House Sitting – Frequently Asked Questions
Often, we are asked similar questions on our house sitting journey, which is why we have put together some of the most commonly asked questions.
And for some of the questions, we have provided a link for more information.
What is house sitting?
House sitting is an arrangement where homeowners entrust their property, and often their pets, to a trusted sitter while they are away. In exchange, house sitters stay in the home, ensuring it remains secure and well-maintained.
Often, house-sitting involves caring for pets, tending to gardens, or performing basic upkeep.
It’s usually a non-monetary exchange, benefiting both parties: homeowners gain peace of mind knowing their pets and home are in good hands. At the same time, house-sitters enjoy free accommodation and the chance to explore new locations.
House sitting is truly a win-win arrangement, providing security for homeowners and offering unique opportunities for sitters.
Who can be a house sitter?
Anyone over the age of 18 can be a house sitter, but ultimately, the homeowner decides to choose a suitable candidate. Factors like trustworthiness, experience, and compatibility play a major role.
Homeowners typically look for reliable house-sitters, good communicators, and attentive to detail, particularly if pets or special home needs are involved. Personal references and reviews also add credibility to potential sitters.
We asked several homeowners what they were looking for when they advertised for house sitters.
What Homeowners Look for in a Great House Sitter
What experience do I need to become a house sitter?
You don’t need professional experience to be a house sitter, but life experience is your greatest asset. Homeowners seek trustworthy individuals who will care for their pets and property as if they were their own.
Experience with pets is often a significant advantage, especially if you’ve cared for animals before. Additional skills—such as pool maintenance, handling farm animals, or familiarity with local languages—may be helpful depending on the property.
If you’re new to house sitting, consider starting with smaller or local house-sits to build your reputation and gather references.
How long does it take to secure a house sit?
The time it takes to secure a house sit varies widely. Some homeowners respond within hours, while others may take days or weeks, or may not reply at all.
We have found that once homeowners have narrowed down their choices to a shortlist, they arrange interviews (often via video calls) to finalise their decision. From experience, most offers come soon after the interview.
However, some homeowners may take longer to decide, and it’s common for sitters to have secured other bookings by then.
Patience and persistence are key, especially when starting out.
How long are house sits?
House sits can last for one night, several days, weeks, months, or even more than a year.
Many sitters prefer assignments lasting 4–6 weeks, allowing enough time to settle in and explore the area without becoming too long-term. However, others enjoy the flexibility of shorter or longer stays, depending on their lifestyle and goals.
Each house sit is unique, and part of the appeal is the variety of experiences that come with getting to know a new destination.
How far in advance should I book a house sit?
The timing of your booking depends on how early homeowners advertise and how far in advance you prefer to plan.
Some homeowners list opportunities months ahead, while others post last-minute requests. Experienced house sitters often plan their schedules months in advance, but flexibility is key if you’re open to spontaneous opportunities.
For example, if you’re focused on a specific region—like France—you might apply for listings that match your dates and travel goals.
We have been booked as much as 9 months in advance, and often we have the next 6 months planned. But that is because we want to stay in an area for the medium term.
There are many last-minute housesits advertised, but you have to be very flexible with your location if you want to work in that capacity.
What is expected of a house sitter?
Expectations vary depending on the homeowner’s needs and the terms of the agreement. Typically, a house sitter’s main responsibilities include:
- Pet care: Feeding, walking, grooming, administering medication, and sometimes more specific tasks, like caring for exotic pets or seasonal needs (e.g., helping a tortoise wake from hibernation).
- Home security: Ensuring the property is secure and lived in.
- General upkeep: Watering plants, maintaining pools, mowing lawns, and keeping the home clean and tidy.
Clarifying all responsibilities with the homeowner beforehand is essential to ensure mutual understanding and satisfaction.
Anything beyond this should be negotiated with the homeowner.
Where can I house sit?
House sits are available worldwide, from bustling cities to remote countryside retreats.
For beginners, personal connections can be a great starting point. House sitting for friends or family helps you gain references, which you can later use when applying through house sitting platforms.
With experience, you may find many opportunities through referrals or repeat bookings.
The most popular way to find house sitting opportunities is through dedicated websites and platforms. These platforms connect homeowners with potential sitters, offering a secure and structured way to arrange assignments.
As you gain experience, many opportunities may come from word-of-mouth recommendations or repeat sits.
Find your ideal house sitting platform.
What is the benefit of house sitting when I travel?
House sitting offers several unique benefits for travellers:
- Cost Savings: Travel and accommodation expenses are significantly reduced, allowing you to explore more destinations for more extended periods.
- Local Living: Staying in someone’s home often takes you off the beaten tourist path, giving you an authentic experience of the local culture. You’ll shop where locals shop, eat local food, and immerse yourself in the community.
- Flexibility: House sitting enables you to combine slow travel with periods of adventure, providing the freedom to balance exploration with relaxation.
For many, house sitting transforms travel into a more enriching and sustainable experience.
What costs are involved in being a house sitter?
While house sitting is typically a non-monetary exchange, there can be associated costs.
Some homeowners may request that sitters cover utilities (such as electricity or internet), especially for long-term stays. While this isn’t standard practice, it’s becoming more common.
As a sitter, it’s essential to discuss expectations upfront.
Remember, your services—such as pet care and home maintenance—provide tremendous value. For perspective, some pet owners pay £15–£ 75 per pet per day for kennels or catteries, while private pet sitters can charge hundreds of pounds per day.
With open communication, house sitting remains an affordable and rewarding option for both parties.
Consider using Trusted Housesitters.
If you are looking to travel worldwide, then a membership with Trusted Housesitters is definitely the platform to sign up for.
We have a 25% discount on membership for you to use, saving you a little of your travel budget.