Smart / WiFi Thermostat for Rental?

[David Santore]

I am getting ready to rent my duplex in an owner/occupy situation, and I'd like to put in a smart thermostat for my rental unit.  Two reasons - amenity appeal, and control if the unit is vacant (tenants on vacation and there is an issue, or between tenants and need to maintain temp).

What smart thermostats have worked for others owner/occupiers?

My question is - would I need to connect the thermostat to my wifi, and just give general access to my tenants - changing the password to it when they leave? 

[Blair Poelman]

I have the nest units.  They are pretty sweet.  I might be wrong, but I believe the models I have will only allow 1 phone to connect and control the unit with the app - so taking control of the thing while the tenant is gone might be kind of a logistical problem - with you having to log out so the tenant can log in.  

I can log on through the website or the app - but I think I'm limited to just 1 mobile device.

The scheduling feature is excellent. 

If it were me, I would just let the tenant control their own HVAC - as long as they are paying the bill.  If owner pays utilities, maybe set the nest on an agreed upon schedule and then it just is what it is.