Tenant locked the thermostat and can't unlock.

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Tenant locked the thermostat and can't unlock.

Mike Walsh
Louisville, KY · Member since 2017 · 4 posts · 3 votes

The tenant emailed us over the weekend that they cannot get the thermostat unlocked. 

Is it our responsibility as the landlord to send out an HVAC tech just to unlock their thermostat?

Or is it the tenants responsibility to figure it out?

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Scott Mac
Austin, TX · Member since 2019 · 5k+ posts · 5k+ votes
4y

One of these might not let you save the planet, or cut your HVAC bills, but it will let you sleep in on the weekends.

Most children can figure these out.

14Reply
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  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    4y
    Quote from @Mike Walsh:

    The tenant emailed us over the weekend that they cannot get the thermostat unlocked. 

    Is it our responsibility as the landlord to send out an HVAC tech just to unlock their thermostat?

    Or is it the tenants responsibility to figure it out?

    Tenant's responsibility. However, if you installed a complicated thermostat that is difficult for the average user to operate without a manual, then you should bare some responsibility.

    Can they just unplug it, remove the battery, and wipe the memory?


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    6Reply
  • John UnderwoodPro Member
    Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
    4y

    Either you or them download the manual and see how to reset it.

    If you download it, then just instruct them what to do to reset it.

    Don't call a HVAC person for this.

    6Reply
  • Scott Mac
    Austin, TX · Member since 2019 · 5k+ posts · 5k+ votes
    4y

    One of these might not let you save the planet, or cut your HVAC bills, but it will let you sleep in on the weekends.

    Most children can figure these out.

    14Reply
  • Bjorn AhlbladPro Member
    Investor · Shelton, WA · Member since 2017 · 6k+ posts · 6k+ votes
    4y

    There are youtube videos for everything!!

    4Reply
  • Roger Devore
    Investor · Kokomo, IN · Member since 2015 · 40 posts · 11 votes
    4y
    Quote from @Mike Walsh:

    The tenant emailed us over the weekend that they cannot get the thermostat unlocked. 

    Is it our responsibility as the landlord to send out an HVAC tech just to unlock their thermostat?

    Or is it the tenants responsibility to figure it out?


     I don't think it is an us or them question. For me, it comes down to helping someone out. If it was my friend from across town I would take a min or two to assist them in figuring this out and avoid calling an HVAC company. I'm sure it will be an easy fix and can be done anytime during the day. The scenario I listed above is based on no big impact on the tenant such as the house is excessively warm or cold. Also, I feel it will go a long way toward keeping good relation and tenants.

    Roger

    3Reply
  • Matt Devincenzo
    Investor · Clairemont, CA · Member since 2011 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    4y
    Quote from @Mike Walsh:

    Or is it the tenants responsibility to figure it out?

    Sometimes you do have to have a reasonable perspective on these types of issues and not make every interaction a fault finding investigation. The reality is tenants are not homeowners...so they'll reach out looking for support on home related issues. People (LL, tenants, others) make mistakes and if you only seek to assign blame then the reality is that they will do the same when you falter in the future. 

    My solution would be to first spend 5 min trying to find the manual online to send them, and giving helpful ideas of how to fix it (remove batteries, hold reset etc). If that doesn't work then I'd go by (I self manage) and attempt to resolve it myself. And finally I'd call the HVAC tech myself because I control who works on my property not the tenant. The cost of that service visit might be something I pass on to them or have them cover at the time of the visit. But I want them to recognize that I tried to help in a low/no cost way first...this has helped me have tenants who work with me to take care of small problems themselves with phone/text troubleshooting which they could have put on me if they wanted to just assign blame.

    4Reply
  • Adam Martin
    Rental Property Investor · Member since 2020 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    4y
    Quote from @Bjorn Ahlblad:

    There are youtube videos for everything!!


     Exactly.  If it were me I would ask them for the model and a picture and go onto youtube and get a tutorial to forward to them.  If they still couldn't figure it out I'd probably just drive out and get it fixed.  I don't know how some of you seasoned vets landlords did DIY landlording before youtube but I salute you.  While landlording is considered passive income by the IRS, that is not always the case and sometimes it is not convenient.  

    3Reply
  • Theresa HarrisPro Member
    Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
    4y

    I'd also suggest a quick search online to troubleshoot or resetting it.  They should be able to call the manufacturer to get help (if they can't find it in the FAQ page).  I'm sure it is a common problem and listed in the FAQ at the end of the manual.

    2Reply
  • Colleen F.Pro Member
    Investor · Narragansett, RI · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    4y

    @Mike Walsh did they ask you to send someone or did they just say they are locked out ? My first step would be to reread the email and call them. If you can figure it out on the phone or in person great. I assume a person of normal cognitive abilities. If you have a challenged person ask them to get a friend to help. If it needs to be an hvac tech unless it is a malfunction it is on them.

    3Reply
  • Christina M.
    Rental Property Investor · PA · Member since 2017 · 69 posts · 60 votes
    4y

    @Scott Mac My husband just said the exact same thing - now you know why I install the round ones.

    2Reply
  • David Avery
    Flipper/Rehabber · Phoenix Arizona · Member since 2020 · 1k+ posts · 686 votes
    4y

    Those plastic covers are pretty simple to open even with a lock on them.

    Plus they are low voltage.

    Why does it have a locked cover on it?

    1Reply
  • Daniel SmythPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Rockford, IL · Member since 2019 · 471 posts · 342 votes
    4y

    @Mike Walsh

    Yes.

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    0Reply
  • Colleen F.Pro Member
    Investor · Narragansett, RI · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    4y

    @Mike Walsh did you get it unlocked?

    0Reply
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