What does being a property guardian entail?

What is it like being a property guardian? This is a question that many people have as property guardianship gains popularity as a housing solution. Property guardianship is a unique housing arrangement where individuals live in vacant properties as a form of security and management for property owners. Being a property guardian has its benefits, challenges, and expectations.

As a property guardian, one can expect to live in unconventional spaces such as former office blocks, warehouses, schools, and even churches. These spaces are often spacious and provide a unique living experience that is different from traditional rented accommodation. Additionally, property guardianship provides an affordable housing option and is regarded as a viable solution to the UK’s housing crisis. Guardians are expected to occupy the property and maintain it, and in return, they get to live there at a lower rate than market value.

One of the main benefits of being a property guardian is the flexibility of the housing arrangement. Guardianship agreements typically require a shorter notice period compared to traditional rental agreements, giving guardians more flexibility to move around or take up temporary jobs. The arrangement also provides a sense of community as guardians often live in the same building, making it easy to get to know each other and create a sense of belonging.

However, being a property guardian has its challenges, one of them being the uncertainty that comes with it. As a guardian, one is never guaranteed how long they will live in the property as they can be asked to leave with a notice period of only a few weeks.

Another challenge is the responsibilities that come with being a property guardian. Guardians are expected to maintain the property and ensure it is kept secure. This includes performing routine checks, reporting any issues to the property owner, and ensuring the property is secure.

Being a property guardian also comes with expectations from the property owner. Guardians are expected to respect the property and its surroundings, keep it clean, and adhere to any rules set out in the guardianship agreement. Failure to comply with these expectations can result in the guardian being asked to leave the property.

Being a property guardian comes with its benefits, challenges, and expectations. It provides a unique living experience and an affordable housing option for those struggling with high rental costs. The arrangement is flexible and can offer a sense of community. However, guardians should be aware of the uncertainty that comes with it, the responsibilities they will have to shoulder, and the expectations from the property owner. If you are considering becoming a property guardian, it is essential to weigh the benefits against the challenges and expectations before making a decision.