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LONDON CARETAKERS
Safety shouldn’t come at a price.
— WHY CARETAKERS
Vacant-property risk is practical—and legal.
Presence helps deter unauthorised occupation, but the way a building is occupied also matters. The number of occupiers, the agreement, the condition of the building and the reality of the arrangement can all affect an owner’s responsibilities.
— WHAT OWNERS NEED TO CONSIDER
Protecting more than the front door
Vacancy can expose a building to physical deterioration, unauthorised occupation and avoidable legal or management complications.
Unauthorised occupation
An occupied and actively managed building is less vulnerable than a property that appears abandoned.
Early problem detection
Leaks, damage, utility problems and other issues can be noticed early, before they become expensive problems.
Property access
Caretakers can provide reliable access for owners, agents, surveyors, contractors and authorised visitors.
Building condition
Regular presence helps owners stay aware of deterioration and maintenance needs while a property is vacant.
Practical support
Unlike simple occupation, caretaking can include agreed practical duties, checks and minor works around the property.
Accountability
One accountable service provides a clear point of contact for the building, its access and agreed caretaking responsibilities.
— THE LEGAL REALITY
Three points owners should understand
These questions need a property-specific answer; the label used for an arrangement is never the whole story.
1. Commercial squatting is legally different.
The criminal offence covering residential squatting does not automatically resolve occupation of an office, school, shop or other non-residential building.
2. A licence label is not conclusive.
Legal status may depend on the genuine facts, including exclusive possession and how the agreement operates in practice.
3. HMO status requires individual assessment.
Whether HMO requirements apply depends on the building, the occupation arrangement and the relevant local licensing requirements.
— WHY THE CARETAKER MODEL
More than occupation
Caretakers have a job to do.
London Caretakers is not simply a way of putting people into an empty building. Our caretakers are there as part of a property-care arrangement, with agreed responsibilities relating to presence, access, observation and practical care.
Presence
Someone is actually there.
Observation
Problems can be noticed and reported.
Access
Authorised people can get into the building when required.
Practical care
Agreed tasks and maintenance can be carried out.
— A DIFFERENT APPROACH
Why choose caretakers rather than guardians?
✓ Property-focused service
The arrangement is centred around protecting and caring for the vacant building.
✓ Agreed responsibilities
Caretakers can undertake agreed checks, practical tasks and minor maintenance as part of the service.
✓ Reliable access
Owners, agents, surveyors and contractors can be given authorised access when required.
✓ Problems noticed earlier
Regular presence means leaks, damage or other concerns can be identified and reported.
✓ Accountable point of contact
The owner has a service responsible for agreed caretaking duties and property access.
✓ Flexible arrangements
The arrangement can reflect the building, its condition and how long it is expected to remain vacant.
✓ Practical presence
Occupation provides more than deterrence: there is someone on site with an agreed role.
✓ Cost-effective protection
Live-in caretaking can provide continuous on-site presence without the cost of conventional 24-hour security.
— LEGAL INFORMATION
Official guidance and further reading
— TALK TO US
Does this model suit your building?
Begin with the property, its condition and the period it may remain vacant.
LONDON CARETAKERS
Safety shouldn’t come at a price.
Vacant property security, maintenance and management services across London.
London Caretakers Limited · Company No. 07501791
Registered office: 27 Old Gloucester Street, London WC1N 3AX