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House Sitter Agreement

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HOUSE SITTING AGREEMENT

www.housesitters.com.au

TERMS OF AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT is made on at

BETWEEN

HOMEOWNER:

(Name/s)

(Address)

AND

HOUSE SITTER:

(Name/s)

Other people who will ordinarily live at the premises

PETS: (Belonging to the homeowner)

(Name/s)

Type of pet/s (e.g. German Shepherd, Persian, Budgerigar)

Description

No person/s or pet/s other than those listed above are permitted to live at the premises during the term of this Agreement.

PREMISES:

The homeowner gives the house sitter a license to occupy the premises rent free at

and the following parking space and storeroom

This is not a lease, and the parties agree that the house sitter is granted only a license to occupy and has no legal interest in the premises whatsoever.

TERM:

The term of this Agreement begins at on and ends at on

CONTINUATION:

At the end of this term the house sitter may continue to occupy the premises under the same terms of this Agreement ONLY if notified by the homeowner.

HOUSE SITTING BOND: Cross out if there is not going to be a bond

A bond of $ must be paid by the house sitter to the homeowner's nominated agent on or before the signing of this agreement.

HOMEOWNER'S NOMINATED BOND AGENT: Cross out if there is not going to be a bond

TRADESPERSON/S (see "Urgent Repairs", clause 12,13):

VETERINARIAN (clause 7):

CONTACT PERSON/S (see clause 6,9,11,12,14,19):

THE AGREEMENT

1 The homeowner agrees to give the house sitter:

1.1 a copy of this agreement at or before the time the agreement is signed; and

1.2 a copy of this agreement signed by both the homeowner and the house sitter.

PAYMENT OF COUNCIL RATES, LAND TAX, AND OTHER CHARGES

2 The homeowner agrees to pay:

2.1 Council rates; and

2.2 land taxes; and

2.3 the accounts referred to in Clause 3; and

2.4 all charges under any Act for the residential premises.

3 The house sitter agrees to reimburse the homeowner:

3.1 for electricity; and

3.2 for gas (where applicable); and

3.3 for all telephone charges incurred during the term of this Agreement; and

3.4 for all water used during the term of the Agreement where the charge for the water is calculated according to the metered amount of water consumed; and

3.5 any excess garbage or sanitary charges; and

3.6 any charges for pumping out a septic system.

3.7 any such charges shall be paid to the homeowner within 7 days of written request, or before the house sitter vacates the premises, whichever is earlier.

The house sitter may choose to pay the amount owing to the service provider directly, but the onus is on the house sitter to produce a receipt if requested by the homeowner.

POSSESSION OF THE PREMISES

4 The homeowner agrees:

4.1 to make sure the residential premises are vacant so the house sitter can move in at the time and date agreed; or

4.2 to give the house sitter at least 7 days notice of any change to the agreed move in date.

USE OF THE PREMISES

5 The house sitter agrees:

5.1 not to use the premises, or cause or permit the premises to be used, for any illegal purpose; and

5.2 not to cause or permit a nuisance; and

5.3 not to interfere, or cause or permit interference, with the reasonable peace, comfort or privacy of neighbours.

CARE OF THE PREMISES

6 The house sitter agrees:

6.1 not to part with the premises nor to adversely effect any insurance that the homeowner holds for the premises.

6.2 if the house sitter is responsible for the presence of an infectious disease or an infestation of rats, cockroaches, fleas or other pests the house sitter shall inform the homeowner or contact and bear the cost of fumigation or eradication. Where the infectious disease or pests is not due to the actions of the house sitter, the house sitter shall consult as soon as possible with the homeowner or contact as to their elimination.

6.3 not to keep any animal not belonging to the homeowner on the premises, unless agreed to and listed under Additional Terms.

6.4 to care for all items on the premises.

6.5 not to block any sink or drain and to regularly clean the bathroom, kitchen and appliances.

6.6 to maintain the grounds and garden in the same condition as at the start of this Agreement and remove all rubbish.

CARE OF HOMEOWNER'S PETS

7 The homeowner agrees:

7.1 to provide written instructions as to the required care of the homeowner's pets; and

7.2 to provide all food for the pets, or make provision for the house sitter to acquire food for the pets; and

7.3 to make arrangements with a qualified veterinarian for any charges for veterinary consultations or procedures on behalf of the homeowner's pets to be paid for on account by the homeowner.

8 The house sitter agrees:

8.1 to carry out all the homeowner's instructions as to the care of the homeowner's pets.

