A Pet and Home Owners guide to House Sitting
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A Pet and Home Owners guide to House Sitting Whilst this booklet has been produced to help home and pet owners new to the concept of house sitting, enjoy a stress free time away from their property and pets, the information contained is also helpful to house sitters. At first it may seem rather a lot for people to take in and that’s because we have tried to cover most aspects of house sitting so that even the simplest things are not overlooked. Many home owners looking for a house sitter for the first time are naturally concerned about having people they do not know live in their home. Included in this book are steps you can take to overcome those concerns.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Expectations of the Home Owner and House/Pet Sitter 3 What is expected of the home owner? 3 Setting the standard 3 What is expected of the house sitter? 4 Utilities usage 4 Things to be considered 4 Rent 4 Home insurance 4 Bonds 5 Use of vehicles 5 House Sitting Agreement or Contract 5 Informing friends, neighbours and relatives 5 A local contact 5 Securing your fragile items 6 Valuables 6 House keys 6 Storage space 6 House sitter vehicle parking 6 Pet check list 6 The 5 stages of House Sitting 7 1. Finding a house sitter that is right for you: 7 2. Agreeing on the duties, responsibilities and acceptable expenses 8 3. Preparation for the event 9 4. Handover to the house sitter 12 5. Preparing for your return 13 In conclusion 13 House Sitting Agreement example 14 A Pet and Home Owners Guide to House Sitting | Mindahome 2
Expectations of the Home Owner and House/Pet Sitter With any house sitting position there are certain expectations of both the home owner and the house sitter. House sitting assignments are guaranteed to be a pleasant experience for both parties if they are aware of these expectations and do their best to comply with them. Keep in mind that a house sitting engagement is beneficial for both parties. Plenty of communication throughout your dealings with each other creates a comfortable experience for all concerned. What is expected of the home owner? Each house sitting position is different and everything is negotiable. However there are some things that you, as a home owner, are expected to do in preparation for your house sitters arrival. You need to provide all the necessary items that will enable your house sitter to look after your home and pets. Some of those items could be: cleaning products pet food kitty litter lawn mower fuel house alarm security numbers appliance manuals Many house sitters prefer to bring their own bathroom products and toiletries, although it is wise to clarify this with them before they arrive. Setting the standard You need to make clear to the house sitter at the outset, the standard of cleanliness and maintenance you expect your home and property to be in when you return. The best way to do this is by making sure your home is clean and tidy before they arrive. Experienced house sitters always try to leave a house in as good a condition (if not better), than when they took it over; they do not expect to have to clean a house on their arrival or have to bring it up to a standard that they are comfortable to live in. A Pet and Home Owners Guide to House Sitting | Mindahome 3
What is expected of the house sitter? House sitters are expected to perform agreed tasks regarding the care of the home owners’ property and pets. These tasks will have been discussed and agreed to prior to acceptance of the house sitting position. Some experienced house sitters will prefer to bring and use their own linen and household cleaning products and some even like to use their own cooking utensils. The house sitter is expected to supply their own food. If there is anything you will need on your return you can leave money with the house sitter and arrange for them to shop for you just prior. Utilities usage For short stays – a few days to a week or two, most home owners do not expect the house sitter to pay for gas and electricity. However, for longer stays it is not unusual for the house sitter to pay for their utilities usage. The amount they pay can be determined from past utility bills and agreed on prior to the house sitter accepting the assignment. Things to be considered: Rent It is unusual for the house sitter to pay rent although some home owners do request it. If some form of rental payment is to be considered, the home owner should take into account their house and contents insurance. Most domestic home and contents policies are no longer valid if the house is rented. Home Insurance Although you will find that most Insurance companies are happy to have the home occupied while you are away, it is wise to check with your insurance company to ensure your property and contents remain fully covered. Also check to see if the house sitters belongings brought into your home are covered by the policy. If not, they should be notified so that they can make their own insurance arrangements. A Pet and Home Owners Guide to House Sitting | Mindahome 4
