The number of properties both residential and commercial-languishing unoccupied is on the increase, according to RICS (Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors). Empty properties are bad news for landlords. Apart from the drying up of income, they are vulnerable to vandals and squatters. Property owners that have fallen on hard times are less able than ever to take on the cost of security guards.

This is why many owners are turning to security companies of a different kind: “property guardians”- reliable people who will move into the premises and protect them. It is a “win win” solution; property owners are charged a fraction of the price of traditional security companies, whilst simultaneously providing affordable, centrally located housing to individuals.

The building owners get a virtual 24-hour presence on their property. There is no need to go to the expense of boarding up a premise: which is an option but markedly detracts from the appeal to potential future long term occupants.

The largest company, Ad Hoc Property (www.adhoc.eu) protection came to the UK two years ago from Holland, where the concept is well established. The number of properties and guardians that Ad Hoc are working with doubles every six months across its three locations, London, York and the West country. Ad Hoc’s properties are divided almost equally between standard residential houses and flats and commercial premises. There is no restriction on what kind of building they will work with, other than it being safe to inhabit. They have retail premises, churches, pubs, residential homes, hospitals, schools, warehouses, blocks of flats, and of course houses on the books. Temporary utility pods (kitchen, bathroom and living quarters) are installed in non-residential properties enabling adventurous people to experience a warm and secure environment to live in a central location they would not normally be able to afford.

Property guardians are professional working people who are looking for low cost housing and have the flexibility to be able to move with 14 days notice. The vetting procedure is stringent with applicants having to provide the usual identity checks, references and a face-to-face interview.
Instead of the traditional short hold assured tenancy agreement Ad Hoc use a property licence with a 14 day warning period for relocation. Guardians usually stay in the premises for a minimum of 3 months as that is the time the landlord usually needs to arrange a more permanent future for the property. If an applicant is successful a guardian will need to stump up a deposit of £300 plus a one off administration fee of £20. Licensees pay around £50 per week to live in a property, and if it is commercial, utility bills are usually covered by the property owner and council tax is not payable.

Ad Hoc pride themselves on their vetting and placement skills and have satisfied guardians and property owners happy that they took the plunge and went Dutch.