If the temperature in the basement gets below freezing, you'll have some problems running anything successfully.

The smell may be from leaking garbage bags being hauled down the hallway.If it's carpet maybe replace it with an easier to clean material, and scheduled some regular cleanings (as often as needed).This might be a fix vs trying to compete with the stink with a sweet smell.If you do this, be sure whatever you choose is temperature stable dimensionaly for your hallway micro climate.Good Luck!

I know about the temperature settings because at the start of his lease he told me he likes the AC set below 68 in summer. this time around my contract actually has a temperature setting the tenant must follow.

One of the companies I contacted mentioned that if they use just heat  it can make the bedbugs migrate through to the next unit since the heat takes some time to reach the correct temperature.

Also look at your lighting "color temperature". 

There is some options here but the temperature does not seem to be adjustable (https://www.landlordthermostat...).

Here's a link to one type you can use: https://www.lowes.com/pd/J-B-WELD-WaterWeld-White-Epoxy-Adhe...Middle ground: you call in a tub refinisher who will do essentially the same thing except they will spray the entire tub when they are done, which will last about 5-8 years looking good unless someone uses Comet or similar cleaning the tub. 

Eric W.We just had another 6 inch snow fall, and temperatures have never been above freezing for the last week or so and the long range forecast is 2 more weeks of this sub freezing temps.I'm not getting any calls from people who want to move right now.The first day in Feb when the temps break 60 degrees, will be the start of the spring thaw, not only in temps, but prospective renters too.

You could also do temperature activated wall plugs for the minis, like this: https://www.amazon.com/DIGITEN-Thermostat-Temperature-Contro...You would need to put some kind of lock box over the outlet to really be sure but it should do the trick. 

They are used to putting in systems in California where you don't have wild temperature ranges and snow.