Guaranteed Rent: What Does Free Property Management Really Mean?
- Apex Housing Solutions
- Sep 8
- 2 min read
We often tell landlords that our guaranteed rent model includes free property management. But what does that actually mean and how does it differ from the traditional letting agent model?
This blog breaks it down, line by line, so you know exactly what’s included, what’s not, and where Apex adds value without adding cost.
What Apex includes for free
When we say “property management is included,” we mean it. Under our guaranteed rent agreements, landlords and letting agents receive a fully managed service without paying a percentage or monthly fee.
Here’s what that includes:
A dedicated property manager assigned to your property
Regular inspections, with full reports available on request
Occupant communication and issue handling
Day-to-day repairs related to tenant actions or inactions
Response to all tenant maintenance requests
Reminders on compliance renewals (EPC, EICR, gas safety, etc.)
Access to in-house contractors, keeping turnaround times and costs down
Option to use your own preferred contractors
No void period loss, and rent continues throughout
In short, your property is actively managed and you’re not paying a management fee for that service.
What the landlord remains responsible for
Just like with any tenancy, some things still sit with the landlord:
Structural repairs and utility related works (e.g. roof, boiler replacement, wiring etc)
Legal compliance costs, like safety certificates (we’ll remind you when they’re due)
General wear and tear (which is expected over time)
Ongoing landlord responsibilities, including insurance and mortgage obligations
Where required, Apex can arrange compliance services (EPCs, EICRs, Gas Safeties, etc.) on your behalf for a flat cost. Or you can provide your own, as long as they’re up to date and compliant.
If urgent works are needed (e.g. boiler breakdown) and we can’t reach you, we may act to protect the occupant or the property, but we’ll always aim to speak to you first.
How guaranteed rent management compares to letting agents
With a traditional letting agent, “fully managed” usually means:
Paying 5–8% + VAT every month
The agent coordinates repairs, but you still pay for all works
You cover all tenant damage, unless you reclaim it at the end of the tenancy (which takes months and is rarely successful)
You’re responsible for keeping on top of compliance
You lose rent during voids
You still have to relist, re-let and reset every time a tenant moves out
With Apex, the management is free, tenant damage is covered, rent is guaranteed, and your involvement can be minimal.
“Free property management” isn’t a gimmick. It’s a different way of operating.
We take care of the day-to-day because we’re the tenant, not just a middleman. And because we manage everything in-house, we can control standards, costs, and turnaround times without passing fees on to you.
Our model means that it's in our interest to ensure a property is kept in good condition. You can read more about how we actively manage our properties, along with how this effects our deposit alternative setup too.
If you would like to discuss guaranteed rent with us, please call 0203 030 4241 or email Lettings@apexhousingsolutions.co.uk.
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