UK landlords are legally required to provide adequate heating and proper heating controls in rental properties. While there is no single law that says a thermostat must be installed, existing legislation makes temperature control essential.
Do landlords have to provide a thermostat?
In practice, yes.
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords must ensure heating systems are safe, functional, and capable of keeping the property warm. This includes providing a way for tenants to control heating.
Can a landlord control the heating?
Tenants must be able to control their comfort and access adequate heating. Where bills are included, landlords may set reasonable limits, provided tenants can still reach legal temperatures.
Minimum heating standards
Guidance under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) expects homes to be capable of maintaining:
21°C in living areas
18°C in bedrooms
If a property cannot achieve this due to poor heating controls, it may be considered unsafe.
Thermostats
Landlords must meet Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES), with rental properties requiring an EPC rating of E or above. Effective heating controls, including a suitable thermostat, help reduce energy waste and support compliance.
Points to consider when choosing a thermostat:
- Simple for tenants to use
- Reliable and low-maintenance
- Suitable for existing wiring
- Not dependent on apps or Wi-Fi
TIME:O:STAT thermostats are a popular choice because they’re easy to install, easy to use, and built as a 'fit and forget' solution for rental properties.
In Summary
Landlords must provide tenants with effective control over their heating. Installing a clear, reliable thermostat helps ensure legal compliance, tenant comfort, and peace of mind.
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.