How much does it cost to join?
We have two service levels at HouseSitMatch:
For a full explanation of the features of each of these packages please see about us. Or register here.
This is a popular FAQ.
Any tips for searching your database?
Searching for a Housesit
Enter ‘keywords’ that will help you find a housesit with the attributes that interest you, and click Search e.g.:
Cats
Dogs
Beach
The search tool will select any housesits that display these keywords in the Profile Description.
In the ‘Locations’ window, enter any town, city or country you wish to search for and click on Search e.g.:
London
United Kingdom
Then, scroll through your search results.
Searching for a Housesitter
In the ‘Countries to Housesit’ window enter the country where you wish to find a Housesitter and click Search.
Or alternatively, you can find a housesitter by Username in the next window.
Do you organise visas or any travel arrangements?
Do I need to have police clearance?
If you have police clearance in advance from your home country this will save time. We have online verification and background checking for members once registered.
All our members are asked to go through our ID checking system called Hooyu.
This important step is free to registered paying members and builds trust in our website and database. You need to have two identity documents to hand e.g. Passport scan of photo id page, Photo driving licence Facebook logins, any other social media logins.
In addition, we ask housesitters to have an up to date Verifile background check, which can be managed through the My Profile > Verfication page.
There is a small charge for this process. When the background check is complete a verified and checked symbol appears next to the User profile. The symbol will appear like this
This is a very popular FAQ.
Can I register as both a sitter and an owner?
How do you decide who goes to the top of your search listings?
What will give me the edge over other sitters?
Experience is definitely useful but a willingness to be flexible and an affinity with animals certainly helps. Get Verified online so homeowners gain confidence that you have been checked through us. All members have basic identity checks on registration free of charge! For a police check you need to website click the link for our partner ONFIDO when you are logged in.
Do I need to have house-sat before?
Do you have long-term sitting assignments?
Who pays for utilities?
How does HouseSit Match work?
You register choosing your preferred service level and upload a profile. From there you can search property profiles to find one that suits you or wait until an owner contacts you, which is unlikely as they are generally bombarded with approaches. It is best to be proactive. Your chances of a match are increased if you choose the Premium subscription.
Does a homeowners contents insurance cover my goods?
Insurance policies vary wildly so this is something will need to be discussed with the homeowner. Some policies will cover your goods due to the fact that the owner invited you into their home but each company is different hence the necessity to clarify this on an individual basis.
I am allergic to animals, does this mean I wont get a house-sitting assignment?
Not necessarily, as not all house-sits require you to look after pets. However, most of the house sitting assignments are for petsitting. Register for the newsletter and stay close to what is available…
Can I bring my own pet with me?
This is not ruled out that you can take your own pet to a petsitting assignment, but it is likely to impact on you being selected from a short list containing house-sitters without pets. We like it if our homeowners and house-sitters are as flexible as possible, so we suggest this is something you negotiate with the homeowner.
Can I undertake a sitting assignment with my children?
While some homeowners are more than happy for you to bring your children with you, there is no hard and fast rule, and many homeowners will have definite preferences. The best way to deal with the question is to discuss your situation with the owner, have an open and honest discussion to ensure both sides are satisfied with the arrangement.
How do I edit my profile?
You can edit your profile as many times as you like. Login and look on the My Account page for the Settings Wheel which looks like this
Click to reveal the Drop Down list that shows Edit Profile. Click and start to update your profile content. Please remember to save and submit.
Because this is a popular FAQ we make sure that as a new member you will receive a series of welcome emails with photo and video explanations for how to edit your profile.
How do I turn off or amend email alerts?
This is easily done on the My Account page.
Look at the bottom right hand side of your My Account page for the Bell symbol which appears like this
Click on the bell to reveal the Web Notifications link, and click on that to reveal your Notifications settings which will look something like this
You can opt in to as many of the notifications as you want.
TOP TIP
To start with it might be useful to have notifications sent to you for every event in order that you have the opportunity to respond in a timely fashion and build an understanding of how the system works. However, ultimately the choice is yours to fine tune as is most useful for your purposes.
What happens if I need to leave a sitting assignment early?
What happens if a homeowner returns early?
Can I bring my own things with me?
House-sitting assignments vary wildly, and it depends on exactly what type of things you are proposing to bring with you. We suggest you discuss and agree this with the homeowner as some are more flexible than others. Also as owners are generally away on holiday, their home will be fully-furnished so you will find that you wont need much other than your clothes and toiletries.
Can I use a homeowners internet provider?
How long can I house-sit for?
