Looking for cheap rent in London? The latest live-in guardian schemes offer rooms from £30 a week to £600 a month in central locations, in exchange for live-in security and are an increasingly popular choice for young renters in London.

Guardians can pay anything from £30 a week to between £350-£600 per calendar month including all bills, depending on the scheme they use. In return they provide live-in security for the building as well as lowering insurance rates and empty rates costs for the landlord. At £400 all in, you might think I’m getting a good deal, but ultimately, are these schemes a viable long-term solution for the chronic lack of affordable rental options in London? The operators of guardian schemes like this are on to a winner. They don’t pay for the building and, as guardians are expected to fully furnish the rooms from scratch on arrival, their outgoings are small. Furthermore, as a guardian you sign a licence agreement rather than a tenancy agreement, waiving some of the privileges and protections afforded to a regular tenant.

For first hand experiences read more at homes & property and you can find out about becoming a Guardian Angel