How to Apply with City Guardians
Property guardianship is an alternative way of living that’s picking up momentum (for good reason).
It’s a smarter, more flexible system of finding affordable accommodation. Particularly in cities where rent prices make your eyes water.
Instead of signing a traditional tenancy agreement, you become a guardian. That means you live in a vacant building that needs protection.
This can be anything from a disused office block or empty flat to a former school or care home. In return, you pay a much lower monthly licence fee and agree to take on a few simple but important responsibilities.
Basically, you keep the space safe by living in it. You help prevent break-ins, squatters, and vandalism just by being present. And you get access to unique, often centrally located buildings for a fraction of what you’d pay to rent the same square footage somewhere else.
So far, so good. But what does it take to become a property guardian with City Guardians, and how does the process actually work?
Let’s break it down.
Who Can Become a Property Guardian?
First, let’s get something straight: guardianship isn’t for everyone.
We’re not just offering cheap rent. We’re offering a chance to live affordably, flexibly, and with purpose. This comes in return for a simple but clear role.
We only accept guardians who are in full-time employment, over 21, and able to meet our financial and conduct checks. You’ll need to be reliable, respectful, and happy to share a space in a way that benefits both you and the property you’re helping to protect.
Guardianship is ideal for people who want to live in the city without paying city rent. It works for key workers who need to live closer to where they work.
It suits people in between life chapters, like those moving city, starting fresh, or saving up for what’s next. It’s great for creatives, freelancers, and young professionals who want a bit more room to breathe, both physically and financially.
What it’s not suited for is anyone looking for luxury amenities, long-term fixed contracts, or complete exclusivity over their space.
Guardianship is a rolling agreement that comes with a 28-day notice period. That flexibility is part of what makes it great, but it also means you need to be adaptable and understand that it isn’t a forever home.
The City Guardians Vetting Process: What to Expect
We take your role as a property guardian seriously, and that starts with a proper application and vetting process.
Once you’ve registered your interest, you’ll be invited to view the available properties. If you like what you see, you’ll begin the formal process, which includes completing our application form and submitting documents for reference and background checks.
We’ll want to know about your employment status, income, previous living situations, and general approach to shared living.
We don’t make things difficult, but we do make sure that every person who becomes a City Guardian contributes positively to the space they live in.
Once you’ve passed vetting, you’ll pay one month’s licence fee in advance, plus a key fee, which is refundable when you leave the property in good condition.
You’ll then sign a licence agreement, collect your keys, and officially become a property guardian.
Why Consider Property Guardianship?
The major appeals of property guardianship are the affordability, the flexibility, and the locations most renters can only dream of.
Guardianship also gives you a sense of purpose. You’re not just another tenant, but you’re helping protect spaces that would otherwise sit empty, exposed to damage, squatting, and decline.
While you won’t be a security guard, your presence will keep the properties safe. You’ll help prevent maintenance issues from spiralling. And your simple involvement will add something back to the local area, keeping idle buildings alive.
Guardianship also means no long-term lock-ins. If your plans change, you’re only ever 28 days from moving on, which gives you freedom that traditional renting just doesn’t.
Become a Property Guardian: Join the City Guardians Community
At City Guardians, we approach living spaces differently, and we’re proud of it. We’ve helped dozens of working professionals find safe, affordable, and interesting spaces to live, while helping property owners keep their buildings protected and alive.
We work with housing associations, local authorities, and private landlords across the UK, matching their empty spaces with people who need them. And we do it with full transparency, zero hidden fees, and a support team that’s here when you need us.
Our guardians become part of a community that understands the value of responsibility, flexibility, and living a little differently. If that sounds like something you want to be part of, we’d love to hear from you.
Ready to become a property guardian? Register now and start your journey toward flexible, affordable living.