8.2 to make every reasonable effort to ensure the good health and comfort of the homeowner's pets whilst abiding by the instructions of the homeowner in this regard.

Veterinarian ....... (see front page)

HOMEOWNER'S ACCESS TO THE PREMISES

9 The homeowner, or contact, or any person authorised in writing by the homeowner, during the currency of this Agreement, may only enter the residential premises in the following circumstances:

9.1 in an emergency (including entry for the purpose of carrying out urgent repairs); or

9.2 if there is good reason for the homeowner to believe the premises are abandoned; or

9.3 to inspect the premises, if the house sitter gets 7 days' notice (no more than 1 inspection per month); or

9.4 for any other purpose, if the house sitter agrees.

CLEANLINESS, REPAIRS, AND DAMAGE TO THE PREMISES

10 The homeowner agrees to make sure the residential premises are reasonably clean and fit to live in.

11 The house sitter agrees:

11.1 to keep the residential premises as clean and tidy as at the start of this Agreement; and

11.2 to notify the homeowner or contact as soon as practicable of any damage to the premises; and

11.3 not to intentionally or negligently cause or permit any damage to the premises; and

11.4 when the Agreement ends, to leave the premises as nearly as possible in the same condition (fair wear and tear excepted) as at the start of this Agreement.

URGENT REPAIRS

12 The homeowner agrees to pay the house sitter, within 14 days of repossession, any reasonable costs which the house sitter has incurred for making urgent repairs (of the type set out below) so long as:

12.1 the damage was not caused as a result of a breach of this Agreement by the house sitter; and

12.2 the house sitter gives the homeowner, or contact, a reasonable opportunity to make the repairs; and

12.3 the house sitter makes a reasonable attempt to have any appropriate trades-person named in this Agreement make the repairs; and

12.4 the repairs are carried out, where appropriate, by licenced or properly qualified persons; and

12.5 the house sitter as soon as possible gives or tries to give the homeowner, or contact, written details of the repairs, including the cost and receipts for anything the house sitter pays for.

13 The type of urgent repairs to the residential premises for which the homeowner agrees to make payment are repairs to:

13.1 a burst water service; or

13.2 a blocked or broken lavatory system; or

13.3 a serious roof leak; or

13.4 a gas leak; or

13.5 a dangerous electrical fault; or

13.6 flooding or serious flood damage; or

13.7 serious storm or fire damage; or

13.8 a failure or breakdown of the gas, electricity, or water supply to the premises; or

13.9 a failure or breakdown of any essential service for hot water, cooking, heating, or laundering; or

13.10 any fault or damage that causes the premises to be unsafe or not secure.

Trades-person/s, Contact/s ....... (see front page)

CONTACT/S TO HOLD SPARE KEYS

14 The homeowner agrees to provide a contact with copies of the key or opening device, for use by the house sitter in the event of:

14.1 an inadvertent lockout situation; or

14.2 loss of keys by the house sitter; or

14.3 any other situation where spare keys may be required.

HOUSESITTER'S RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACTIONS OF OTHERS

15 The house sitter agrees to be responsible to the homeowner for any act or omission by any person the house sitter allows on the residential premises who breaks any terms of the Agreement.

HOUSESITTER NOT TO ASSIGN OR SUB-LET

16 The house sitter agrees not to:

16.1 assign the whole or part of the house sitter's interest under this Agreement; or

16.2 sub-let the residential premises, without the homeowner's prior written permission; or

16.3 have or permit a boarder or lodger (whether or not paying rent or board or other occupation fees).

TELEPHONES

17 The house sitter agrees that all telephones be maintained in the same state as at the start of the Agreement, and the house sitter shall make good all reconnection charges arising from any action of the house sitter.

TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT

18 The homeowner agrees:

18.1 to give the house sitter at least 7 days notice of an early termination of this Agreement; and

18.2 if the term of this Agreement is 6 months or more, then the homeowner agrees to give the house sitter at least 28 days notice of an early termination of this Agreement.

19 The house sitter agrees:

19.1 not to vacate the premises prior to the date of termination without written permission from the homeowner or contact; and

19.2 to give vacant possession of the premises to the homeowner or contact on the date of termination; and

19.3 to return all keys and operating devices on the date of termination; and

19.4 to provide the homeowner or contact with a forwarding address.

20 Both parties agree:

20.1 if either party persistently breaches this Agreement, then the innocent party may terminate this Agreement on 24 hours notice.

20.2 if the house sitter breaches clause 5, 6.3, or 16, then the homeowner may terminate this Agreement on 24 hours notice, even if the breach only occurred once, and even if the breach has been remedied.

