Property Guardian vs Tenant: What’s the Real Difference?
At first glance, property guardian and renter setups look similar — someone pays to live in a property. But in reality, guardianship is a completely different arrangement to renting.
The main difference is that tenants rent a space to live in, while guardians live in a space to protect it. Although, there’s a lot more to it than just this.
Beyond the valuable service they offer, being a property guardian comes with some unique benefits, too. We’ll break it all down in detail in the guide below.
Property Guardian vs a Tenant: What’s the Difference?
In the current struggle for affordable housing, property guardianship is a flexible, sensible option for people looking for short-term living space.
But what does it really mean to be a property guardian? And how is it different from being a traditional tenant?
A tenant is someone who signs a rental agreement, known as an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST), with a landlord or letting agent. They pay rent and, in return, have exclusive access to the property for a fixed period.
The tenancy model is regulated by a solid legal framework and is geared toward long-term, stable housing.
A property guardian, on the other hand, enters into a licence agreement, not a tenancy.
Guardians live in otherwise empty properties to protect them from squatters, vandalism, and deterioration. In return, they pay a licence fee, which is far lower than traditional rent.
In exchange, they get temporary, flexible accommodation, often in unique and central locations.
Property Guardian vs a Tenant: Key Differences
Although both arrangements involve someone living in a property and paying to do so, the expectations, rights, and responsibilities of each setup are very different.
Legal Framework: Licence vs Tenancy
While they don’t own it, tenants have exclusive possession of the space they rent. Landlords must give written notice and often go through a formal process to access the property.
Guardians have no exclusive possession. Instead, they sign a licence agreement, which gives them permission to occupy the property under specific conditions.
Guardianship contracts are flexible, rolling weekly agreements, usually with just 28 days’ notice required by either party.
This structure allows the property owner to reclaim their space quickly when needed. It also gives the guardian enough time to relocate, which is often done within the guardianship network.
It’s also a very quick process. The entire process, from viewing the property to moving in, generally happens within five days for guardians.
Cost: Affordable Access vs Market Rent
Where guardianship really stands out is its affordability.
The average guardian pays 50% to 60% less than a traditional renter in the same area. In London, where rent prices are through the roof, this could mean saving thousands per year.
Because guardianship isn’t a commercial tenancy, licence fees are kept low. Many properties also include bills, council tax, and maintenance checks as part of the arrangement, which gives guardians a predictable, all-in-one living cost.
Tenants, on the other hand, generally face high upfront deposits, agency fees, and sky-high monthly rents, especially in competitive, central areas.
Duration: Flexibility vs Fixed Terms
A tenancy agreement usually locks the renter into a fixed term, such as six months or a year. If you break that contract early, you’ll likely face penalties.
Guardianship is designed to be flexible. With a 28-day notice period and no fixed end date, guardians can leave or be asked to leave with minimal bureaucracy or hassle.
That flexibility cuts both ways. It’s ideal for people who want temporary, low-cost accommodation, but it’s not suited to those who need a permanent, long-term home.
Consider a Property Guardian Scheme
Guardianship certainly isn’t for everyone. It’s not suitable for families, pet owners, or anyone looking for long-term housing security. But if you’re a working professional, creative, young entrepreneur, or key worker, then guardianship might be the ideal fit.
You’ll spend way less on living costs. You’ll gain access to properties in locations that would otherwise be unaffordable. And you’ll be part of a growing movement that makes good use of empty spaces — keeping them safe, useful, and full of life.
At City Guardians, we connect responsible, fully vetted individuals with vacant properties across London and the UK. Our guardians live in unique, often prime-location buildings for significantly less than market rent. Whether you’re new to the concept or actively looking for your next place to live, our team is here to make the process simple, transparent, and stress-free.
Interested in becoming a guardian? Apply now and discover a smarter alternative to stressful London renting.
