How much does it cost to join?
Nothing. This is a completely free service.
No money is exchanged between you and the sitter either. The sitter lives in your house rent free until you return. In exchange the sitter will keep your house secure and care for any pets. It's a true win win situation.
Why get a house-sitter from House Sit Ads?
If you have a trip planned, then a house-sitter will let you enjoy it! You no longer have to leave your home empty and unsecured, or your pets sad and lonely.
A house-sitter will:
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Keep your home looking 'lived in': Have peace of mind knowing your home is safe and secure while you're away.
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Look after your pets: Your pet will be fed, walked and cared for. It will have company and taken to the vet if necessary. Most importantly, it gets to stay at home where it's most comfortable.
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Save you money: A house-sitter will save you approximately $30 per day on kennel and cattery fees. that's over $1000 for six week vacation.
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Maintain your home: Your mail will be collected, your messages taken and forwarded and your gardens watered and mowed. Any home maintenance issues will be taken care of and your home will be clean and tidy when you return (and maybe even leave some flowers on your table!)
And all this for free!
This leaves you to ...
Enjoy your vacation! Knowing your pets are cared for, fed, walked and groomed. The lawns and garden are maintained and the pool is kept clean. You no longer have to worry about leaving your loved (and expensive) home empty and unsecured. You have the convenience of not having to remove all your belongings to rent out your house. If you need to come back earlier or later you have the flexibility that you would not have from a rental lease. All the things you do around the house are taken care of. All at no cost to you. All we ask, is that when you have found someone you let us know.
How does the service work?
As a home owner You can join House Sit Ads for FREE!
Once you join, you can:
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Advertise your property for house-sitters to find you
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Receive unlimited access to our database of house & pet sitters.
There are two ways you can use our service.
1. House-sitters find you: Once you register with us, you get to place a free advertisement on our website. Our registered house-sitters will then contact you via email to discuss your requirements. All you need to do is complete our registration form.
2. You find your house-sitter: Once you register, you can login to our site and search for the 'perfect' house-sitter. All you need to do is complete our registration form.
Can I still get a house sitter if I'm renting/leasing?
Yes. Renters/leases are welcome to use our service, but we do suggest that you get the landlord's OK first.
What types of people house-sit?
The short answer is, anyone can be a house-sitter. However, the majority of ours tend to fall into one of the following categories. People moving to another area, people waiting for their house to be renovated, retired people on vacation or professional people saving for their first home.
We do not 'screen' the house-sitters. We leave that up to you. You know the type of person you want better than we do.
How long is a house-sit?
That's up to you. However, house-sits of two weeks or more are easier to fill.
Do I need to insure my home and contents?
House Sit Ads recommends you insure your house and contents while you are away. Discuss this with your insurance company and let them know you will have a house-sitter looking after your home
How do I attract the right house-sitters with my advertisement?
To ensure you attract the right people to your home, give the house-sitters as much information you can about:
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The general location/suburb of your home and what's close by (e.g. transport, shops)
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Number of bedrooms and other features about your home (e.g. pool, internet, backyard)
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A description of your pet, it's temperament and any special requirements.
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What's expected of them in terms of home maintenance.
See samples of other home owner advertisements.
What if I am still worried about my pet?
If you are feeling anxious about leaving your beloved pet and don't like that idea (or cost) of kennels, you are not alone.
Our registered house-sitters are also pet lovers. They will play, feed, walk, take to the vet if necessary and groom your pet while you are away. Most importantly, they will keep your pet company in the very place where he or she is most happy- at home!
What if I am planning an extended trip?
If you are planning an extended trip and are considering renting out your home, think again. Many of our house-sitters are looking for long-term opportunities.
Unlike a rental/lease agreement, getting a house-sitter offers the huge convenience of not having to put your furniture and other belongings into storage. And if you need
to return earlier or later than planned, a house-sitters is far more flexible than a tenant who has signed an official lease.
If you are planning an extended trip and are considering renting/leasing out your home, think again. Many of our house-sitters are looking for long-term opportunities.
Can I ask for a security bond?
This is a reasonable request. The amount and where it is deposited, until your return should be negotiated between you and your house- sitter.
Who pays the bills?
Usually the sitter will pay the day to day bills-phone, electricity etc. However, if they house-sit for more than one year, the house-sitter may also agree to pay your fixed bills for that period. e.g. rates, insurance.
Ultimately though, the terms of the agreement must be negotiated between you and your house-sitter.
Will my details be kept confidential?
Yes. We do not publish your contact details at all. Only you can disclose your details to prospective house-sitters at a time of your choosing.
How do I Edit / Delete my ad?
You can update your details and edit / delete your ad by logging into your account at any time.