Guardians are people to live in otherwise empty buildings to enhance security and prevent disrepair. They are sometimes called House Sitters, Derrick Willer, of Cavendish consultants, writes.
The Guardian system grew up in Holland following legislation which enabled squatters to claim rights of abode after only a short time in the property. It was brought to England some five years ago and there are now several companies providing this service.<br><br><br>What are the benefits?<br><br>The benefits include:<br><br>-improved security, especially against squatters and vandals,<br>-prevention of squatting because people are living there legally,<br>-immediate feedback of building maintenance issues – hence preventing dilapidation,<br>-reduced repair costs because issues are addressed promptly,<br>-significantly reduced insurance costs of up to 50%,<br>-minimised security costs.<br><br><br>How does it work?<br><br>The supplier contracts with the property owner or agent to place a minimum number of Guardians in the property at a cost to the owner of a small fraction of the cost of deploying security officers, of CCTV monitoring or of boarding-up.<br><br>The supplier also ensures that adequate facilities exist for habitation (e.g. bathroom and kitchen facilities) but the owner is responsible for utilities and building maintenance, however the supplier can provide maintenance by agreement with the owner.<br><br>Additionally the supplier inspects the site at least monthly to ensure that the property is secure, that maintenance issues are dealt with and that the Guardians are well and treating the property properly.<br><br>The Guardians, have a contract with the supplier to live in the otherwise empty property, and to report problems to the supplier for immediate attention.<br><br>The Guardians are provided with guidance on how to respond to problems and contract to maintain their room and common areas in a tidy state. Their contract includes termination clauses and does not confer any rights of tenancy. Such a contract should have been prepared with the approval of a barrister skilled in tenancy law.<br><br><br>What types of property are suitable?<br><br>Guardians have been placed in all types of property from unoccupied stately homes to disused factories. Properties have included schools, nurses’ homes, old peoples’ homes, pubs (no beer), hotels, schools, commercial and governmental offices, warehouses, a fire station – you name it.<br><br><br>What are the costs?<br><br>The cost to the owner is a small fraction of the cost of deploying security officers or of CCTV monitoring, boarding-up may be a similar low cost but advertises the empty property to squatters.<br><br>Typically the cost is less than £1000 per month, far less than employing a security officer.<br><br><br>Which suppliers?<br><br>Currently, there is only one supplier in UK holding the relevant approval qualifications (ISO9001 Quality Management, BS7984 Key-Holding, BS7858 Security Screening, Security Industry Authority Approved Contractor Scheme, SIA Licensed Personnel, etc.) and this is Camelot Property Management. However others may be applying for proper certification.<br><br>Because the monthly inspections include assessing security and the service involves key-holding as a security activity, the property inspectors, the key-managers, any employee carrying client’s keys and the company directors must hold SIA Licences. However the Guardians do not require such licenses, providing their contract does not include any security duties, and that this has been agreed with the SIA.<br><br>The supplier should vet the Guardian to ensure honesty, reliability and that they have a job or other means of funds. A credit check should be obtained and, where required by the customer, a criminal record check.<br><br>Additionally the supplier should hold adequate insurance, including Efficacy, and be recognised by the customer’s insurer so that insurance premiums can be reduced. Alternatively, the supplier should offer a lower cost insurance package with a reliable insurer.<br><br>