As long as you want to – you may never have to pay rent again! However, the length of time that you house-sit in one home will be limited and the contracts you arrange with the homeowner will be clear about those limitations. For example, in the UK we strongly advise owners and sitters to ensure the maximum stay does not exceed 11-months to comply with tenancy legislation. In Australia, any stay over 3 months is no longer considered a holiday and will require a different contract. We can guide you through the requirements and have prepared the relevant template documents for you in accordance with contemporary legislation in both countries.
How long can I house-sit for?
As long as you want to – you may never have to pay rent again! However, the length of time that you house-sit in one home will be limited and the contracts you arrange with the homeowner will be clear about those limitations. For example, in the UK we strongly advise owners and sitters to ensure the maximum stay does not exceed 11-months to comply with tenancy legislation. In Australia, any stay over 3 months is no longer considered a holiday and will require a different contract. We can guide you through the requirements and have prepared the relevant template documents for you in accordance with contemporary legislation in both countries.
This is a popular FAQ.
Do I have to pay a bond or deposit?
What do I do if I break something?
Why is HouseSit Match the best option?
Because we check the identity of all members on registration free of charge. Also we vet all housesitters, and we offer the widest range of options to assist you to find a house that suits your needs. And our Premium membership option gives you an edge with a larger profile, more photographs and a video link!
This is a popular FAQ, please check out our TRUSTPILOT reviews to see what other members say about HouseSitMatch.
What are the benefits of house-sitting?
What happens if a pet gets sick/falls ill?
What happens if a pet dies?
Do I have to pay for pet food?
How much does it cost?
We have two service levels:
For a full explanation of the features of each of these packages please see about us. Or register here.
This is a popular FAQ.
Do you reference and police check house-sitters?
All our members are asked to go through our ID checking system called Hooyu.
This important step is free to registered paying members and builds trust in our website and database. You need to have two identity documents to hand e.g. Passport scan of photo id page, Photo driving licence Facebook logins, any other social media logins.
In addition, we ask housesitters to have an up to date Verifile background check, which can be managed through the My Profile > Verfication page.
There is a small charge for this process. When the background check is complete a verified and checked symbol appears next to the User profile. The symbol will appear like this
This is a popular FAQ
Can I interview prospective house-sitters?
How do I know I can trust someone with my pets?
You don’t. If you have a Standard subscription you have to rely on your gut reaction when you meet a prospective house sitter and your pets reaction. As we do in everyday life, we often make decisions based on our better judgement so use that judgment here when deciding on a house-sitter.
To see what other people have said about HouseSitMatch look up our TRUSTPILOT reviews.
How do I know I can trust someone in my home?
Is having a house-sitter better than leaving my home empty while I am away?
Why are house-sitters better than paying tenants?
With paying tenants you would have to move all your personal possessions out of your home and store them elsewhere to make the house available for renting. You also have your pets to consider. Having house-sitters take care of your home and pets in your absence is a great short term solution. Of course, if you are planning to be away for 12 months or so then paying tenants could be a better option.
How do you decide who goes to the top of your search listings?
Can I register as both a sitter and an owner?
How do I identify a reliable house-sitter?
Experience is always a good indicator as are good references. HouseSit Match suggests you meet with your sitters more than once before you go away and trust your gut feeling.
However, you should also check their profile for ID check, police and background checking and their own profile description. All these points of reference are useful information to help you formulate your first questions for the sitter as you get to know them.
On HouseSitMatch.com you can also check any previous references they have earned from homeowners. That’s always a useful reference point.
Are there any tips for searching your database?
Does my building and contents insurance cover a house-sitter?
Insurance policies vary so you will need to check this with your insurance company. We have been advised by some owners that their policy has covered sitters’ possessions due to the fact that you have invited them to stay in your home. But don’t take this for granted, you must check.
Why should I choose HouseSit Match?
HouseSit Match offers a range of facilities to assist you to find a sitter that suits your needs, and our Premium membership option gives you an edge.
We are the only housesitting membership network to ID check everyone and insist on police and background checking for free housesitters.
This is a popular FAQ, we’d like you to check out our TRUSTPILOT reviews to see what other people say about our membership.
Password Reset
Top 10 FAQ – If you’ve forgotten your password, click this button and enter your email address. We’ll send instructions to reset your password.
Change my email
Top 10 FAQ – Login to your account, go to My Account add new email address and click Update Account.
Update Payment Details
Top 10 FAQ – Login to your account, go to My Account, scroll down to HouseSit Match Subscription and click Update Your Details.