Featured Service 15 min read

Live-In Guardian Services: The Ultimate Property Protection

Discover why property guardianship is the most effective, cost-efficient way to secure vacant buildings. Complete guide to how it works, costs, and benefits.

January 2026 Clear Space Team
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100%
Squatter Prevention
24/7
On-Site Security
60%
Cost Savings
0
Security Incidents

Vacant properties are vulnerable properties. Every day an empty building sits unprotected, it's at risk of squatters, vandalism, theft, and damage that can cost tens of thousands of pounds to remedy.

But what if there was a security solution that provided 24/7 human presence, eliminated squatter risk entirely, included property maintenance, and often costs less than traditional security measures? That solution is a live-in guardian service.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explain everything you need to know about property guardianship – how it works, the benefits, costs, and why it's become the preferred security solution for landlords, developers, and property managers across the UK.

1 What is a Property Guardian?

A property guardian is a carefully vetted individual who lives in an otherwise vacant property, providing security through their presence. In exchange for accommodation at a reduced rate, guardians commit to:

Being Present

Maintaining regular occupancy and presence in the property

Security Awareness

Reporting any security concerns or suspicious activity immediately

Property Care

Basic maintenance, cleaning, and looking after the building

Flexible Access

Allowing property owner access for inspections and viewings

The Key Difference

Unlike traditional security guards who patrol and leave, property guardians live on-site 24/7. This constant human presence is the most powerful deterrent against squatters, vandals, and thieves – criminals simply don't target occupied properties.

2 How Does It Work?

Setting up a guardian service is straightforward. Here's what happens from initial enquiry to full protection:

1

Property Assessment

We visit your property to assess its suitability, check facilities, and understand your requirements. This is completely free and no-obligation.

2

Property Preparation

If needed, we help prepare the property for occupation – basic furnishing, utility setup, and any necessary safety checks to meet habitation standards.

3

Guardian Matching

We carefully select guardians suited to your property type and location. All guardians are fully vetted with background checks, references, and employment verification.

4

Move-In & Protection Begins

Guardians move in, typically within 1-2 weeks of agreement. From day one, your property has 24/7 protection through human presence.

5

Ongoing Management

We manage the guardians, handle any issues, conduct regular check-ins, and provide you with peace of mind. You receive monthly reports on property condition.

3 Key Benefits for Property Owners

Complete Squatter Prevention

An occupied property cannot legally be squatted. Guardian presence eliminates this risk entirely – no expensive evictions, no legal battles.

Cost-Effective Security

Often 50-70% cheaper than manned guarding while providing superior protection. Guardians pay a licence fee that offsets your costs.

Property Maintenance Included

Guardians keep the property clean, report issues immediately, run heating in winter, and prevent deterioration that affects empty buildings.

Insurance Benefits

Occupied properties often qualify for standard insurance policies, avoiding expensive vacant property premiums that can be 3-4x higher.

24/7 Human Presence

No security system matches a human being on-site. Guardians deter criminals, respond to emergencies, and provide instant security.

Flexible Arrangements

Guardians can vacate with short notice when you need the property back – typically 28 days, far quicker than ending a tenancy.

Guardian Service vs. Empty Property

With Guardian Service

  • Zero squatter risk
  • Property maintained
  • Standard insurance
  • Heating running
  • Immediate response

Empty & Unprotected

  • 6x more likely to be targeted
  • Deterioration risk
  • Expensive premiums
  • Frozen pipe risk
  • No one watching

4 Our Guardian Vetting Process

We understand that inviting someone to live in your property is a big decision. That's why our guardian vetting process is thorough and comprehensive:

Identity Verification

Government-issued ID checks, right to reside verification, and proof of address confirmation.

Background Checks

Comprehensive DBS (criminal record) checks, credit history review, and previous address verification.

Employment Verification

Confirmation of employment status, income verification, and professional references from employers.

Personal References

Character references, previous landlord checks, and in-person interviews to assess suitability.

100% Vetted Guarantee

Every guardian placed in your property has passed our complete vetting process. We maintain ongoing relationships with all guardians and conduct regular check-ins.

5 Costs & Value Comparison

Guardian services offer exceptional value compared to traditional security. Here's a realistic comparison:

Security Solution Monthly Cost 24/7 Protection Maintenance
Live-In Guardian £200-400
Manned Security Guard £3,000-8,000
Mobile Patrols (3x daily) £600-1,200
CCTV Monitoring £200-500 Remote only
Steel Screens + Alarms £300-600 Passive

Real Savings Example

Without Guardian (12 months)

  • Security patrols: £8,400
  • CCTV monitoring: £3,600
  • Vacant property insurance: £2,400
  • Property inspections: £1,200
  • Total: £15,600/year

With Guardian (12 months)

  • Guardian management fee: £3,600
  • Standard insurance: £800
  • Utilities (guardian pays portion): £600
  • Total: £5,000/year

Save over £10,000 per year

Plus superior 24/7 protection and property maintenance

6 Suitable Property Types

Guardian services work for a wide range of vacant properties. Here are the most common:

Residential Properties

Houses, flats, and apartments between tenants or awaiting sale.

Commercial Buildings

Offices, retail units, and mixed-use properties awaiting new occupants.

Former Public Buildings

Schools, hospitals, council buildings awaiting redevelopment.

Development Sites

Properties awaiting planning permission or construction start.

Probate Properties

Inherited properties during estate administration periods.

Social Housing

Council and housing association properties between allocations.

Property Requirements

For guardian placement, properties need to meet basic habitation standards:

  • • Working utilities (water, electricity, heating)
  • • Functional bathroom facilities
  • • Basic kitchen area or provisions
  • • Secure entry points
  • • Fire safety compliance

Don't have these in place? We can help prepare your property for guardian occupancy.

7 Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to Get Started?

Protect Your Property with a Live-In Guardian

Don't leave your vacant property vulnerable. Get a free, no-obligation consultation today and discover how guardian services can save you money while providing superior protection.

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Speak directly with our guardian services team

07826 917948

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Request a Free Property Assessment

We'll visit your property, assess its suitability, and provide a no-obligation quote for guardian services. Most properties can have guardians in place within 1-2 weeks.