitability.” This stipulation exists to ensure that tenants who rent spaces are entitled to a dwelling that is habitable. Temperature, especially in extreme climates, is included in the concept of “habitability.”

A lease does not have to stipulate safe temperatures. Still, it is implied that you must have access to heat and airflow. If your landlord locks your thermostat, it is within his or her right. However, the thermostat must be set at a reasonable and habitable temperature. If it is not, you can call the appropriate authorities and claim you are living in an inhabitable space.

In some areas, the time of year plays a role in a landlord’s obligation to provide heat. The landlord can lock the thermostat throughout the year. At certain times of the year, he may be required to change the temperature or reprogram its settings.

Some cities have minimum temperature requirements in the fall and winter. These temperatures often go into effect on a specific day of the year. Find out the rules in your community to ensure your home falls within the legal temperature requirements.

Portable heaters are a highly effective way to heat your home when your landlord controls your thermostat. If you can not turn the heat up on the thermostat, these small heaters are a great option. They run off electricity, so you simply need to plug them in.

When you research which portable heater to buy, be sure to look into the energy costs. There are some energy saver heaters on the market, while others can run up your electric bill more if you leave them on frequently.

Wall Unit air conditioners are one common way to cool down your home, especially if your landlord locks the thermostat. As long as your home has standard windows that open, a wall unit air conditioner is often the most cost-efficient means of creating pleasant temperatures when it is hot outside.

Air conditioners can run up your electricity quickly. Look into energy saver products, as well as products you can program on a timer. This can significantly lower your electric costs.

TIP: If you do not have standard windows, there are portable air conditioners available. Research what type of unit works best for you.

Sometimes when the landlord locks the thermostat you may find yourself feeling particularly humid or dry. Humidifiers are common when the temperatures are especially low outside, as the cold tends to suck moisture out. A humidifier does not increase the temperature in your home, but can make it feel more pleasant.

A dehumidifier can be particularly effective if you live in a hot and humid climate. Humidity can wreak havoc on your furnishings, clothes and even your skin. Dehumidifiers do not decrease the temperature, but by removing moisture they make a warm room feel much more comfortable.

Related Questions

Can I Leave A Space Heater On All Night?

Historically, space heaters have not always been seen as the safest home appliance. Space heaters have caused many tragic home fires in the past. You may be scared to leave your space heater on overnight, but a lot of progress and innovation has occurred in space heater safety. It is safe to leave most space heaters on overnight. However, make sure the heater is certified by one of the major testing organizations. Read reviews and read the user manual carefully. If the space heater is certified safe and the user manual allows for overnight use, then you should be safe to use it accordingly. Tip: If you are not certain about your space heater’s origin, use caution. It is better to buy a new one than risk danger.

Can You Replace The Thermostat In Your Rental Apartment?

Generally speaking, you should not change the thermostat in the apartment you rent without written permission from your landlord. Any changes or home improvements that can affect the functionality of a household should go through the owner of the property.Written consent is particularly important If your landlord contributes to utility costs in your unit. As a rule, always talk to your landlord and obtain written permission before making any changes to the apartment.

Are Portable Air Conditioners As Good As Window Units?

Window AC units are generally more common and more affordable than portable AC units. Overall, window units are often more effective than portable AC units. There are some advanced (and expensive) portable air conditioners that work very well and have great reviews.Window units are usually recommended over their portable AC counterparts. However, some living spaces do not allow for window units, or require additional cooling. If this is the case, a portable air conditioning unit may be the best way to go. Be sure to read ample professional and user reviews to make sure you find the most effective air conditioner for your living space.