Blog Post Categories
Payments for House sitting: Should you? Top Tips
Many home and pet owners wonder about payments for housesitting and are confused as to why some housesitters charge and some don’t. Do you make or accept payments for house sitting? Or should you? Well that depends on how you manage your housesit applications and if you are travelling. Read on to learn more.
Is It Sometimes OK to Exchange Payments for House Sitting?
House sitting is meant to be a no-money exchange of accommodations and services. But is there ever a situation when it’s appropriate for the homeowner or the house sitter to ask for payments for house sitting?
When a Homeowner Might Ask a Sitter for Payments for House Sitting
During my 15 years of full-time house sitting, I’ve been asked by a few homeowners to contribute to utility bills.
I have house sitting friends who have agreed to contribute to the homeowner’s utility bills. However, I usually decline. My feeling is that the heat or a/c would be on for the pets. I have agreed, though, to keep the heat or a/c within a reasonable range in order to keep bills in line with the homeowner’s general use.
But one homeowner was insistent. When I asked what her concern was, she told me a previous sitter had run up her air conditioning bill by more than $100/month!
Once I acknowledged and validated her concern, we agreed I would pay any amount over her normal bill. Turns out, my usage was well within the homeowner’s usage.
House Sit Match Members Weigh In About Payments for House Sitting
“One of the many things I like about house sitting is that not only is every assignment unique, but all issues are negotiable – and [conducted] people-to-people. Negotiating with people is rewarding, and almost always leads to good connections,” said Josie Schneider, who has house sat with her husband Conrad Knutsen for 15 years. They live in their Ann Arbor condominium for up to four months each year while visiting their kids and grandkids and then rent it out the rest of the year.
Is housesitting paid or voluntary
“Our longest house sit was two years,” Josie continued. “The original listing was for 11 months but the homeowners kept asking if we could stay longer. The family was moving out of the country and couldn’t decide if they wanted to sell the home. We offered to pay for internet and cable because they would have discontinued those utilities otherwise. We were happy to pay the monthly $150 and enjoyed living in Baltimore. Our kids came to visit in the big five-bedroom home, and everyone enjoyed the city.
“We also became good friends with the homeowners and visited them a few years later in their new Italian home.”
And when homeowners ask for payments…
On the other hand, Bragi Jonsson, who secured his first house sit with House Sit Match a decade ago and has been steadily house sitting ever since, wrote, “I paid [for the homeowner’s utilities in order to] get my first sit. It was under 300 Euros for a three-month sit. I did it just to get started. I sat for them three or four times after that and they never [again] asked for money. [But] I would say ‘no’ today if I was asked to pay for utilities [making any payment to the owner for house sitting].”
Photo courtesy of Bragi Jonsson
House sitting payment vs free exchange
“We strongly feel that [house sitting] should be a totally free exchange and we’ve never had to pay for utilities,” wrote Jacqueline Lamb, who, together with her husband Glenn, is celebrating 10 years of full-time nomadic international house sitting this month. “We provide a professional and dedicated service, saving the owners thousands of dollars in kennel or cattery fees. [But] if we were doing a long sit – such as for three months or more – we would consider paying for utilities.”
“Our philosophy at House Sit Match is that house sitting is a mutually beneficial non-monetary exchange – a barter – this is essential as our guideline, and critical if you want to travel by housesitting. However, we recognize that sometimes either a homeowner or a house sitter might request a payment for house sitting,” said House Sit Match founder Lamia Walker.
“I’ve Been Asked to Cover Personnel Expenses“
On occasion, I’ve been asked by homeowners to cover the cost of their regular housekeeper or – on one occasion – the pool maintenance guy during my sitting assignment. Again, I declined contributing payments for house sitting.
“I will gladly clean your pool and home as part of my house sitting duties, but you might want the consistency you’ve come to appreciate from your regular workers,” I politely pointed out. Every time, the homeowners have decided to maintain their cleaners at their own expense and rescinded their request for a payment for house sitting.
