Anyone come across this scenario as yet? Where empty commercial buildings/resi buildings, the Landlord employs live-in guardians to prevent squatters/add security to the building. From my understanding the guardians are volunteers who are not employed or paid and sign some sort of contract (AST type but without the risk of any rights?)
Do these commercial buildings become residential and fall outside the FSO or as it would be classed a workplace for the guardians? It falls inside?. What is the FB approach to such environments?
Dealt with a number of these. Joint inspections with the Housing officer, they were the lead under the housing act. Many of the properties were ex care homes so we're pretty much fit for purpose, some were old schools that required more work.
Many local authorities are using these companies to look after their buildings, as they don't want the public to see public services in decline.
Unfortunately there are individuals doing this on a casual basis, these only become apparent to enforcers when something goes wrong. Look up property guardians websites then you can check where in your area is being used. The market leaders tend to enform the fire service of their presence in buildings.
