THE RIGHT DOCUMENT FOR THE JOB
When to use a house-sitting agreement
Use it before keys or access are given for a trip, move, renovation, or absence. Clarify payment and check insurance, pet, alarm, building, and occupancy rules.
BEFORE YOU START
What to have ready
- Owner or resident and sitter names, address, dates, access, keys, and alarm
- Mail, plants, trash, heating, lights, deliveries, visitors, pets, and emergency contact
- Maintenance, contractor access, spending limit, reimbursement, privacy, and security
- Payment, liability expectations, return condition, and key return
Limit access and authority
List rooms, outbuildings, vehicles, systems, and off-limits areas. State overnight dates and that the sitter cannot sell, lend, or remove property. Use a key log and alarm handoff.
Write routines that can be followed
Use a calendar for trash, plants, mail, deliveries, filters, and security. Attach necessary pet instructions and name a backup contact if the owner is unreachable.
Prepare for expense and emergencies
Set a spending limit, approval route, receipt method, and urgent repairs. Do not promise insurance coverage; check relevant policies. Record condition and return keys, devices, and receipts.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Handing over broad keys or alarm access without listing private areas, permitted visitors, or return controls
- Giving vague instructions for pets, water leaks, heating, or emergency spending that leave the sitter guessing
- Assuming homeowner insurance covers paid care, sitter property, contractors, or an overnight arrangement
A FEW THINGS WORTH KNOWING
House-Sitting Agreement questions, answered
Can a house sitter stay overnight?
Yes if permitted. State dates, rooms, guests, utilities, and security duties so it is not mistaken for open-ended occupancy.
How much emergency spending should be authorized?
Set a reimbursable amount and urgent examples. Require notice and receipts while allowing steps needed to prevent serious damage.
Should a paid sitter have a separate contract?
It may be appropriate when duties, hours, taxes, or insurance are substantial. A label does not decide worker classification.
A draft is the beginning—not the final review.
Check names, figures, dates, and every obligation before you use or sign your document. For legal, employment, property, or financial matters, consult a qualified local professional when needed. This is an AI drafting tool, not an official government form or a guarantee of legal validity.