20.3 that termination of this Agreement does not affect the right of either party to recover any moneys due by virtue of this Agreement.

ADDITIONAL TERMS

Additional terms and conditions may be added here (homeowner and house sitter to initial each additional term).

N.B. If any form of rent is to apply then State tenancy laws may be applicable thereby affecting this Agreement.

PLEASE READ THIS AGREEMENT THROUGH CAREFULLY BEFORE AND AFTER SIGNATURE

The homeowner and the house sitter enter into this Agreement and agree to all its terms.

SIGNED BY THE HOMEOWNER

(Signature of homeowner)

in the presence of

(Name of witness)

(Signature of Witness)

SIGNED BY THE HOUSESITTER

(Signature of house sitter)

in the presence of

(Name of witness)

(Signature of Witness)

NOTE

A) It is advisable for the homeowner to take out a comprehensive policy of insurance covering his interest in the premises.

B) It is advisable for the house sitter to insure his own possessions and insure against his liability for public risk as the occupier.

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What a House Sitter Agreement Is and When to Use It

A House Sitter Agreement is a written contract that records the rights, duties, and expectations between a homeowner and an individual who will reside in or check on a private residence while the owner is away. Typical provisions cover access permissions, keys and alarm codes, care of pets and plants, utilities and maintenance responsibilities, emergency contacts, compensation or barter, permitted guests, duration, and basic liability allocation. The document clarifies expectations to reduce disputes and supports insurance or emergency responder access when needed, but it is generally a private contract rather than a government filing.

Why Create a Written House Sitter Agreement

Putting the arrangement in writing reduces ambiguity about duties, protects homeowners and sitters by documenting permissions and limitations, and creates evidence of consent and timing should a dispute arise. A clear agreement also helps with insurance claims, neighbor communications, and emergency response.

Why Create a Written House Sitter Agreement

Who Typically Uses a House Sitter Agreement

Homeowners, short-term residents, and professional house sitters often use this agreement to document responsibilities and protect both parties.

  • Frequent Travelers and Vacant-Home Owners — People who leave residences unattended for extended periods and need trusted coverage.
  • Professional House Sitters — Individuals or services that provide on-site care, often paid or exchanged for lodging.
  • Friends or Family Caretakers — Informal sitters who want a clear understanding of permitted actions and liability limits.

A written agreement suits both informal exchanges and paid arrangements; tailor scope and liability clauses to the level of responsibility entrusted to the sitter.

Primary Signers and Their Roles

Homeowner

The homeowner is the property owner or authorized occupant who grants access, lists responsibilities, supplies emergency contacts and keys, and defines compensation. The homeowner should clearly state limits on guests, use of vehicles, and any areas that are off-limits.

House Sitter

The house sitter accepts the homeowner's terms, confirms ability to perform duties (pet care, plant watering, security checks), and provides contact information and emergency procedures. The sitter should acknowledge any required certifications (pet medication administration, vehicle use) in writing.

Essential Clauses to Include in a Professional Agreement

A concise, enforceable House Sitter Agreement groups responsibilities, access permissions, and risk allocation so both parties understand expectations and remedies.

Term and Dates

Specify the exact start and end dates, arrival and departure times, and any early-termination notice requirements so there is no ambiguity about the sitter’s authorized occupancy.

Access and Keys

Describe how keys, alarm codes, and remote access are delivered and returned, plus whether duplicate keys may be made or if locksmith services require prior approval.

Duties and Permitted Actions

List daily tasks (mail retrieval, plant watering, pet feeding, trash disposal), limits on inviting guests, and whether the sitter may hire contractors or use homeowner credit cards.

Compensation

State payment terms or barter arrangements, frequency of payment, and whether expenses (supplies, emergency vet bills) require preapproval or separate reimbursement.

Liability and Insurance

Allocate responsibility for damage, loss, or injury; confirm whether homeowner’s insurance covers sitter actions and require the sitter to carry liability coverage when appropriate.

Emergency Procedures

Provide contact names and numbers, authorized medical or veterinary decision authority, and step-by-step instructions for property emergencies and utility shutdowns.

Step-by-Step: Filling Out and Executing the Agreement

Follow these practical steps to produce a complete, enforceable House Sitter Agreement and confirm parties’ consent.

  • 01
    Draft: Assemble parties, list duties, and set dates before circulating the document.
  • 02
    Review: Both sides read terms, ask questions, and propose clarifications in writing.
  • 03
    Sign: Each party signs and dates the agreement; consider electronic signing for audit trails.
  • 04
    Handover: Provide keys, codes, and written instructions; document receipt with signature or timestamp.

