Whilst distancing itself from this type of private rental, the Govt has published an updated guidance booklet for property guardians (who often take on the role of guardian because it provides a cheaper form of accommodation than other types of private rental tenure and can be easier to access than scarce social rented accommodation). Property guardians usually live, by agreement (usually a licence to occupy), in an empty or unused commercial/industrial building on the basis that their occupation will keep the empty building more secure than it otherwise would be.

Saying "the government does not endorse or encourage the use of property guardianship schemes as a form of housing tenure, as guardians can be asked to live in conditions that do not meet the standards expected in residential properties" the guidance goes on to say that, nevertheless, "people have the right to make their own informed decisions about their housing choices.".

The guidance explains what a property guardian is, what their rights are and what to take in to consideration before becoming a property guardian whilst pointing out that just because this form of tenure is cheaper than others available in the private rented market, that doesn't mean that residential safety standards can be compromised.