House Sitting Agreement
Overview of this form
The House Sitting Agreement is a legal document outlining the terms and conditions under which a house sitter will take care of a homeowner's property during their absence. This form establishes the responsibilities of both the homeowner and the house sitter, ensuring clarity and mutual understanding. Unlike informal arrangements, this agreement protects both parties by detailing expectations and procedures for managing the property, thus minimizing potential disputes.
What’s included in this form
- Date of the agreement and identification of the parties involved.
- Permissions granted to the house sitter regarding property access and duties.
- Specific responsibilities of the house sitter, including handling mail and maintaining the property.
- Emergency procedures and authorization for the sitter to act in urgent situations.
- Duration of the agreement and payment terms for services rendered.
- Governing law and clauses regarding dispute resolution through arbitration.
When to use this document
This form is necessary when a homeowner plans to be away from their residence for an extended period and requires someone to look after their property. It is particularly useful when the homeowner wants to ensure that the house remains occupied to deter potential burglary or vandalism while also managing essential tasks, such as watering plants, collecting mail, and taking care of utilities.
Who needs this form
This form is intended for:
- Homeowners who need to secure their property while traveling or away for other reasons.
- Individuals offering house sitting services and seeking a clear understanding of their duties and limitations.
- People entering into a mutual agreement based on trust who wish to formalize their arrangement.
Completing this form step by step
- Identify the parties involved by entering the names and addresses of the homeowner and house sitter.
- Specify the property address to be managed during the house sitting period.
- Outline the duties the house sitter is expected to perform, including any special instructions.
- Clearly state the duration of the agreement and the payment terms for the house sitting services.
- Ensure both parties sign and date the agreement for it to be valid.
Does this document require notarization?
Notarization is not commonly needed for this form. However, certain documents or local rules may make it necessary. Our notarization service, powered by Notarize, allows you to finalize it securely online anytime, day or night.
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Make edits, fill in missing information, and update formatting in US Legal Forms—just like you would in MS Word.
Download a copy, print it, send it by email, or mail it via USPS—whatever works best for your next step.
Sign and collect signatures with our SignNow integration. Send to multiple recipients, set reminders, and more. Go Premium to unlock E-Sign.
If this form requires notarization, complete it online through a secure video call—no need to meet a notary in person or wait for an appointment.
We protect your documents and personal data by following strict security and privacy standards.
Mistakes to watch out for
- Failing to clearly outline the specific duties of the house sitter.
- Not specifying the duration of the house sitting arrangement.
- Neglecting to include emergency contact information.
- Not having both parties sign and date the agreement.
Why use this form online
- Convenience of downloading and printing the form from home.
- Editability allows customization based on individual needs.
- Access to professionally drafted templates ensures legal reliability.
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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)
