What Happens Between Occupancies on Guaranteed Rent? How Apex Keeps Properties Up to Standard

A Question We’re Often Asked by Landlords and Councils

One question we are regularly asked by both our landlord partners and local authority partners is simple: how do Apex keep properties in good condition between occupancies?

When a property is part of a guaranteed rent scheme, it is important that it is maintained to a consistent standard. Not only is this important for landlords, it is also essential for councils who rely on high-quality accommodation to support households in temporary housing.

At Apex, this is something we take seriously. Maintaining properties properly requires structure, regular inspection and a clear process between occupancies.

Regular Property Visits and Inspections

Apex has a dedicated team of Property Liaison Managers and Inspection Clerks who carry out regular visits to properties across our portfolio. You can meet the team here.

During these visits the team document the condition of the property and highlight any maintenance works that may be required.

Routine checks typically include:

• The overall condition of the property

• Operation of smoke alarms and CO detectors

• Window safety restrictors and latches

• Signs of damage or wear and tear

• Early indicators of damp, condensation or mould

Monitoring for damp and mould is particularly important following the introduction of Awaab’s Law in October 2025, which introduced stricter expectations around how quickly housing providers must respond to potential health hazards.

These inspections allow us to identify small issues early before they become larger problems.

What Happens When an Occupant Moves Out

As Apex works with councils to support temporary accommodation demand, properties will occasionally become vacant when an occupant moves on.

This is where our internal process becomes particularly important.

Many companies simply complete a basic clean before offering the property back to a council. Apex takes a different approach.

Between occupancies we complete what we call a Property MOT.

The Apex Property MOT

A member of our property team attends the property and completes a detailed inspection to assess its overall condition before the next placement.

The Property MOT includes checks such as:

• Furniture condition and usability

• Decorative condition of walls, flooring and fixtures

• Safety concerns such as broken glass or missing window restrictors

• Signs of damp, condensation or mould

• Potential structural concerns that may need further investigation

• Operation of smoke alarms and CO detectors

• Condition of kitchen appliances and white goods

• Plumbing and visible pipework checks

• Condition of doors, locks and handles

• Garden or external area condition where applicable

• Ensuring utility meters are topped up and functioning

• Checking heating systems and hot water supply

This inspection gives our team a clear picture of what needs to be addressed before the property is ready for the next household.

Coordinating Maintenance Works

Once the inspection is complete, a report is sent to our team in the office who begin coordinating the required works.

Maintenance may be carried out by:

• Apex Maintenance Officers, or

• Approved third-party contractors

All external contractors are vetted and experienced in their relevant trades.

Works are arranged, completed and documented so that there is a clear record of what has been addressed before the property is reallocated.

Final Checks Before Re-Occupancy

Once works are completed, photographic evidence is submitted to our Relations team who review the property file and ensure all compliance documentation remains in place.

This includes checks such as:

• Gas Safety Certificate

• Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)

• Energy Performance Certificates (EPC)

• Smoke and CO alarm compliance

• Any relevant licensing requirements

A secondary visit from our inspection team is then arranged for final sign-off before the property is offered back to our local authority partners for use.

Why This Process Matters for Guaranteed Rent Agreements

For landlords, this process ensures that properties are regularly inspected, maintained and documented while they are part of the Apex portfolio.

For councils, it ensures that accommodation offered to households meets the standards expected for safe and suitable temporary housing.

Maintaining property condition is not something that happens by accident. It requires structure, accountability and consistent oversight.

At Apex, the Property MOT process is one of the ways we ensure properties remain compliant, well maintained and ready to support the people who need them.

If you would like to learn more about how Apex manages properties within our guaranteed rent agreement, our team would be happy to speak with you.

📞 0203 0304 241📧 Lettings@apexhousingsolutions.co.uk