What Is a House Sitter?
A house sitter is an individual who maintains someone’s home while they’re away, either through periodic check-ins or continuous stay. House sitters generally receive monetary compensation or the benefit of living at the home rent-free in exchange for maintaining and looking after the property.[1]
Do I Need a House Sitting Agreement?
In case something goes awry during a house sit, an agreement clarifies how the situation will be handled and resolved. If a pipe bursts, for example, an agreement ensures both signatories are on the same page about when the incident should be reported, how the damage should be repaired, and who should cover any associated costs.
An agreement is strongly recommended even if a house sitting arrangement involves friends or relatives, as unclear expectations and subsequent disagreements over details can damage relationships. Clearly defining standards reduces the potential for disputes and legal action.
What to Include in a House Sitting Agreement
- How to contact the homeowner
- How to contact the house sitter
- Emergency contact information
- Home insurance arrangements
- Vehicle use
- Visitors policy
- Trash collection
- Internet access
- Parking arrangements
- Use of utilities
- Grounds maintenance
- Plant care
- Pet care
- Pool cleaning
- Security systems
Benefits of House Sitting for Homeowners
- Peace of mind. Unoccupied homes are disproportionately targeted by burglars, according to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program.[2]
- In-home pet care. Pet owners typically prefer to leave their pets in environments they’re accustomed to and comfortable in. Eighty percent of house sitting arrangements involve pet care.[3]
- Onsite property maintenance. House sitters can keep watch for issues such as leaks that, left unattended for weeks or months, could become large problems.
Benefits of House Sitting for House Sitters
- Free or cheap accommodation. House sitters are willing to take on a little more responsibility to secure free or cheap accommodation. The rise of remote work has contributed to an increase in the popularity of house sitting and the availability of house sitters. Some people house sit on a full-time basis.
- Immersive travel experiences. Some travelers prefer to live in a local home, with instructions from a local homeowner, rather than staying in a hotel, because it feels like a more intimate and immersive experience than standard tourism.[4]
- Quality time with pets. For various reasons, including the terms of their rental agreements, some animal lovers don’t have pets of their own. House sitting can allow them to interact with animals, which studies show decreases stress, lowers blood pressure, and reduces loneliness.[5]
House Sitting Agreement FAQs
Is there a way for homeowners to vet prospective house sitters?
Some websites that connect house sitters with homeowners require prospective sitters to undergo a background check and provide references. Homeowners can also do their own research using a background check form.
Do immigration officials consider house sitting work?
In some countries, yes. The United States considers house sitting employment, even if it’s unpaid. This is something to consider if you are thinking about house sitting in the United States on a tourist visa.[6]
How is a house sitting agreement different than a rental agreement?
Arguably the most important difference is that a rental agreement creates a relationship between a landlord and a tenant, which is defined and codified in state and federal law. A house sitting agreement does not create this type of ongoing relationship, which means standard rental rules do not apply.
Do house sitters charge?
Many house sitters care for homes and pets in exchange for free or reduced rent, but some house sitters do charge. Their rates depend on such factors as the location of the home, how much responsibility is involved in the house sit, and the house sitter’s level of experience. According to ZipRecruiter, the median wage for a house sitter is $16.58 per hour.[7]
Sample
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