Typical Agreement Workflow From Draft to Return

This sequence shows common transitions when using a digital or paper House Sitter Agreement.

  • Prepare: Create agreement with responsibilities, dates, and emergency contacts.
  • Share: Send to sitter by email, secure link, or printed copy for review.
  • Sign: Execute electronically or in person; capture timestamps and signer details.
  • Perform: Sitter performs duties and documents any incidents or expenses.

Configuring an Online Signing Workflow

When you send the agreement electronically, configure fields and authentication to match the risk level of the arrangement.

Field Configuration
Signature Field Require signer name and signature; set date auto-fill.
Initials Place initials at duty-specific clauses for acknowledgement.
Attachment Field Allow sitter to upload ID or insurance proof if requested.
Authentication Choose email link or SMS code per risk tolerance.

Technical Considerations for eSigning and Document Sharing

Use a platform that supports PDF and DOCX, audit trails, and integrations to simplify sharing, storage, and compliance.

  • File Types: PDF, DOCX supported
  • Integrations: Google Workspace, Microsoft 365
  • Authentication: Email or SMS code

Select a provider with reliable audit trails, optional stronger authentication for higher-risk arrangements, and cloud storage connectors for secure retention and retrieval.

Typical eSignature Platform Pricing and Feature Snapshot

Comparing common vendor starting prices and select feature availability helps pick a platform that matches security and volume needs without overpaying.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies Varies Varies Varies
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies Varies Varies

Security and Compliance Checklist for Electronic Agreements

Encryption in Transit: TLS 1.2/1.3
Encryption at Rest: AES-256
Audit Trail: Timestamps, IP, action log
HIPAA Support: BAA available
ESIGN / UETA: Meets federal and UETA tests
Certifications: SOC 2 Type II, ISO 27001

Key Risks If the Agreement Is Incomplete or Incorrect

Ambiguous Duties: May lead to disputes over care or costs
Unauthorized Access: Liability for theft or property damage
Insurance Gaps: Claims denial for sitter actions
Invalid Signatures: Could weaken enforcement
Incorrect Dates: May affect coverage periods
Missing Contacts: Delayed emergency response

Common Preparation and Execution Mistakes to Avoid

  • Relying on oral promises without documentation, which leaves key duties and limits ambiguous and increases litigation risk if disputes arise.
  • Failing to record delivery and return of keys and access codes, which creates uncertainty about when the sitter’s authority begins and ends.
  • Using vague compensation language such as 'fair payment' instead of specific amounts, causing disagreements over reimbursement and expense approvals.
  • Neglecting to address insurance or emergency vet/medical decisions, which can result in unexpected out-of-pocket expenses and delayed care.

Time-Sensitive Dates to Include and Track

Specify clear dates and notice periods up front so both parties can comply with obligations and termination requirements.

Agreement Effective Date:

MM/DD/YYYY — when sitter is authorized to act

Agreement End Date:

MM/DD/YYYY — last authorized occupancy day

Notice to Terminate:

Specify hours or days required for early termination

Key Return Deadline:

Set specific return time to document end of access

Expense Reimbursement Window:

Number of days to submit receipts for reimbursement

Milestones From Agreement Draft to Completion

Track milestones so duties, access, and final handback are clear and auditable throughout the arrangement.

01

Drafting

Create the agreement and circulate for comments.

02

Execution

All parties sign and dates are recorded.

03

Handover

Keys and codes delivered and receipt acknowledged.

04

Return

Sitter returns keys and files final expense report.

Real-World Examples of Digital Agreement Use

These concise examples show how small property owners and managers use electronic agreements for clarity and compliance.

Martin Properties — Tim Martin

Tim Martin used an online agreement to manage short-term caretaking assignments and document handovers.

  • The digital workflow preserved timestamps and signatures.
  • By standardizing the form, Martin Properties reduced back-and-forth and ensured compliance across mobile and desktop signings without in-person meetings, improving operational consistency.

Optica Ventures — Brian Fitzgibbons

A small owner-operator adopted a fillable House Sitter Agreement to capture duties and emergency contacts.

  • The interface simplified signer experience.
  • The written record helped resolve a minor billing dispute quickly and provided evidence when coordinating vendor access while the owner was traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions About House Sitter Agreements

Answers to common questions about formality, e-signing, notarization, and dispute handling for house sitter arrangements.


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