A Shared Car Poses Different Financial Expectations
One of the key things I discuss with my potential homeowners during our initial video interview is where their home is located in relation to grocery stores, pet parks and public transportation. Many homeowners list “15 minutes to all amenities” in their profiles. But is that 15 minutes by foot, by car or by bus?
If the sit is more suburban or rural and not within easy walking distance to grocery stores or markets, I bring up the possibility of using their car. Frankly, it’s not my preference: I prefer to keep to a minimum the things that could go wrong!
But if the homeowners regularly use a car to maintain their daily lives, then it’s reasonable that their house sitter will need one, too.
Negotiating Car Expenses
We discuss insurance. In many countries, the car is insured for any driver. In others, I’ve had to be added to the homeowners’ car insurance policy for a temporary period. Still other homeowners have rented me a car so that I could get around comfortably – as well as ferry their pets to fun romping places!
We discuss the cost of petrol. Generally, we agree that they will provide a full tank and I’ll leave a full tank. (As a courtesy and thank-you, I also have the car professionally washed – at my expense, of course – before handing it back.)
House sitting barter
Once, a homeowner was concerned about my adding a lot of mileage to her car if I took many sightseeing day trips. We negotiated a maximum amount of miles I would drive and I agreed to cover any additional expense as payment for house sitting.
Another compromise is for homeowners to leave cash for taxis or Ubers for weekly shopping. And, of course, the homeowners agree to reimburse any costs for pet transport.
Real Experiences of Expense Payments for House Sitting
House Sit Match Members Share Their Experiences About Contributing to Car Payments for House Sitting
Photo courtesy of Josie Schneider and Conrad Knutsen
Use of the Homeowner’s Car
“Several of our homeowners let us use their car at no cost to us,” said Josie Schneider. “Only one charged us, and we were happy to pay the meager amount because the home was extremely remote, allowing us to avoid the much higher cost of a rental car.”
But Bragi Jonsson wrote, “I take rural sits only if I get free use of a car. The only thing I pay for is my use of petrol. I even wash the cars before the owners come back.”
“We have used homeowners’ cars on many occasions and only once have we been asked for a contribution,” wrote Jacqueline Lamb. “[At the end of the sit,] the homeowners asked us to reimburse them for the insurance cost of adding us as an ‘extra driver.’ The cost was only 35 pounds, so not a lot of money. We were very surprised as this was not discussed prior to accepting the sit. We explained that we had never been asked to pay, but reluctantly agreed. However, when we messaged the homeowners for their bank details, they told us not to bother.”
Photo credit – Glenn Lamb
But reality does intervene. “Unfortunately,” Jacqueline explained, “in the UK it is now almost impossible or very expensive to add a non-UK driver to a homeowner’s car insurance policy. Last year, we did a seven-week house sit in rural England and we contributed 250 pounds (50%) toward the cost of adding us to the homeowner’s car insurance. We felt it was a fair exchange.”
“Car sharing presents its own negotiations,” explained Lamia Walker. “Generally, many homeowners realize that their sitters need to be able to get around – especially in an emergency run to the vet – and are willing to provide use of a car if public transportation is not handy. But this depends on which country the car and insurance are located. Some countries are prohibitively expensive, while others are very reasonable. It’s worth checking.”
When a House Sitter Might Ask a Homeowner for a Payment for House Sitting
Photo credit – Tiera St Claire
I have occasionally had homeowners offer to pay for my flights.
When a sitter cancelled last-minute on a house sit in Malta, the homeowners reached out to me and offered to pay for my flight from Edinburgh to Valletta. These lovely homeowners also picked me up from the airport, took me grocery shopping and insisted on paying for my first week of groceries!
I think it’s reasonable for sitters to ask homeowners to help with transportation costs if the sitting assignment is in an out-of-the-way, expensive-to-get-to place – or if the sit is during the peak holiday travel season or is so last-minute that airfares are sky high.
