Property guardianship

GuruJon wrote: »

So I did this for a year nearly (mid 2013/14). It's not for everyone and I am not going to suggest if you should or shouldn't. I will however tell you my experience and some pitfalls you should be aware of.

You are given a licence and it does not afford you pretty much any rights. So what that means is that if they give you the requisite 4 weeks' notice you have to move out. No ifs no buts. They can ask you to move out without a reason. There is no recourse on these grounds. I mention this point because it can be construed as similar to notice from shorthold tenancies. It isn't. And there is no obligation to rehouse. You can look at the list again but you have to pay a further £25 to move to the new place. Even if they have asked you to move.

Okay so the nitty gritty You are asked to go to an induction. You will need to be employed. If accepted, you will be given a list of properties on their books to look at at their offices. You can then choose to visit them. A couple at a time max. You typically don't get to meet the people living there(they'll be at work). And vice versa. Select one you like and hand over 2 grand for deposit and a few months' rent. You will also have to buy the mandatory fire extinguisher, smoke alarm and other bits and bobs for a further £80. They'll have a pack

Typically you will get a 2 bed or more. There will normally be one person or 2 living there. If it is an old hospital or the like. Expect to be living there in a big group 20-30 strong. Great if you want to party and meet people. Not so great if you want to hold down a nine to five.

You don't share rooms. The condition is usually poor to appalling. If it's got central heating, you are laughing but if it breaks, providing it's an easy fix, they sort it. You may have to wait a month though and that's not uncommon. If it does break and is an expensive fix, they will condemn it and you will have to buy heaters. Typically, you'll be on a pay as you go electric tariff, so it'll be expensive. If you are worried about mildew or damp. They won't fix it.

Broadband can be an issue. If you are happy with mobile broadband its fine. But if you are on the thrift, you'll be wanting to save and buy home broadband. Issues with this will be the contract length, you'll have to move it with you when you move if it's an option and you will be stuck with the length of the contract if you can't.

My experience wasn't the best. I was spoilt and used to furniture and heating without having to pay the earth. Not sure you save that much if you are paying premium for bills, not to mention hassle when getting furniture, cooking facilities and fridges etc. Moving also adds cost. So things to consider. If you have parents with a garage, a van, and spare furniture it's a good deal. If you have a partner that will put up with it, and you both sign up. It could work.

Just remember it's a business for them, and the less you hassle them the better. They just want you to pay the fees and not rock the boat. It doesn't do what it says on the website.

Hope this helps someone.