Bonds Most home owners do not require a bond but you might feel that one is desirable. As mentioned before, everything is negotiable. If you do require a Bond, it should be negotiated with the house sitter in advance. When it is paid, you need to provide a receipt and details should be included in the House Sitting Agreement if you have one. You could consider lodging your bond with a solicitor. Use of vehicles Does the house sitter have use of a vehicle? You may decide that your house sitter can use your vehicle in which case you need to check that they are licensed. You should also ring your insurance company and put their name on your policy which means you will need their full name and date of birth. Confirm in your House Sitting Agreement that the sitter is responsible for any repairs and damages that may occur, and for any insurance excess. House Sitting Agreement or Contract Although not always used, an Agreement or Contract is a good idea. It can spell out the duties and expectations of both parties in black and white, leaving little room for misunderstanding. Mindahome has a sample Agreement for your use in this booklet which can be modified as required. Informing friends, neighbours and relatives To avoid misunderstandings with neighbours, relatives and friends you should inform them that you are going away and that you have engaged house sitter to take care of your property. A local contact If you have a friend or a relative close by it is a good idea to ask them to be a contact for your house sitter. They would need to have a good knowledge of your local area, and be familiar with your home and pets. If possible they should meet you house sitter before you leave or as soon as possible afterwards. Secure your fragile items Although house sitters will do their best to take care of your possessions, they are only human and accidents in the home can occasionally occur. If you have A Pet and Home Owners Guide to House Sitting | Mindahome 5
any fragile or expensive furniture, ornaments or fittings that you are concerned about you should pack them away somewhere safe such as an unused room. Valuables Make a list of your valuables, including any identifying features and put them in a secure place, preferably under lock and key. Do the same with breakable items that you would hate to lose. Keep your list with your private papers. House keys Your sitter will need a set of house keys, two sets if there are two of them as they may go out at different times, and a spare set if possible. Consider giving a set of keys to your local contact person as well. Storage Space You house sitter will need storage space for things they bring with them so it is a good idea to make cupboard and draw space available. House sitter vehicle parking Is there space or do you need to make space for your house sitter to park their car. Some house sitters are travelling with their caravan or trailer, is there space for such a vehicle? Pet check list Apart from a collar tag, are your pets identifiable in other ways? Have they been micro chipped or tattooed? Give details. What is their local government registration number and is it up to date? Is your dog’s collar tagged and does it have your home phone number on it? What is the contact number of your local animal welfare association, lost pets home or local council pound? Where is your vet located and what are their contact and after hours numbers? Are your pets receiving any medication? What are they receiving and how is it administered? Are there any existing conditions or injury problems you should tell your sitter about such as diabetes, allergies, etc? Do you have current photos of your pets? Provide information on safe dog walking areas and parks. A Pet and Home Owners Guide to House Sitting | Mindahome 6
Is your dog friendly towards people and other dogs? Is he likely to run if let off the lead and be hard to catch? If unleashed is he likely to attack other dogs or children? Do your pets have unusual habits or phobias? List any quirks or anything else the sitter should know about them. What are your pets daily routines? By maintaining them it will add to their feeling of security. What food and how much do you give your pet each day? What about treats? Have you enough food and supplies for the time you are away plus extra in case you are delayed getting back? Where are their toys kept? If your pet cannot be found, where should the sitter look? What are their favourite places? What are the rooms in the house and areas of the property that are ‘off limits’ to your pets? Show the house sitter the location of food and water bowls, toys, leads, balls, jackets, shampoos, brushes, towels, bathtub, hose, toilet scoops, cat tray, kitty litter, pet carrier and anything else they might need. Is your pets bedding clean prior to your departure? Where is spare bedding kept? Make sure their collars and leads are in good condition and secure. The 5 stages of House Sitting 1. Choosing a house sitter that is right for you At this stage you would have a list of potential house sitters, some have contacted you via your advertisement page and others have responded to your communication from their profile page. Of those that fit your requirements (age, gender, experience, whether a non smoker etc), ask them to forward you copies of their references, Police Clearance (also known as a Police Check) and copy of their drivers licence. A Police Clearance is obtainable from their local police station or department and is an official document stating that they do not have a criminal record. Try to get two or three references and make sure that you are able to contact these referees either in person or by telephone. Experienced house sitters will have references from past positions and serious new sitters will have A Pet and Home Owners Guide to House Sitting | Mindahome 7
