Frequently Asked Questions for HomeOwners
We handle enquries via email. You can email us at: info@housesittingangels.com.au
It is usually expected that the housesitter should pay for bills that would not otherwise cost the homeowner should the property have been left vacant. This will usually include items such as telephone usage (but not line rental), gas and electricity consumption etc.
If a contract is created then it will clearly outline what you are and are not responsible for.
What should I do about bills before I leave?
You should contact the utility companies and see if you can settle the current amount owing on your account before you leave. This should mean that the house sitter will not end up with any unexpected bills whilst you are away.
Unfortunatley sometimes utility companies either cannot do this or make a mistake. In such cases it will be best for the sitter to make the bill payment if it arrives and for you to settle this up on your return.
For longer periods of absence it is often best to speak to your utility company and arrange for a temporary change of name/details.
Yes.
Before you leave make sure you record the date and readings on any meters such as for gas and electricity.
This information will be essential to calculate the amounts owing upon your return..
How do I know about telephone usage?
It is normally possible to determine the amount outstanding on the phone bill by phoning the telephone provider or checking online. This information should be recorded before the homeowner leaves.
Once the homeowner returns you can determine the new cost of the telephone bill and deduct the original amount, leaving the housesitter to pay the difference.
In some cases a homeowner will ask for a bond to be paid before the start of the housesit. This is similar to a rental agreement where a letting agent / owner asks for a bond.
It provides the homeowner with a better feeling of security.
Should the sitter pay the bond?
This is entirely up to the sitter and you should be discussion between each of you.
This may be an important issue to you and if so you should ask the appropriate questions when making your selection of sitter.
How much should the bond be?
This will depend on a number of factors and again will need to be discussed individually for each sit. We would recomend that an amount equal to four weeks rent be paid, unless the sit is for less time, in which case it should be equal to the number of weeks present.
A weeks rent can usually be determined by looking at like for like properties being rented in the area. For residents in Western Australia there is a useful website, REIWA that will allow you to obtain this type of information.
Who Should the bond be paid to?
An impartial third party such as a solicitor.
We will act as the impartial third party for a fee of A$50, A$25 payable by you and A$25 by the housesitter. This is to cover administrative costs. The payment will need to be made by direct bank transfer. If credit card is to be used then we have a payment system using PayPal but the costs will increase. Email us for details.
What deductions can be taken from the Bond?
Unpaid bills, damages and breakages proven to be the fault of the sitter.
Should there be a detailed property report?>
For rental properties the letting agent will normally write a detailed report on the property and provide photographs.
We would say that a homeowner should be responsible for compiling such a report. They should include photos and condition details that is then viewed and signed by you.
This is a lot of work and we leave it up to the homeowner as to whether they wish to do so.
We believe that a homeowner may not find this necessary as they will only pick housesitters that they feel they can trust in the first place.
However in case of any disputes, this would form vital evidence.
What contact details should I leave?
It is advisable to leave details for: Vets; Trustworthy Friend / Neighbour / Family in the area; Tradesman;
As part of your selection process you should introduce your prospective sitters to your pets and get a feel for the relationship between your pets and the sitters.
Once you are happy and have chosen your sitter, you should provide them with all the information required to treat your pets in the manner to which they are accustomed.
This is often one of the main reasons for chosing to have a housesitter. Your pets can be cared for in their own environment and you wont have to pay any cattery or kennel costs.
You should leave written instructions for your housesitters regarding key elements of your pets care.
These instructions may include such items as: where to walk the dog; what time of day; when to let the cat out; bring the cat in; feeding instructions.
You should leave enough food for your pets whilst you are away, or make a financial arrangement with the housesitter.
Housesitters are not expected to pay for the feeding of your pets.
Temporary Feeding Arrangements
For housesits over a prolonged period, it would be helpful to allow your housesitter the chance to have a weekend away. In such cases your animals will still neeed feeding. You should discus the possibility of this situation with your sitter and recomend a friend / neighbour who might be able to perform this task.
This is an essential part of a housesitters tasks, they will be expected to water plants both inside and out. You can make it easier for the sitter by gathering the plants into one area.
The housesitter will be expected to collect all your mail so that the house does not appear to be vacant.
This is not normally thought to be a task for the housesitter, but like everything its always up for discussion between the pair of you. We would consider that this task could be performed by a local mowing agency or even offer to pay a small fee to the housesitter.
This is an often overlooked area and it happened to us on our first sit. There was no space in the freezer! Please consider the housesitters and ensure that there is some space left in the freezer that your sitters can use whilst you are away.
Any fresh produce left when you leave may either be consumed or thrown out by the housesitters. You should not expect such perishables to be replaced be your sitter on your return.
How much detail should I give about my property?
We would advise that initial consultations with housesitters involves telling them about the suburb and the size of the property
You should have an initial meeting on neutral ground, for example a local cafe.
If you think they are a suitable candidate then you should arrange a second meeting, this time at your house. Remember it is important that the housesitter finds your home suitable for their needs.
Is placing a picture of my house safe?
It is entirely up to you as to whether you upload a picture of your property on the website. In general we feel that it is safe. If you are uncertain, then dont upload a picture.
Will my home be more secure with a house sitter ?
Most insurance policies wont cover you if you are away for more than 3 weeks (be sure to check your insurance policy), this is because of the increased risk of break in.
We feel that having a housesitter in your home will mean that your house is being lived in and will make a less likely target.
We established the company in 2005, aiming to provide the best level of services for the lowest costs.