6 Questions Every Landlord Should Ask Before Signing a Guaranteed Rent Agreement

6 Questions Every Landlord Should Ask Before Signing a Guaranteed Rent Agreement

Avoid the pitfalls. Secure the income. Protect the property.

Guaranteed rent can be a smart move, but only if you're asking the right questions up front. Not all providers operate the same way, and the wrong decision can leave landlords chasing unpaid rent or dealing with a damaged property with no support.

Here are six questions every landlord should ask before signing a guaranteed rent agreement.

1. Who’s actually paying me the rent...and what happens if they stop?

It sounds basic, but it matters. Is the company paying you directly from their own business account, or are they dependent on incoming rent from a sub-tenant or housing benefit?

At Apex, we’re the tenant. We pay your rent from our own account, not the occupant’s.

We’re backed by BGF, one of the UK’s largest private equity firms. That financial stability means your rent is protected, even if the occupant stops paying housing benefit or moves out.

2. What’s included in the agreement...and what’s not?

Some companies claim to offer a “fully managed” service, but still expect the landlord to handle repairs, inspections, or compliance. Others pass the cost of basic maintenance back to the landlord without warning.

With Apex, the terms are clear. We cover the cost of all occupant-related damage )accidental or otherwise) and we fully manage the day-to-day, including inspections, minor repairs and occupant comms. You’ll always know what’s yours and what’s ours.

3. What’s their track record...and are they likely to be around next year?

Too many guaranteed rent companies appear overnight, offer inflated rent, then disappear just as quickly when cashflow dries up.

Apex has been operating since 2008, with hundreds of landlords and over 700 properties under management. We’re not new. We’re not operating out of a spare bedroom. And we’re not going anywhere.

4. Do they work directly with councils...or through third parties?

Guaranteed rent companies that rely on third-party agents or unverified placements often lack the oversight and control needed to protect your property.

We work directly with 29 London boroughs and approved housing partners. That relationship gives us control over placements, access to regular inspections, and a clear channel to resolve any issues. It also means we meet a higher standard than most.

5. What happens if there’s a legal issue with the occupant?

If a tenant stops paying rent under a traditional AST, the landlord ends up dealing with solicitors, court filings and months of unpaid rent.

Under a GRA with Apex, that problem is ours, not yours. We cover certain legal costs, manage the process end-to-end, and most importantly, we keep paying your rent throughout.

6. Are they transparent about your responsibilities?

Some companies give the impression that “guaranteed rent” means zero involvement, but the truth is: landlords still have legal responsibilities for things like compliance documents and structural repairs.

We’re upfront about that. You’ll still need valid gas safety, EICR, and EPC certificates and other related compliance. You’ll still need to maintain the building itself. But Apex can help facilitate all of it and unlike traditional agents, we don’t profit off unnecessary extras.

Don’t Be Sold to...Ask the Right Questions

Guaranteed rent is a smart option, especially in 2026, with turnover rising, the Renters Rights Act in motion, and legislation getting tighter. But only if you pick the right provider.

If you're a landlord thinking about letting your property to the council, do it through a company that’s financially stable, legally structured, and commercially sound.

📞 0203 030 4241

📧 propertyteam@apexhousingsolutions.co.uk