references from respected members of their community who know them. We advise that you only consider applicants with references you can verify. We must stress the importance of checking people’s references by contacting and speaking to the referrer. If sitters cannot provide references that can be verified they should not be considered as potential house sitters for your home. Make a short list of acceptable applicants and try to arrange an interview. If an interview is not possible due to distance, try to get to know them by having a number of telephone or Skype chats with them to see if they are people you feel comfortable with caring for your home and pets. Skype is a service which allows computer users to communicate with each other by voice using a microphone, video using a webcam, and instant messaging over the internet. Phone calls may also be placed to recipients on traditional telephone networks. Calls to other users within the Skype network are free while calls to landline networks and mobile phones are charged using a user based debit system. Establishing a rapport with the person to whom you will intrust your home is important. Although much of the background information is available in the applicant’s profile, the personality of an individual will only come through in an interview. Use the interview to find out as much as you can about the candidate. Discuss the information provided in their profile, it’s an opportunity to get to know them and helps make sure you are no longer strangers. The more you get to know each other the more likely you are going to feel comfortable with them and the more they will know of what’s expected of them. Once you have chosen your house sitter you should contact the unsuccessful applicants and tell them of your decision. 2. Agreeing on the duties, responsibilities and acceptable expenses If you are using a House Sitting Agreement form this is when you would fill in your requirements based on the discussions you have had with your house sitter. You need to make 2 copies which both you and the house sitter sign in an appropriate place and each of you keep a copy. A Pet and Home Owners Guide to House Sitting | Mindahome 8
3. Preparation for the event Provide an Information pack There is a lot of information your house sitter will need before you leave so preparing an information pack is a good idea. It means that all essential information is in the one place and easy to find. There is usually a lot to remember about another person’s way of life and your house sitter will be pleased you have provided a substantial reference for them. Your information pack can also be re-used for future house sitting engagements. Suggestions as to what should go in the information pack: Copy of House Sitting Agreement If you do have an Agreement, keep your original and put a copy with the rest of the information. Agreed duties of the house sitter before the assignment commences Is the house sitter expected to mow the lawn, attend to the garden and maintain the pool etc? The home owner should make it clear by providing a list and including it in the Agreement if using one. Your travel itinerary with your contact information List the places you are going to and the dates you will be there. Include the names and phone numbers of hotels you will be staying at or people you will be staying with. If you will be accessing your email account while away, let the house sitter know your email address – your phone contact details need only be used in an emergency. Local contact The name and contact details of your local contact person. Local services contact details including emergency services Visitors to your area may be unfamiliar with local emergency services so you should list those contact details including local doctors, vets and utility providers in fact anyone you think your house sitter should have contact details of. Area information and maps Usually your house sitter won’t be from your area so providing a map of the locality marked with local shops, tourist attractions, pubs, cinemas as well as local transport system information such as bus and train A Pet and Home Owners Guide to House Sitting | Mindahome 9
services is a good idea. For local tourist attractions, perhaps you could provide brochures? Apartment complex regulations If your home is part of a group of units or apartment complex, list any rules or body corporate rules and regulations. Visitors and guests Include your requirements regarding the house sitter visitors and guests staying at your home while you are away. Boundaries List any rooms or parts of the house and house contents you do not want the house sitter to use. House security system and locks Provide information on the operation of your security alarm system and locks for doors and windows. Location of daily needs Advise the location of fresh linen, towels, cleaning products etc. Household appliances Provide written instructions or user manuals on the operation and idiosyncrasies of household appliances such as the stove, dishwasher, washing machine, clothes dryer, vacuum cleaner etc. TV and entertainment units Leave instructions for TV’s, stereos, entertainment systems and computers. If you subscribe to a pay TV service, leave instructions on its operation. Internet If you are allowing the house sitter to use a computer and internet service, leave instructions on the operation of the computer and internet provider. Indoor plants Leave instructions for the care, watering and feeding of your indoor plants. Cooling and heating Leave instructions on the use of air conditioners, heaters, heating and cooling systems and fire places, etc. A Pet and Home Owners Guide to House Sitting | Mindahome 10
