housesitting

Housesitting is a practice in which a person stays in someone else's home to maintain the property and care for pets or other duties while the owner is away. It can be paid or unpaid and is organized through informal arrangements or online platforms.

There are several models, including live-in housesitting, where the sitter resides at the home for the duration; visit-based or remote check-ins, where the sitter tends tasks intermittently; and pet-sitting, which may be a core focus of the arrangement. The scope can range from basic security and upkeep to full pet care and household management.

Typical duties include pet care (feeding, walking, vet visits as needed), plant watering, mail and package management, light housekeeping, trash and recycling, and keeping doors and alarms secured. Sitters generally follow house rules and may handle deliveries and maintenance requests. The exact duties are usually outlined in advance and may vary with the length of stay.

Benefits to homeowners include peace of mind regarding property and pets, reduced risk of burglaries, and no need for properties to be left unattended. For sitters, housesitting can provide free accommodation, a chance to travel or live like a local, and opportunities to build referrals and experience.

Arrangements are often arranged through platforms or direct negotiations and may require references, background checks, and a written agreement detailing duties, duration, compensation (if any), emergency contacts, and access instructions. Keys and security measures are typically documented. Risks include theft, property damage, or conflicts over expectations. To mitigate them, conduct meet-and-greets, verify references, document a schedule and inventory, and confirm insurance coverage with the homeowner or platform.