I feel a fair payment for house sitting is for the homeowners to arrange to pick me up at the airport and ferry me to their homes – especially if I am arriving jet-lagged off a long flight or into a very foreign country. Homeowners in these off-the-beaten-path places usually have their own trusted drivers who meet me and know exactly how to reach my destination. After all, it’s in the homeowner’s best interest that I arrive “unfrazzled” – and that I actually arrive!
Other Ways Homeowners Might Contribute to Their Sitter’s Stay
Few homeowners have left a cash tip (very appreciated if there is a great deal of work!), but most offer sweet, welcoming gestures. One homeowner who is a great cook filled his freezer with strict orders for me to empty it before his return! Another left a museum pass that allowed me free entrance into several noteworthy art museums in Amsterdam – a gesture worth a few hundred dollars. A London homeowner left me a loaded Oyster card to use on public transportation.
While I didn’t request these generous contributions, they made me feel appreciated and valued.
House Sit Match Members Relay Their Favourite “Payments” for House Sitting
“[I used to] ask for help with train tickets,” wrote Bragi Jonsson. “Most people were ok with it. I don´t do it anymore, but now some of my regulars pay me 100 pounds for each sit. Some regulars have even paid for my groceries. Twice, I have been paid for taking care of horses.
“Once, [a homeowner in England paid for] my flight from Iceland and my bus ticket from the airport. That lady even drove me to my next sit – about 45 min away.”
It’s our responsibility to travel between housesits …
“We have always taken the view that it is our financial responsibility to make our own way to our next sit and we do not ask for or expect any [payment for house sitting]. We have even refused to accept money,” said Jacqueline Lamb.
Photo courtesy of Glenn and Jacqueline Lamb
“We like to keep our assignments totally free, but we do appreciate and have an expectation that if we arrive the night prior to the [start of the] house sit, the homeowner would cook us a meal or take us out for dinner.
“Of course, we are grateful when the homeowners offer to pick us up from airport or bus station,” she continued. “In some instances, if the homeowner wasn’t able to collect us, we did not pursue the sit. After all, if you don’t have your own car, some locations can be difficult to reach.”
But she and Glenn have received some unexpected payments for house sitting. “On a repeat sit in Spain, the homeowners gave us a generous 200 [euros] toward our car rental. It was unexpected. Another time, friends in Melbourne gave us AUD$550; they wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer! At a house sit in Mexico, the homeowners took us to the supermarket and paid for our grocery bill.”
“Most House Sit Match homeowners are so appreciative of our house sitters who travel to their homes to care for their pets, gardens and property that they welcome their sitters with open arms and hearts,” said Lamia Walker. “While their gestures aren’t necessarily ‘payments for house sitting,’ per se, they are genuine expressions of appreciation and respect.”
Pro Tip About Payments for House Sitting
“We provide our homeowners with a written agreement, which is basically a legal-lite conversation starter,” Josie Schneider advised. “Its purpose is to avoid any unexpected or awkward issues that were not addressed up front. One of the points in the agreement states that if we pay for a repair, the homeowner must reimburse us within seven days of their return. So when a washing machine broke down on a house sit and we paid 500 bucks to fix it, there was no problem getting reimbursed from the homeowner.”
The Bottom Line About Payments for House Sitting
“My thoughts about payments for house sitting is that this is a win/win – but I would say it is more of a win for the owners,” explained Bragi Jonsson. “They get their house secured and the animals stay in their own environment. I know that kennels cost a lot.
“But it sure is a win for me also! I love animals, and I am retired so this is a good opportunity for me to travel, stay in some nice places and meet new people.”
In the end, mindful of the travel restrictions for housesitters, a discussion about finances is just one part of the overall negotiation of the house sitting assignment and needs the same respectful, attentive conversation that pet care, home maintenance and mutual expectations require in order to make a successful, enjoyable experience!
