A PROPERTY MANAGEMENT company is offering accommodation at a large vacant property in Waterford city for €25 a week.

However, it’s not your regular tenancy – applications are expected to reside at the property as ‘guardians’ rather than regular tenants.

Camelot Properties is seeking ‘guardians’ for vacant properties around Ireland, which include a convent in Co Cork and a hospital in Co Dublin as well as the manor house in Waterford city.

Twenty-five places are available at the Waterford premises which is a former retreat centre with en-suit rooms, large communal living spaces and gardens.

Guardians, whose presence is treated as a deterrent for any would-be vandals, are provided with accommodation for a minimum of three months. They must be prepared to move out with two weeks notice though the company says it tries to accommodate guardians in other properties in the area if they are interested.

Applicants have to be over 18, provide proof of employment, and have no criminal record. They will be subject to the same background check as a security guard. No pets or children are allowed in the property.

Operating in Ireland since 2006, Camelot Properties has a number of NAMA-controlled properties on its books as well as privately-owned properties. Their clients across Europe include religious orders, governments, banks, councils, developers and private owners.

A spokesperson for the company said that artists, photographers, and a dollhouse restorer have acted as guardians at their properties elsewhere in Europe, using the spacious vacant properties as studios.

Camelot currently has between 120 and 150 guardians at their properties in Ireland.

The company’s regional manager for Ireland Damian Woods said that putting guardians into a vacant property protects against vandalism.

“Camelot will accommodate those over the age of 18 who have proof of a regular income and no criminal record,” he said. “Each property that Camelot protects is wind proof and water tight, with functioning water and electricity.”

Camelot is offering a €50 ‘finders fee’ for anyone who nominates a family member or friend as a guardian who moves into the Waterford manor house. Further details are available on the company website.