Plumbers and electricians Leave contact details of good plumbers and electricians that you know of for emergencies. Utilities meters Describe the location of gas, electricity and water meters and cut off devices such as mains power switches, taps and valves including water mains should maintenance be required. Water restrictions Provide information on water restrictions and regulations in force that your house sitter needs to be aware of. Property maintenance requirements (if part of the Agreement) Garden: list requirements to be able to maintain the garden at its current standard. How often to be watered and when (are water restrictions in effect?), leaves raked, etc. Lawns: How often to mow and instructions on use of the mower as well as location of the mower and required gardening tools. Pool and Spa: What is required to maintain the pool? Location and operation of the cleaning equipment; chemical requirements and instructions on their use including safety instructions. Contact details of pool maintenance/service company if applicable. Rubbish collection Make a note collection days and times and where to leave bins on collection days. Which bins are for recycling and which are for rubbish? What actually goes in the recycling bins? Some areas are different to others. Mail Where to store the mail for your return? If going away for an extended period of time should mail be redirected? Are bills expected that need to be paid? A means of payment will need to be arranged for these. What should be done with newspapers and junk mail? Phone messages Do you want to be left alone or should messages be forwarded? Is it alright for the house sitter to give your contact details to the caller? Is a brief email to you with details of the call along with the callers contact details desirable? Possibly a log of the calls with dates times and contact details are all that’s required. A Pet and Home Owners Guide to House Sitting | Mindahome 11
Deliveries Are you expecting any deliveries while away? Leave instructions as to when you expect them to arrive so the house sitter can arrange to be home. Maintenance services Do you have regular cleaners and gardeners, etc and are they expected to call in while you are away? Leave information as to when they are expected and what they will be doing. Vehicles When leaving for longer periods you may want your house sitter to look after any cars you have left behind. This may be just simply starting them once a week, keeping the batteries charged and keeping an eye on tyre pressures, etc. Use of vehicles if agreed Specify which vehicle the house sitter may use and give instructions on its operation such as starting quirks, what fuel to put in it and how to operate its alarm system etc. Is there a garage remote control? How is it operated? Are there any local traffic regulations your house sitter needs to be aware of? Are there limitations as to the amount of use of the vehicle you will allow and where it’s driven? Pets Provide detailed information about your pets that the house sitter can refer to. See ‘Pet check list’ in this booklet. 4. Handover to the house sitter It is always best to give plenty of time to the process of handing over your home and pets to the house sitter. Try to spend a few hours or even longer with them before you leave. (Some house sitters prefer to arrive as much as a day early). This will give them and your pets time to get to know each other as well as give them time to become familiar with your home and the local area while you are still there to answer questions. Using the information folder you have prepared, go through and show them your home and property. If your local contact is free, now is a good time to have them call round and introduce them to your house sitter. A Pet and Home Owners Guide to House Sitting | Mindahome 12
