Okay, so I just installed this ControlTemp CT76 thermostat in my rental property, and here's the real tea...
First off, the tamper-proof feature is LEGIT. No more midnight calls from tenants complaining about freezing AC at 65° when it's 110° outside (Texas problems, amirite?). The 76° limit works both ways - they can turn heat lower but can't icebox the place.
Installation was stupid easy - took me like 15 minutes while drinking my morning coffee. Works perfectly with my old furnace system too.
BUT... the labels? Microscopic. Had to use a magnifying glass to read the settings. Ended up putting some colorful stickers so my elderly tenant could see them better.
Price tag made me gulp - $70 feels steep when cheaper models exist. Though honestly, not having to replace HVAC units every season probably saves more in long run.
Pro tip: That 'tamper proof' claim isn't 100% accurate. Determined tenants could still mess with it if they really wanted to (ask me how I know...). But for casual temp tweakers? Does the job.
Final verdict? Worth it if you're tired of playing thermostat police with tenants/parents. Just don't expect Fort Knox-level security.