Time:o:stat

A landlord thermostat, also known as a landlord heating control or tamper-proof thermostat, is a device specifically designed for rental properties, especially when the landlord includes utilities in the rent. Timeostat is a thermostat designed by landlords and widely considered to be the best thermostat for rental properties.

The primary purpose of these thermostats is to allow the property owner or manager to control and limit the temperature settings to prevent excessive energy use, reduce utility bills to allow for more competitive rents. The Timeostat can reduce the such energy use by over 40%.

Landlords often use these in multi-tenant properties (like Houses in Multiple Occupation or HMOs) or holiday rentals (like Airbnb) where utility costs are a significant expense that they directly bear.

Key features of landlord thermostats such as the Timeostat include: Maximum and minimum temperature limits, tamperproof controls, boost timers and remote/smart features where appropriate.

A thermostat for an HMO (House in Multiple Occupation) is a specialised, often tamper-proof heating control. The TIME:O:STAT landlord thermostat balances tenant comfort with landlord cost management. Landlord thermostats typically feature boost timers and temperature limits to prevent excessive energy waste, especially when utilities are included in rent. TIME:O:STAT
allows tenants to boost heat for short periods (e.g., 2 hours) but automatically shutting off, preventing heating an empty property for days, saving landlords significant money. 

Key Features

• Time-Delay Boost: Tenants press a button to add a set amount of heating time (e.g., 1-2 hours), after which it automatically turns off, preventing continuous use.
• Tamper-Proof Settings: Landlords can set maximum temperature limits and lock controls to prevent tenants from setting it too high.
• Energy Savings: Dramatically cuts heating bills (often 40%+) by ensuring heat isn't wasted when rooms are vacant, making them ideal for "bills included" rentals.
• Ease of Use: Simple for tenants to operate, with clear options to get heat when needed without complex programming.
• Smart Options: Some models offer app control, remote management, and tamper alerts for landlords. 

Why Landlords Use Them

• Cost Control: Prevents tenants from leaving heating on full blast, which is a major expense in HMOs where landlords often cover utility costs.
• Property Management: Systematises heating control across multiple units, reducing the need for constant micromanagement,

In essence, it's a "fit and forget" solution that gives tenants control within safe, cost-effective boundaries set by the landlord.

TIME:O:STAT is considered the best thermostat for short term rentals such as Airbnb. The best thermostat for a short-term rentals balances guest ease-of-use with host control and energy savings. TIME:O:STAT offers specialised landlord options with for temperature control with timers and tamper-proof minimum temperatures.

TIME:O:STAT ONE is highly recommended because of the key features of remote management, scheduling, guest-friendly interfaces, and integration with a landlord app that allows heating management of multiple rentals via a single login. The simple ‘single button’ boost operation ensures the guest experience positive as there is no confusion around how to turn on the heating.

The landlord is responsible for ensuring the thermostat and the heating system it controls are in good working order.

Under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, a landlord has a legal obligation to "keep in repair and proper working order the installations in the dwelling-house for space heating and heating water."

The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 also reinforces this by requiring properties to be fit for human habitation, which includes adequate provision for heating. A broken thermostat that prevents adequate heating would violate this.

Any new or replacement boiler installation (after April 2018) must include specific energy efficiency controls, which typically means a room thermostat. If the boiler was installed before these regulations came into force, a room thermostat may not be a legal requirement.

The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) enforced by the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 states that a dwelling should be free from the hazard of "Excess Cold".

Industry and government guidance on temperature standards state that a property's heating system must be capable of achieving 21 degrees Celsius in living rooms and 18 degrees Celsius in bedrooms. A property that cannot achieve these temperatures when the outdoor temperature is below -1 degree Celsius would be considered to have an "Excess Cold" hazard.

It could be considered a grey area in HMO properties. Bedrooms in HMO properties are often treated as living accommodation by tenants. It could be argued that the 21 degree should apply.

The law requires the landlord to provide and maintain a functional heating system that is capable of achieving these temperatures. It is the tenant's responsibility to use the heating system to maintain a comfortable temperature and pay the bills (unless utilities are included in the rent).

Temperatures that fall consistently below 16 degrees Celsius are widely considered to pose a serious risk to health and are likely to be classified as an "Excess Cold" Category 1 Hazard by a local authority, requiring the landlord to take immediate action.

Landlords must provide a safe and warm environment. The property should be able to reach a minimum 18°C in bedrooms and 21°C in living rooms. Who controls the thermostat depends on who pays the bills. If tenants pay bills, they control the heating. If bills are included, landlords can set reasonable limits but ensuring tenants can still reach legal temperatures and have control over their comfort. The TIME:O:STAT strikes a perfect balance. It allows the tenants easy access to boosting the heating when desired, to ensure their comfort. While the background program settings and temperature limits are set by the landlord.

Key Legal Obligations for Landlords

• Provide & Maintain Heating: Landlords must keep heating and hot water systems in good repair and working order under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.
• Meet HHSRS Standards: Properties must be free from hazards under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, which includes adequate heating.

Temperature Standards: Heating systems should reach a minimum of 18°C in bedrooms and 21°C in living rooms is required when it's cold outside. (Note: It could be considered that bedrooms in an HMO could be designated as living rooms.)

Yes, the Time:o:stat is a replacement for your property’s regular room thermostat. They are compatible with both combi boilers and those with a hot water tank.

A qualified electrician can easily install the Time:o:stat in less than 30 minutes.

HMO properties usually have great insulation, but the temperature can drop at night in some older properties. Time:o:stat's advanced settings offer features such as; minimum temperatures, longer auto-program times and the innovative comfort warmth modes.

There are both wireless and wired versions of the TIME:O:STAT available. If you are replacing an existing wired thermostat then we recommend fitting a wired version. A wireless version may be better If you do not currently have any thermostat wiring and can not easily run a wire between where you want the thermostat and the boiler.

For wired versions: check if you have a 2 core wire or a 3/4 core wire. If you have a 2 core then order a battery (2 wire) model. If you have a 3 or 4 core wire then order a mains (2 or 3 wire) model.

If you you have a hot water tank and do not have an existing timer for the hot water, a 2-channel TIME:O:STAT will allow hot water control.

Trusted by over 10,000 landlords, the CLASSIC continues to be a favourite in HMOs. Many landlord prefer this 'fit and forget', hassle free solution. There is no landlord app, so no need to micromanage tenants heating.

The ONE is the best thermostat for Airbnb, serviced accommodation and holiday caravans. Your guests instinctively know how to turn on the heating, using the single button. Landlords use the app to configure the base settings.