5. Preparing for your return There is always the possibility your return may be delayed by situations out of your control. Bad weather can ground aircraft and vehicles can have breakdowns. You need to be prepared for the unexpected. Discuss these possibilities with your house sitter so that you both have a clear understanding as to their availability to stay on and for how long, should it be necessary. House sitters may have other plans or another house sitting commitment. Is your local contact able to help in this situation? Is there someone else you can call on if necessary? If there is anything you might need ready for your return, you should arrange this with your house sitter before you leave. You might be returning late at night and would like the fridge to be stocked with perishables such as milk and bread. Some house sitters go out of their way to make your return as pleasant as an experience as possible. They will have fresh flowers in vases and even pick you up from the airport if that’s how you are travelling. In conclusion We hope this booklet has provided you with enough information to make your house sitting experience pleasant, allowing you to enjoy your trip away comfortable in the knowledge that your home and pets are being properly cared for. We are always striving to improve our service and if you have any feedback or advice you would like to pass on to us we would love to hear from you. Copyright © Mindahome Mindahome claims copyright ownership of all material in this document. You may download, display, print and reproduce this material in unaltered form (including this notice) for your personal use. Apart from this permission and uses permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, all other rights are reserved. Disclaimer The contents of this document are provided for information purposes only and no claim is made by us as to its accuracy, authenticity, completeness or relevance. While we have attempted to make the information contained herein as accurate as possible, it is for personal and/or educational use only and is provided in good faith without any express or implied warranties. It is provided on the basis that all persons reading this document undertake responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of its content for their own particular circumstance. In no event shall Mindahome be liable for any incidental, indirect, consequential or special damages of any kind, or any damages whatsoever, including, without limitation, those resulting from loss of income, profit, contracts, goodwill, expected savings or business relationships, whether or not advised of the possibility of such damage, arising out of or in connection with the use of this document. A Pet and Home Owners Guide to House Sitting | Mindahome 13
House Sitting Agreement example Date this Agreement was signed Address of property covered in this agreement / / Home Owners Name(s) 1 2 House Sitters Name(s) This Agreement Commences on: 1 / / 2 And concludes on: 3 / / Pets and animals covered in this Agreement Registration and/or microchip number 1 1b 2 2b 3 3b No persons other than those listed above are permitted to live at the premises during the term of the agreement unless agreed to in writing by the home owner. 1. The House Sitter agrees to: Provide care and attention to all pets and animals listed in this Agreement. Keep the home owners property safe and secure and not undertake work or repairs which may result in damage to the home owner’s property. In case of an equipment breakdown which cannot easily be repaired, the house sitter must call in a professional in accordance with the home owners prior instructions. Maintain gardens and surrounding areas. Empty mail box each day and pass on any urgent messages. Maintain contact with the home owner regularly via phone or email (if required). Replace or pay an agreed value of any home owners’ possessions that are inadvertently damaged while in the house sitters Care. Pay for any vehicle damage that may occur (if it is agreed that the house sitter has use of a vehicle). Pay the agreed holding bond if applicable. Not move out of the home owners home prior to the conclusion of this Agreement and not leave the home unoccupied for an unreasonable period (specify). Will vacate the premises on the agreed date of the home owners return. Provide the home owner with a forwarding address. House Sitting Agreement example
Pay for any utilities used (if applicable). Return all keys to the home owner. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 2. The Home Owner Agrees to: Give the house sitter permission to occupy the above premises on a rent-free basis for the duration of this Agreement. Provide the House sitter with a copy of this agreement signed by both the home owner and the House sitter. Provide the house sitter with at least seven days notice of any change to the agreed first or last day of the house sitting assignment. Leave your home and pet bedding in a clean and tidy condition for the house sitter to move in to on the agreed first day of the house sitting assignment. Provide all food and sundry supplies (insect control and other medicine, bedding, exercising and cleaning equipment) for pets, or make arrangement to reimburse the house sitter for any food or supplies bought for the pets. Make arrangements for payment for any services provided by a qualified veterinarian in the treatment and care of the home owners’ animals. Make payment, either directly to the service provider or as a reimbursement to the house sitter, for any urgent repairs such as, plumbing, electrical, gas, storm damage etc. Inform neighbors, relative and friends a house sitter is taking care of your home while you are away. Give the house sitter contact names and phone numbers in case of an emergency. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Signatures Signature of Home Owner Signature of House Sitter Printed Name of Home Owner(s) Printed Name of House Sitter Signed on this date Signed on this date / / / / House Sitting Agreement example
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