Free Accommodation with Purpose: House Sitter (COMPLETE GUIDE)

The transformation of neighbor arrangements into a sophisticated business across the globe. This is how the concept of house sitter has evolved in recent years.

Although the first house-sitting platform was House Carers in October 2000, the idea wasn't popularized until 2010 with Andy Peck, his dog Dave, and three others. Together they created Trusted House Sitters, one of the most popular platforms—if not the most—in the field.

These platforms transformed what was once a casual favor between friends into a structured service connecting homeowners with reliable caretakers worldwide.

However, the house sitters industry faces significant challenges. Trust remains the biggest concern, as homeowners must allow strangers into their most personal spaces. Security issues, property damage, and unreliable sitters have created skepticism among potential users. Additionally, the lack of standardized regulations across different countries creates inconsistent service quality and legal protections. But... how does it work?

What is House Sitting and who needs it?

House sitting is a service arrangement where house sitters care for someone's home and often their pets while the owners are away.

The service typically operates on two models:

• Paid house sitting: where sitters receive monetary compensation.
• Free house sitting: where accommodation is exchanged for caretaking services.

Easy, right? But there are still many questions to be answered.

Who hires house sitters?

• Frequent travelers who need reliable home care.
• Pet owners who prefer their animals to stay in familiar environments.
• Elderly individuals requiring occasional assistance.
• Business professionals with extended work trips.
• Vacation homeowners maintaining secondary properties.
• Families taking extended holidays.

Who becomes a house sitter?

• Digital nomads seeking free accommodations while traveling.
• Retirees looking for flexible living arrangements.
• Students.
• Pet lovers who cannot own pets.
• Couples exploring different locations before relocating.

So many house sitters are making this a full-time career.

Services Offered and Requested

Services House Sitters Typically Provide

• Security presence to deter burglaries.
• Pet care: feeding, walking, and companionship.
• Garden maintenance and plant watering.
• Mail and package collection.
• Basic home maintenance and monitoring.
• Pool and spa maintenance.
• Vehicle care and periodic driving.
• Emergency response for home issues.

Services Homeowners Usually Request

• 24/7 home occupancy.
• Daily pet care routines.
• Weekly garden watering.
• Mail forwarding or holding.
• Regular communication updates.
• Emergency contact availability.
• Basic cleaning maintenance.
• Utility monitoring.

How and where to apply as a House sitter?

Top platforms

• Trusted House Sitters: is the largest global platform and has over 97% member satisfaction.
• Mind My House: has lower fees and started in 2005. It's 29 USD annual access for homeowners and 29 USD annual access for house sitters.
• House Carers: it's the first one and has worldwide coverage.
• House Sitters America: is just US-focused.
• Nomador: created recently and is more popular in Europe, but has worldwide coverage.
• Aussie House Sitters: is just for Australia and New Zealand.

How to apply?

You need to create a profile on the platform you selected. Photos, personal information, and references complete your profile.

The information requested depends on the platform. Obtaining health insurance is recommended.

Once your profile is complete, it's time to review the profiles of people who provide or need the service and write to those you think will match your needs, home, and needs.

For security reasons, homeowners may request video calls before closing the deal. If you have references from previous jobs, include them in your profile.

Throughout the process, it's recommended to maintain communication with the homeowners and/or house sitters.

Security Measures and Safety Protocols

For Homeowners

• Comprehensive background checks through platforms.
• Video interviews before confirmation.
• Reference verification from previous clients.
• Home security system briefings.
• Neighbor notification about house sitters.
• Emergency contact protocols.
• Insurance coverage verification.
• Clear house rules documentation.

For House Sitters

• Property insurance coverage.
• Personal safety protocols.
• Emergency contact information.
• Local emergency services knowledge.
• Secure key exchange procedures.
• Regular check-in schedules.
• Documentation of property condition.

Some extra tips

• Platform verification badges.
• Positive reviews between 5-10.
• Response time under 24 hours.
• Complete profile information.
• Professional communication style.
• Relevant experience history.
• Local references availability.

How to Identify Legitimate House Sitting Opportunities

You should avoid some red flags.

Don't accept payments and/or requests outside of the platforms. Incomplete property descriptions and a lack of photographs can be a big red flag. It's not a safe place if your request is accepted without a video interview first. An exorbitant amount offered by services can be fraudulent (to say the least). If you're rushed into a decision about whether to accept the offer, it's very likely a fake deal.

Lack of verification of property owners, inadequate specific pet care instructions, and unclear emergency procedures are also red flags.

Legitimacy Verification Steps

Ensure that you apply and accept applications from individuals with verified profiles and badges awarded by the platforms.

Review the home's history, reviews from previous sitters, and past house sitters.

Always, no matter what, make sure you have a clear and objective video call with the other party. You'll feel more confident and know whether the other person aligns with your needs or not.

Asking for local references is highly regarded; it helps you ensure the property is real.

Check the homeowner's insurance and make sure the information is correct.

Establish appropriate communication protocols for both parties.

FAQS

Is Trusted House Sitters Legit?

Yes, TrustedHousesitters is a legitimate platform founded in 2010 by Andy Peck. The company reports that 97% of members say the service has changed their lives for the better. The platform operates globally with proper verification processes, insurance options, and customer support. However, individual experiences can vary, and users should still exercise due diligence when selecting house sitters or accepting assignments.

How Much Do House Sitters Make?

House sitters earnings vary significantly based on location, experience, and assignment type. According to 2025 data:

• Professional full-time house sitters: $20,000-$50,000 annually.
• Part-time sitters: $200-$800 monthly supplemental income.
• Daily rates: $30-$80 per day for short assignments.
• Overnight rates: $30-$55 per night, average.

Many assignments on platforms like TrustedHousesitters are unpaid, exchanging accommodation for services.

How Much Do House Sitters Charge?

House sitting rates in 2025 typically range:

• Daily visits: $30-$80 per day.
• Overnight stays: $30-$55 per night.
• Weekly assignments: $200-$400 per week.
• Monthly rates: $800-$1,500 per month.
• Holiday periods: 25-50% premium.

Additional pets typically add $10-$20 per pet daily. Rates vary based on location, services required, and sitter experience level.

How Does Trusted House Sitters Work?

TrustedHousesitters operates as a membership-based platform connecting homeowners with house sitters:

• Both parties pay annual membership fees $119-$259. It depends on the platform.
• Homeowners post assignments with details and requirements.
• Sitters apply with profiles and applications.
• Video interviews facilitate mutual selection.
• Agreements are made directly between parties.
• The platform provides verification, reviews, and support.

Most assignments are unpaid, exchanging accommodation for pet/home care services.

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