Guaranteed Rent can be brilliant for landlords when it is done properly, but it can also turn into a headache if you choose the wrong provider. Some companies pay late, place the wrong tenants, or rely on council schemes that expose you to risks you never agreed to. Others offer genuine security, predictable income, and proper property care.
This guide walks you through seven questions every landlord should ask before signing up. These questions help you sort the safe models from the risky ones, and they show you what a trustworthy setup looks like. ABC Gone Ltd is used as an example of a safer approach, backed by professional underwriting, private tenants, and a proven track record, so you know what good looks like.
1. Is the guaranteed rent actually guaranteed, or is it council dependent?
This is the biggest difference in the industry. Some companies only pay you if they place council-funded tenants. If the council stops placements or the company loses its contract, your payments stop as well.
What to look for
A model that pays you regardless of who is in the property, even if the home is empty. The safest route is an underwriter backed guarantee, because your income does not depend on council demand.
A safer example
ABC Gone operates on an underwriter backed model, not council housing. Payments are made for the entire term, even during voids, which reduces the biggest risk for landlords.
2. Who exactly will live in your property?
Some operators accept emergency placements or tenants who have not been properly vetted. This can lead to property damage, neighbour complaints, and expensive repairs later.
What to look for
A clear screening process, private tenants, and long-term placements. Ask for transparency on referencing, affordability checks, and tenancy expectations.
A safer example
ABC Gone only works with private tenants. They carry out full vetting to protect the landlord and the property.
3. Is the company financially stable and established?
Guaranteed Rent is only as strong as the company that pays it. Some operators have gone bankrupt, leaving landlords unpaid and properties in poor condition.
What to look for
Years of trading, a clean record of payments, and no news of complaints, redress scheme issues, or financial instability.
A safer example
ABC Gone has been operating for 15 years with zero missed payments. Stability matters, and this history gives landlords real confidence.
4. Who handles compliance and safety?
EPC, Gas Safe, EICR, smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and licensing requirements can easily get missed. Many “guaranteed rent” operators leave this to landlords.
What to look for
A provider that coordinates reminders, booking, documentation, and updates as part of the service.
A safer example
ABC Gone handles compliance end to end. Landlords stay covered, and records are kept clean and organised.
5. How will the property be maintained?
Some companies manage maintenance reactively, or not at all, which leads to larger repair costs and upset tenants. Others take a proactive approach.
What to look for
Scheduled inspections, photo reports, minor maintenance included, and fast communication when issues arise.
A safer example
ABC Gone provides proactive maintenance and routine inspections. The property is kept to a standard that supports long-term tenancies.
6. What does the contract say about returning the property?
Some contracts make it hard to get your property back, even months after you ask. This catches many landlords off guard.
What to look for
Clear notice periods, fair terms, and a contract that does not trap you in.
A safer example
ABC Gone operates fair contracts designed for long-term partnerships, not lock-ins or loopholes.
7. What happens during void periods?
Many companies say “guaranteed” but only pay when the property is occupied. That is not genuine Guaranteed Rent.
What to look for
Payment on the same date every month, with no link to tenant payments or occupancy.
A safer example
With ABC Gone, landlords are paid every month, even when the property is empty.
Checklist Summary
Before you sign any Guaranteed Rent contract, confirm:
- Payments are underwriter backed
- Private tenants only, not council placements
- Full compliance is managed
- Property care is proactive
- Contract terms are fair
- Long trading history with proven payment records
- Void periods are covered with no exceptions
If a provider cannot tick these seven points, you may be better off walking away.
Ready to explore safer Guaranteed Rent options?
ABC Gone offers underwriter backed Guaranteed Rent, vetted private tenants, compliance handled, and 15 years of on time payments. You get a predictable income for the entire term, with none of the common risks.
