How to Pay a House Sitter

Last Updated: July 27, 2022 References

Rather than leave a house vacant, many home owners decide to hire a house sitter to care for their home when they are away for weeks or months. Statistics also show that homes that are vacant are more prone to theft, and some insurance companies may not insure a house left vacant for more than 30 days. House sitters can be friends or hired professionals. House sitters can care for plants, pets, lawns and general home upkeep. If you establish the services they will provide and compensate them properly, then your home can remain in good shape. Read more to find out how to pay a house sitter.^{[1]
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Steps

1
Decide if you will hire a friend or visit a website with house sitter databases. You can choose an informal route by asking a friend, student or young adult to be a house sitter. Companies like House Sitters America and Trusted House Sitters provide a database by which you can find a house sitter in your area.^{[2]
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- On TrustedHouseSitters.com you can search based on sitters that don't require payment and others that do. Although the majority will house sit free of charge in return for a free retreat. This provides a win-win for both parties and as no money is changing hands then it is seem more as someone helping you out, so they are not there to do a job but do of course have a responsibility to care for your home and pets.
2
Decide on the services the house sitter will provide. List all the things that need to be looked after. These can include things like pets, fish, lawn care, cleaning, gardening, houseplants, mail pick up and returning messages. Keep in mind that the more the house sitter needs to do, the more they should be compensated.^{[3]
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3
Decide if the house sitter will stay at the house or simply visit once per day to check up on the house. If the house sitter must commute to your house to take care of plants, mail or pets, then pay them for an hour or so per visit. Figure out a fair hourly wage, such as $15 to $25 per visit.^{[4]
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4
Consider if you are providing a service for the sitter. For some young renters or young people, house sitting may allow them to live rent-free for a short time. In which case, you may not need to pay since it is a fair exchange of services.^{[5]
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- Many house sitting agencies arrange services for the mutual benefit of the person watching the house and the house owners. They do not ask for extra compensation beyond the house and utilities. For example, if you plan to leave for a long period of time, then utilities could be paid in exchange for housing and simple house chores.
5
Weigh the responsibilities of the house sitting position versus the benefits. The more responsibility, the more they should be compensated. The following things should affect how much you plan to compensate a house sitter:^{[6]
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- Taking care of a pet should be seen as 2 jobs. Pets are often much happier staying at home and being cared for by someone they know. Settle on a fair daily wage for watching pets, or a few hundred dollars for watching over weeks or months.
- Intensive cleaning of the house or grounds should be considered as a job. While routine cleaning is usual with any house guest, if you have hired a house sitter to live in and maintain a vacation home and they have to deep clean or stock the kitchen regularly for guests, then they should be paid an hourly wage for that time.
- Fixing up the house should be considered an hourly job, unless you are giving someone a place to rent for a long period of time.
6
Decide what you think is fair based on the responsibilities, then negotiate with the house sitter. They may have expectations of the position. Create a contract, or agreement, if you are hiring a house sitter you have never met before.^{[7]
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7
Pay the sitter in advance for any incidental expenses, such as package receipt or newspaper delivery. Arrange with the utility companies before you leave, so they don't have to pay large bills.^{[8]
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8
Pay the house sitter promptly upon your arrival back at the house, if you have agreed to pay for services. Send a check at regular intervals, if someone is providing care for a vacation home.^{[9]
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9
Bring a gift for a house sitter, if they have offered to take care of the house for free. Consider something they already like, such as wine, food or a gift from your travels.

Community Q&A

Question

How much should I charge to watch a house for a month?

Community Answer

Look at around $20 per day, 28-30 days, so around $600, depending on the time you are there for and the value of your time.
Question

If the house sitter is living in the house for a week or so, does the owner provide the food or money for food to be purchased?

Community Answer

I have always allowed my house sitter access to anything already in the refrigerator. Be careful to take out beer, wine, or other alcohol so you will not be responsible. House sitters who want anything other than what is in the refrigerator (or freezer) are on their own.
Question

How much should I compensate a neighbor who just checks in on my home?

Community Answer

If all they do is check in on it, I would pay them a pretty low amount, like maybe $10 a week, but it really depends on what is encompassed by "checking in."