tenant wants programmable thermostat

[Ashley Bartlett]

Hello!  Just looking for any advice: a tenant in our triplex wants to install a programmable thermostat.  We aren't going to cover the cost but have no problem with this.  Should we require an addendum to the lease saying that the tenant is responsible for maintaining and servicing the new thermostat?  Thank you for any advice.

[Andrew B.]

Most leases have a provision in the lease that states that all items affixed to the property become part of the property and are the sole property of the landlord. if you want to be extra careful, or your lease does not state this, you can have them sign an addendum which states that you give permission to have thermostat installed professionally and ownership transfers to you, and tenant agrees not to remove upon termination of lease.