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Private tenants

You can find out about your rights as a private tenant and how we ensure you have a safe and healthy home.

Property guardians

A property guardian is someone who has entered into an agreement to live in a building or part of a building that would normally be otherwise empty for the primary purpose of securing and safeguarding the property.

The majority of property guardian companies in Westminster operate responsibly protecting vacant commercial and residential property by occupation and providing additional short term accommodation, normally at sub-market rent levels.

Tenants have the same right to live in a safe environment which is free from hazards that could affect your health, even if you don't have an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST). 

If 5 or more persons live in the property the property will likely require a licence.

To check whether a property requires a licence, please make a enquiry online.

For more information the government has produced a fact sheet for current and potential property guardians.

Published: 27 January 2021

Last updated: 27 January 2021