Updated July 2026. If you run an HMO or a bills-included let, heating is one of your biggest controllable costs — and the thermostat is where that battle is won or lost. This guide covers the two things landlords actually search for: smart thermostats that let you control and schedule heating remotely, and lockable / tamper-proof thermostats that stop tenants cranking the heat to 28°C on your bill.
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Why landlords fit smart or lockable thermostats
- Control bills-included heating. In HMOs and all-inclusive lets, uncontrolled heating destroys your margin. Scheduling and temperature caps keep costs predictable.
- Remote management. Adjust, schedule or turn off heating between tenancies from your phone — no site visit.
- Tamper resistance. Lockable thermostats and guards stop tenants overriding your settings.
- Energy efficiency & comfort. Smarter scheduling reduces waste while keeping the property warm enough to avoid damp and mould — which remains your responsibility.
One caution: you must still keep the home capable of being heated to a safe, healthy level. Setting caps so low that a property can’t stay warm risks a fitness for human habitation problem (excess cold is a serious hazard). Aim for control, not deprivation.
The three options for landlords
| Type | Best for | Landlord control |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer smart thermostat (Nest, Hive, tado°, Wiser) | Single lets & small HMOs | App scheduling, remote on/off, some temp limits |
| Lockable / tamper-proof thermostat + guard | Bills-included rooms | Physical lock or clear guard over the dial |
| Commercial HMO heating system (Prefect, Timeguard landlord range) | Larger multi-room HMOs | Per-room limits, boost timers, central control |
Best smart thermostats for landlords
Google Nest, Hive, tado° and Drayton Wiser are the mainstream choices — all give you app-based scheduling and remote control, and most support temperature limits. tado° and Wiser are popular for room-by-room control via smart radiator valves, which suits HMOs. Compare current models and prices: smart thermostats on Amazon, or add smart radiator valves for per-room zoning.
Best lockable and tamper-proof thermostats
This is what most landlords are really after. Two approaches:
- A lockable thermostat with a PIN or key lock and a settable maximum temperature — see lockable landlord thermostats on Amazon.
- A thermostat guard — a clear lockable cover fitted over an existing dial or smart unit — see thermostat guards on Amazon. The cheapest way to lock down heating you already have.
Commercial HMO heating controls
For larger HMOs, purpose-built systems such as the Prefect Irus/ecoStat range or landlord-focused units from Timeguard/Sangamo give per-room temperature limits, boost timers and central monitoring. They cost more than a consumer thermostat but are designed for multi-occupancy control and are worth pricing up if you run several rooms.
What to look for
- Compatibility with your boiler/heating system (combi, system, or electric) and wiring.
- A maximum-temperature cap and, ideally, a PIN or physical lock.
- Remote access and scheduling via an app.
- Per-room / multi-zone control for larger HMOs.
- Reliable Wi-Fi — check your broadband setup reaches the thermostat location.
Installation and compliance
Many smart thermostats are DIY-friendly, but anything involving mains wiring or your boiler should be fitted by a competent electrician or heating engineer. Keep heating safe and efficient alongside your other duties — an annual gas safety check and a valid EICR where required.
Frequently asked questions
Can a landlord lock a thermostat so tenants can’t change it?
Yes — via a lockable thermostat with a PIN/max-temp setting, or a physical thermostat guard over the dial. But you must still let the home reach a safe, healthy temperature; setting it too low can breach your fitness-for-habitation duty.
Which smart thermostat is best for an HMO?
For small HMOs, tado° or Drayton Wiser with smart radiator valves give room-by-room control. For larger HMOs, a commercial system (e.g. Prefect) with per-room limits is usually better value.
Do smart thermostats really cut heating bills?
They can, mainly through better scheduling and not heating empty rooms. Savings vary by property and habits, so treat headline percentages as indicative rather than guaranteed.
Written by the Landlords Portal team — experienced UK landlords covering the private rented sector. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This article is general information, not legal or technical advice; use a qualified installer for wiring or boiler work.
