Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, you will find plenty of your questions answered. However, if you cannot find the answer you are looking for, email enquiries@global-guardians.co.uk and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.
Topics
Becoming a Guardian
What is a Guardian?
A working professional who lives in an empty property under a Licence Agreement to prevent squatting, vandalism and general anti-social behaviour. A Guardian’s presence also helps keep the community in safe hands. You really are the hero in this story.
Who can become a Property Guardian?
Anyone who meets our criteria and meets our Ideal Guardian Assessment.
- Be 21 years old or over
- Be in full-time employment/self- employed, earning £18k or more per annum
- Be a responsible individual that is happy to live a flexible lifestyle
- Understand the differences between Property Guardianship and a Tenancy Agreement
- Be prepared to move in within 5 working days from the property viewing
- Become a Guardian by clicking here
How do I become a Guardian?
- Register with Global Guardians
- Log into your My Globe account
- Take a look at what properties you would like to view
- Click on Request a Viewing
- Now you can see which viewings you can book onto for the property you have selected
- Can’t see a viewing to book? Don’t worry, click on Register your Interest and you will be notified when a viewing will be available for your selected property
- 3 month’s wage slips
- 3 month’s bank statements (no overdrafts)
- Employment reference
- Scan of Passport
- A photo of yourself on your profile
- A valid passport
- A valid residence Permit
- Share Code
Can I apply for a space that I haven’t attended a viewing for?
Unfortunately, you can’t be moved into a space without viewing it. All our spaces are unique and it’s mandatory every Guardian sees it in person before making payment.
Vetting Process
I’m worried about living with strangers. How do you vet Guardians?
We use an Ideal Guardian Assessment (it’s a bunch of questions to ensure the Guardian understands the importance of living peacefully with their neighbours) when we allocate a Guardian to their chosen space.
We also meet every Guardian we place in person and as part of our stringent vetting process, we ask to look at:- 3 month’s wage slips
- 3 month’s bank statements (no overdrafts)
- Employment reference
- Scan of Passport
- A photo of yourself on your profile
I am afraid I might fail vetting, will I never be able to join Global Guardians if this is the case?
We hold your hand every step of the way. If you do fail the vetting process then unfortunately your application will be declined. However, if your circumstances change and you pass our Ideal Guardian Assessment, we’ll be happy to welcome you back into the application process.
I am worried about sharing my vetting documents prior to attending a viewing, are you GDPR compliant?
Everything on your bespoke platform – My Globe – is held on a secured Amazon server and we process all data in accordance with GDPR.
Guardian Lifestyle
Will I be liable for business rates/empty business rates with Global Guardians?
Yes, you will be liable. The Guardianship model is a security solution, therefore does not warrant the reduction of business rates/empty business rates.
Will using the Guardianship Strategy affect planning permission?
No, because the primary use of the building will always remain the same. The Guardians only affect the ancillary use.
Will it impact or affect me showing the building to prospective buyers?
No, in fact it will help you as Global Guardians will provide access for you. Guardians in situ can also show you around.
Is there a risk of someone hurting themselves seriously or fatally in the building?
There is always a risk whether the property is empty or not. Global Guardians is ISO 9001 and 1401 accredited which means every aspect of the property management and security we provide you is in line with our fully audited quality management system. All works carried out in the buildings are done so by trained professionals which mitigates the risk of anybody being seriously injured in the building.
Property Compliance
Will the building stay compliant?
Yes. All our buildings are fully compliant in line with regulatory and statutory standards. All the documentation is stored on your My Globe account for full visibility.
Do Global Guardians comply with Statutory Health and Safety Regulations?
Yes. Global Guardians has an in-house Health and Safety and Fire Risk Assessment team who ensure the property adheres to all health and safety regulations and is habitable for Guardians. As a company, we are responsible for the welfare of our Guardians and the vacant property which we are managing. Our quality department audits all health and safety documentation and practice on a monthly basis to ensure compliance with current regulations.
Will my insurer cover Guardianship?
Guardianship Management of a vacant property can greatly reduce the risks of squatting, vandalism, theft, and antisocial behaviour. If your Insurer has any concerns around this, we’re partnered with Sona Insurance Solutions. Sona are ready to help with Guardianship Managed property Insurance. Contact them here: globalguardians@sonainsurance.com or call 01206 694906.
Getting Your Property Back
What if I need my property back?
Your property can be returned to you with 32 days' notice, in a secure, clean and tidy condition. This is the minimum notice that can be given to terminate a Licence Agreement. Full vacant possession will be provided to you upon request.
What happens if the Guardians will not leave the building?
If there are any circumstances when the Guardians will not leave the property upon notice, legal action can be taken. Under the weekly Licence Agreement to which the Guardians have agreed, they have signed to secure the building on a temporary, non-exclusive basis, and must therefore abide by the terms of the documentation. In 2021 Global Guardians shared a ground breaking moment in the history of Guardianship. Due to a landmark win in the Court of Appeal there is no longer any legal defence for Guardians who choose to break their Licence Agreement and not move out when a NTQ (Notice To Quit) is issued by Global Guardians. we have achieved a 100% success rate for regaining vacant possession.
Will I have to testify in court?
If a Guardian chooses not to vacate on time, Global Guardians takes full responsibility for all proceedings. You will not have any legal costs or requests to attend court proceedings.
Do Guardians get exclusive possession of the building?
No, they sign a Licence Agreement and not a tenancy agreement. We exercise our right to enter the property whenever we want and move the Guardians from space to space.
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