While the homeowner is away everything continues as usual regarding the property. Bills need to be paid to keep services connected, plants need watering, gardens, lawns and trees need to be maintained, mail and phone messages may need to be forwarded. While the relationship between homeowner and house sitter is mutually beneficial and based on trust, the house sitter is, in effect, working for the homeowner. The house sitter agrees to occupy the homeowner's property for a given period of time. Generally the house sitter is required to be in the property most evenings and nights (although this may be negotiable), giving the property its usual occupied appearance to deter burglars, squatters and vandals.
House Sitting Agreement
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Key Concepts & Definitions
House sitting agreement: A formal contract between a homeowner and a house sitter, outlining the responsibilities and expectations for both parties during the period the house sitter takes care of the residential property. This includes terms about waste management, pet care (if applicable), and emergency handling.
Homeowner contact: Essential information of the property owner included in the agreement for emergency and regular communication.
Contract template: A pre-formulated layout that helps homeowners and house sitters establish a legally binding agreement, ensuring all key elements are addressed.
Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting a House Sitting Agreement
- Identify the Parties: Clearly mention the names and contacts of the homeowner and the house sitter.
- Define the Duration: Specify the start and end dates of the house sitting period.
- List Responsibilities: Detail tasks like waste management, pet care, plant watering, and any specific duties the house sitter should perform.
- Discuss Financials: State if it is a free property sitting or if any monetary exchange will occur.
- Add Emergency Contacts: Include necessary contacts for emergencies, including the homeowner's contact details.
- Legal Clauses: Mention any legal obligations and rights, such as property damage policies and homeowner agrees to hold harmless clauses.
- Signatures: Both parties should sign the agreement, potentially in the presence of a witness or notary.
Risk Analysis in House Sitting Agreements
- Property Damage: Lack of clear clauses might lead to disputes on responsibilities for damages.
- Breach of Contract: Risks of non-compliance by the house sitter leading to potential legal actions.
- Security Issues: Poor selection of house sitters might risk security to the residential property.
- Insurance Concerns: Uncertainties about whether home insurance covers incidents during the sitting period.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
- Vague Terms: Avoid ambiguities by clearly defining all responsibilities and expectations in the agreement.
- Lacking Legal Advice: Consult a legal expert to validate the house sitting contract template.
- Insufficient Contact Information: Always include complete contact details for both parties.
- Ignoring House Sitter Screening: Perform thorough checks and interviews before agreeing to entrust your property to a house sitter.
Key Takeaways
A well-structured house sitting agreement protects both the homeowner and the house sitter, clarifying responsibilities and minimizing potential risks. Always seek legal advice to ensure all aspects of your contract are legally sound.
How to fill out House Sitting Agreement?
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FAQ
The House Sitter's responsibilities include collecting and organizing homeowners' mail, periodically turning house lights on and off, as well as monitoring surveillance footage to take note of and report any suspicious activity occurring around or outside of homeowners' houses.
Housesitting cost varies widely. Some house sitters will work for free in exchange for food and rent while others will charge $80 per day! Most house sitters charge $25 - $45 per day. Depending on your area and other factors this number might fluctuate.
24 hour house sitting, no pets: R 400 per calendar day. 24 hour house sitting, with 1 pet: R 450 per calendar day. 24 hour house sitting, add R 100 per extra pet above 1 pet per day.
Pay for long-term house sitters starts at £10 a day with Housesitters, plus A£7 food allowance and 40p per mile for fuel both of which are non-taxable. Small additional amounts are available if you care for a dog or cat while house sitting.
Provide Clear Directions. Make Sure The House Is Comfortable. Add Some Personal Touches. Be Ready For Their Arrival. Use The Welcome Guide. Introduce Your Sitter To Your Pets. Run Through Routines.
If you decide to pay your friends to pet sit, a fair rate of pay is 30-40% of what you would pay a professional service. For example, a quick 15-minute drop-in visit would equal about $6 $10 per visit. If your pets need longer visits, such as 45-60 minute visits, you should pay somewhere around $9 -$12 per visit.
As a starting point to keep in mind, typical house sitting rates are in the $25-30/day range, more (around $50) for overnight stays. But this is just a ballpark. We suggest taking the time to calculate a number based on your own house sitting expectations and needs.
You would report income that was paid for house sitting as self-employment income.
The following items are deemed nontaxable by the IRS: Inheritances, gifts and bequests. Cash rebates on items you purchase from a retailer, manufacturer or dealer. Alimony payments (for divorce decrees finalized after 2018)