By Kelly Hayes Raitt
BIO
Kelly Hayes-Raitt‘s favorite payment for house sitting is being asked back by grateful homeowners and enthusiastic pets. She’s repeated house sits throughout Africa, Europe, Asia and North America during her 15+ years of pampering pets. She’s the author of How to Become a Housesitter: Insider Tips from the HouseSit Diva.
FAQ ✅
1. Should House Sitters Be Paid?
If you use a housesitting platform like HouseSit Match then the model is for no payments for house sitting, the modus operandi is all about a house sitting exchange, like a barter. This means you can travel abroad and housesit like a friend. However, if you are in country and you are negotiating a rural housesit, or one with many duties and animals to care for you then perhaps a negotiating is likely so both parties benefit.
2. When might Homeowners Typically Offer Payments for House Sitting
If you find your self negotiating house sitting payment rates, and are deciding to ask or not to ask consider the terms of the housesit, the number of animals, the location and if there are any other benefits in kind on offer (e.g. use of a vehicle, provisions etc) . Outline circumstances such as long-term sits, a home with many pets, extremely young or elderly pets needing medication, or property maintenance duties might all affect your negotiation.
3. What Is Included in a Fair House Sitting Exchange?
To conduct a fair house sitting exchange, with the now traditional offer of free accommodation in exchange for home and pet care – the usual house sitting arrangement – there are several items you might expect as benefits of unpaid house sitting. First consider and compare the responsibilities vs. perks (free accommodation, utilities, vehicle use, etc.). Many members of HouseSit Match say that not having a payment for the assignment means they feel the whole exchange becomes a friendly arrangement where you want to help each other.
4. Payments for House Sitting – So How Much Should You Pay a Sitter?
If you are in the same country and you are trying to decide that yours is a paid sit, how much to pay a house sitter? Consider the house sitting costs for you and the sitter. Try to understand local pet sitting rates and propose a competitive rate.
But always ask if that is a requirement because the sitter may reject your payment options because they prefer the simpler house sitting exchange model.
5. What are the Benefits of Exchange Based House Sitting Arrangement
* Free accommodation for the house sitter in return for pet and home care
* Creates a mutually beneficial, “win-win” arrangement with no money exchanged
* Encourages longer sits because travellers save significantly on lodging
* Homeowners often attract hobbyists, retirees, digital nomads, and flexible travellers
* Lower expectations of professional-level services (more casual, friendly exchange)
* Often leads to stronger personal relationships between sitter and homeowner
* Reduces overall cost for the homeowner—no sitting fees or agency charges
* Ideal for low-maintenance homes and pets with routine needs
6. Benefits of Payments for House Sitting (Paid: housesit arrangements)
* Helps attract experienced or professional house sitters with specific skills
* Better for pets with special medical needs, medication schedules, or elderly care
* Suitable for homes requiring regular maintenance (gardening, security, pool care)
* Encourages accountability and clear expectations through a paid agreement
* Expands the pool of sitters—inc. those who cannot travel for unpaid exchanges
* Useful in remote or less desirable locations where free accommodation is not enough incentive
* Allows homeowners to set more structured schedules or task requirements
* Provides sitters with predictable income, appealing to long-term or full-time sitters
7. How do you use a house sitting agreement?
The house sitting agreement arranged between homeowner and housesitter means you have a document with details agreed between both parties. This ensures you have an understanding of the initial brief for vital details: Dates; number and description of pets and their needs; routines for the home care. It simplifies a common understanding of the housesitting assignment and gives clarity.
FURTHER READING FOR HOUSESITTERS & HOMEOWNERS
At Housesitmatch.com we like to share useful blogs and practical advice about how housesitters help, housesitting and pet sitting and the benefits in the house sitting experience for sitters themselves. We hope you find this small selection of our blogs informative and useful.
Housesitters help keep pets safe and save money
What a housesitter does – Top 10 responsibilities
