How can we help?
Answers to the questions we hear most often, grouped so you can find what you need quickly. If you're stuck on something that isn't here, we're only an email away.
The basics.
What is Stead?
Stead is a home operating system for the UK. It keeps your property details, maintenance tasks, documents, energy information and emergency contacts together in one place, so the important stuff about your home is easy to find when you need it.
Is Stead free?
Stead is free to use while we're in beta, with everything unlocked. Beyond that the core of Stead stays free, and a Stead Pro tier unlocks the premium extras: the AI powered tools, smart home automations and the landlord toolkit. We'll always tell you clearly before anything changes for your account.
Which devices can I use Stead on?
Stead runs in your web browser, and the iOS and Android apps are in beta testing. Your data syncs to your account, so it's there whichever device you sign in on.
Homes and energy ratings.
How do I add another property?
Adding more than one property is part of landlord mode. Go to Account, open Properties and choose Add property. Homeowner and renter accounts cover a single home; you can switch to landlord mode from the same screen if you manage more than one.
How do I switch between my properties?
Tap the property name at the top of the Dashboard to open the property switcher, then pick the one you want.
Where does my energy rating come from?
We look up the official Energy Performance Certificate register by your address. It works for current and expired certificates, and if yours has expired we'll show a prompt to help you arrange a new one.
My energy certificate looks wrong or is missing. What can I do?
You can re-run the lookup from your Property Report. Some older certificates, and some in Scotland and Northern Ireland, publish less detail, so a few fields may not appear.
Staying on top of things.
How do reminders work?
Maintenance tasks and document expiry dates can send you reminders. Choose whether you're reminded in the app, by email, or both, and set how often you'd like a summary, in Account then Notifications.
Can I add my own tasks?
Yes. Open the Tasks tab to add anything you like, and tap any task to edit its details, due date or how often it repeats.
Your files, kept safe.
Are my documents stored securely?
Yes. Your documents and data are encrypted and stored on servers in the EU, and only you can see them. We never sell your data.
How do I download a copy of all my data?
Go to Account, open Security and choose Download my data. You'll get a readable copy, and we'll also file one in your Documents for safekeeping.
Keeping your account safe.
How do I turn on two-factor sign-in?
Open Account, then Security, then Two-factor authentication, and follow the steps. You'll also get one-time recovery codes to keep somewhere safe in case you lose your device.
How do I delete my account?
Open Account and scroll to the Danger zone. Delete account removes your account and everything in it. This can't be undone, so we ask you to confirm first.
Connected devices.
Can Stead control my smart home devices yet?
Yes, for a growing list of them. You can connect Home Assistant, Philips Hue, LIFX, SwitchBot, Shelly and Octopus Energy, then control your lights, switches and plugs, run scenes and set up automations by asking in plain words, and on a tablet turn the screen into an always on wall display. Amazon Alexa now works with Stead: enable the Stead skill in the Alexa app and link your Stead account, and your connected devices answer to voice. Google Home and SmartThings are still going through their platform steps, so they'll follow.
Still need help?
For a fuller walkthrough of how everything works, read the user guide. If your question isn't answered here, send us an email and we'll get back to you. You can also report a bug or request a feature from inside the app, under Account then Support.