Is House Sitting Safe? A Friendly Guide to Ensuring Security

House sitting has become a very popular way for travelers looking for affordable accommodation, and we have enjoyed it a lot over the last year. But one question we often get asked, especially by our parents and close friends is, “Is house sitting safe?”

House sitting is generally considered to be very safe. This is thanks to the trust that the platforms review and reference systems give both parties. We can look at all the previous reviews for house sits we are looking at. And home/pet owners can ask for references or reviews.

Not all home owners do, but we also appreciate that they are placing a lot of trust in us. Perhaps more than we are in them.

However, like any situation involving strangers, it is essential for both sides of the house sit are careful. We certainly don’t take our house sitting lightly!

Set Up A Facetime Call

Set up a video call before the house sit

We find that personal communication between the homeowner and house sitter before the sit is key. When we have not done this, we have often had problems. So, learn our less upfront and always do a long video call and have your questions ready ahead of time.

The best options is through phone or video calls. Video is ideal because you get a better feel for the person and house, as well as potentially meeting the pets. We just sat through one such interview and it was an instant match – it was like we were old friends. That is when you know it is going to work.

Such a video call is a great opportunity to build rapport and identify any potential red flags.

• is the person on time for the call
• is the house a mess
• can they answer all the questions you ask

Both sides should be on the lookout for issues and get to know one another, the house and the pet at the same time. House sitting can be quite complex, but also a great experience. And being prepared is key.

Safety Concerns

When it comes to house sitting, there are several safety concerns that both homeowners and house sitters should be aware of. In this section, we will discuss the risks for homeowners and house sitters, as well as some tips for mitigating these risks.

Risks for Homeowners

For homeowners, the main safety concern is entrusting their home to someone they may not know well. Some potential risks include:

• Property damage: House sitters may accidentally damage the property or belongings, from minor accidents to more severe incidents.
• Theft: While rare, there is a possibility that a house sitter may steal valuable items from the home.
• Unauthorized access: House sitters may allow unauthorized individuals into the home, potentially putting the property and its contents at risk.

To minimize these risks, homeowners can:

1. Thoroughly vet potential house sitters: Use reputable house sitting websites with background checks and reviews from other homeowners.
2. Establish clear communication: Set clear expectations about the house sitter’s responsibilities and guidelines for visitors.
3. Secure valuables: Hide or secure valuable items and documents before leaving the home.

Risks for House Sitters

House sitters also face their own set of safety concerns while staying in someone else’s home. These may include:

• Personal safety: House sitters may be at risk of injury or accidents within the home, especially if they are not familiar with potential household hazards or duties.
• Liability: If something goes wrong, such as a pet getting injured, house sitters may be held responsible for damages.
• Privacy invasion: House sitters may feel their privacy is compromised if homeowners have security cameras or monitoring devices installed.

House sitters can take steps to protect themselves by:

1. Knowing the home and potential issues: Familiarize themselves with potential issues and responsibilities within the property
2. Setting expectations with homeowners: Prior to starting the house sit, have a clear understanding of expectations and responsibilities with the pet as well.
3. Gathering emergency contacts: Obtain a list of emergency contacts, such as nearby friends or family members of the homeowner, professionals for property maintenance, and any required services like veterinarians for pet care. We have used them on two occasions, so having these ready is critical.
    

By being aware of these safety concerns and taking appropriate precautions, both homeowners and house sitters can help ensure a positive and safe house sitting experience.

Choosing a Safe House Sitting Service

Reputation and Reviews

When searching for a house sitting website, it’s important to consider the reputation of the platform and the reviews of past users. A reliable service should have a strong track record and positive reviews from both homeowners and house sitters. For example, Trusted Housesitters has received countless positive reviews, which can boost confidence in their service. We have used them for the last year and only had positive experiences. The house sits were top-notch and the home/pet owners were very professional and experienced.

Verifications and Background Checks

Another crucial aspect to consider while choosing a safe house sitting service is the verification process and background checks the platform has in place. These checks help ensure that the individuals who use the service are trustworthy and reliable. A service like House Sitters America provides a secure platform with an emphasis on user safety and satisfaction.

Some services may offer optional background checks or require additional identity verification. This can be very helpful in building build trust between homeowners and house sitters. It’s essential to get to know the specific procedures that each platform has and make sure they meet your expectations.

House sitting has become a popular way for people to save on accommodation expenses while traveling or staying in a new location. With a few precautions and a good understanding of the homeowner’s expectations, house sitting can be a safe and enjoyable experience.