Live-in Guardians
Live-in Guardians

How to Protect Your Empty Commercial Building

March 24, 2025

Vacant commercial properties are magnets for trouble. Whether it’s squatters, vandals, metal theft, or fire hazards, the risks associated with an unoccupied building are high—and the costs can escalate quickly. That’s why having a clear and reliable vacant property security strategy is essential.

At Live-in Guardians, we offer a smarter approach to vacant property security, helping owners protect their empty buildings through our innovative Property Guardianship model.

Why Vacant Property Security is Crucial

Leaving a property empty, even for a short time, can lead to serious problems. Unoccupied buildings often suffer from neglect, fall into disrepair, and become easy targets for unauthorised access. Aside from the financial loss, property owners could also face issues with insurance compliance and rising business rates.

A strong vacant property security plan helps mitigate these risks, keeping your building safe, well-maintained, and ready for future use.

Common Risks of Vacant Properties

• Squatting and unauthorised occupation
• Vandalism and graffiti
• Fly-tipping and illegal dumping
• Theft of copper, lead, or fixtures
• Structural damage from neglect or water ingress
• Increased insurance premiums or policy exclusions

Without an active presence or management strategy, your building becomes increasingly vulnerable over time.

How Live-in Guardians Secure Vacant Properties

At Live-in Guardians, our approach to vacant property security is built around live-in protection. We place carefully vetted Property Guardians into your vacant building, converting it into safe, habitable accommodation. These guardians live on-site under a licence agreement, providing round-the-clock presence that deters criminal activity and monitors the property’s condition.

Benefits of Our Vacant Property Security Model

1. Full-Time Occupancy

Empty properties attract unwanted attention, but an occupied building does not. Our guardians offer a 24/7 presence, sending a clear signal that the site is in use and under management.

2. Reduced Insurance and Maintenance Costs

Insurance providers often require evidence of active security for unoccupied buildings. Our solution can help you meet those requirements and reduce premiums. Additionally, our guardians report issues early, helping prevent costly repairs.

3. Flexible, Fast Deployment

We can place guardians in a property quickly, with minimal disruption. Whether it’s a long-term void or a short-term gap between tenants, we provide a flexible solution tailored to your needs.

4. Versatile Property Coverage

We’ve secured a wide variety of properties—from pubs and offices to former schools, retail units, and industrial sites. No matter the type, our team can assess and secure it effectively.

Protect Your Building with Live-in Guardians

Vacant property security doesn’t need to involve costly patrols or unsightly boarding. Our guardianship scheme offers an affordable, legal, and efficient alternative that keeps your building safe and active.

More news from Live-in Guardians

Live-in Guardians

Property Guardian Scheme

In today’s challenging property market, owners of vacant commercial buildings face numerous risks, including vandalism, squatting, and significant maintenance costs.
Live-in Guardians

Keeping Empty Buildings Secure and Active

Empty commercial properties are more than just unused space—they’re exposed assets that can quickly become a financial and legal burden.
Live-in Guardians

Why Boarding Up Your Commercial Property is a Risky Mistake

When a commercial property becomes vacant, owners often consider boarding it up as a quick security measure. While this might seem like a practical solution to deter trespassers, it actually does the opposite—advertising to the world that your building is empty and vulnerable.
Glass Office Building

Benefits of Property Guardianship

Property guardianship offers a highly effective solution for property owners seeking to secure and maintain vacant buildings, particularly in urban settings where empty properties are vulnerable to various risks. Property guardianship allows responsible individuals (known as "property guardians") to live temporarily in vacant properties in exchange for affordable housing. This arrangement provides several key benefits for property owners beyond traditional security measures.