If as a pet owner you are planning on engaging a house sitter for home and pet care when you travel, take a moment to do some careful financial preparation before you commit to them in your home. Planning will pay dividends to ensure you have done due diligence on your selection of a sitter and to protect your home. Read on to learn more.

What Financial Steps Should Homeowners Take Before Engaging a House Sitter?

Look, if you’re heading off on a holiday or work trip and thinking about finding a house sitter, don’t just grab the first person you meet. I’ve dealt with enough messy situations in my years as a financial planner to know that skipping the due diligence on the sitter, and forgetting money basics can bite you hard. Homeowners lose thousands every year from overlooked details. Let’s cut through the nonsense and focus on what actually matters before engaging a house sitter.

Get Your Insurance in Order

First off, check your home and contents insurance. Does it cover damage caused by a sitter? Most home insurance policies do, but only if you’ve done your due diligence. I once had a client who left for Bali, hired a sitter, and came back to a flooded kitchen from a burst pipe the sitter had ignored. The insurance claim was denied because the policy excluded negligence by non-family. It was a brutal lesson.

Ring your insurer and ask point-blank: “What if my house sitter stuffs up?” Get it in writing. Add a rider if needed for extra liability before engaging a house sitter. And while you’re at it, make sure the sitter has their own public liability cover. No? Insist they get it, or walk away.

This is where chatting with pros helps. Brisbane financial advisers often spot gaps in policies that homeowners miss. They’ve saved my clients heaps by tweaking covers before trips. Don’t assume you’re good; verify.

Think about your valuables too before engaging a house sitter. Jewellery, electronics – list them out. Some insurers cap payouts at $5,000 per item unless specified. Update your policy. It’s not rocket science, but it saves headaches.

Set a Realistic Budget for the Sitter

Fees vary wildly. In Sydney or Melbourne, you might pay $50 a night for a basic sitter. Up north or in Perth, it could be less. But factor in extras like pet care or garden maintenance. I’ve seen quotes double when your pet needs walks.

Calculate your total outlay. Trip length times daily rate, plus any bonds. Set aside 20% more for surprises. One time, I advised a mate heading to Europe – he budgeted tight, then the sitter demanded reimbursement for a vet visit. Ouch.

Review the Housesitting Platforms

Before engaging a house sitter shop around on various sites, like Housesitmatch.com or House Sitters Australia and consider whether you want to pay for a sitter, or you prefer to choose a sitter from a site that facilitates and exchange of services between checked members to save money.

Then compare house sitter profiles. Cheaper isn’t always better; but likewise paying a full time housesitter is also not the guaranteed way to find good home and pet care. Experienced sitters have good reviews whichever platform they advertise in. Negotiate if you can if they are professional and insist on payment. “Throw in pool cleaning for free?” Worth a shot.

And pay securely. Use bank transfers or apps like PayID. Avoid cash unless you know them. Track everything for your records. Simple stuff, but it keeps things clean.

Understand the Tax Implications

Hiring a sitter? It might be tax-deductible if you’re away for work. The ATO allows claims for home maintenance costs in some cases, like if you’re a FIFO worker. But rules are strict. Keep receipts.

If the house sitter is classified as an employee which is uncommon but possible for extended stays, you would be responsible for withholding taxes. Most are contractors, so no. Get their ABN. No ABN? You pay withholding tax yourself. Painful.

I remember advising a couple last tax season. They claimed $2,000 in sitter fees as a deduction for their investment property. Saved them $600. But only because they documented it right. Sloppy records? ATO knocks it back.

Check super too, if applicable. Unlikely for casual gigs, but worth knowing. Stay compliant; fines add up fast.

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Secure Your Valuables and Assets

Inventory everything. Photos, serial numbers, values. Store it digitally. Apps like Sortly make it easy. Why? If something goes missing, prove it.

Lock up the good stuff. Safe for cash, documents. Tell the sitter what’s off-limits. Trust but verify, as they say.

Consider a bond. $200-500, refundable. Covers minor damages. I’ve recommended this to clients; it weeds out dodgy sitters.

Separate valuables insurance if needed. Standard policies might not cover that antique vase fully. Top it up.

One stat sticks with me: Choice magazine reported that 15% of Aussies have had items nicked from home while away. Don’t join them. Prep smart.

before engaging a house sitter do the due diligence — Before engaging your house sitter make sure you do your due diligence to keep your home and pets safe
Photo credit – Carolina Sánchez

Plan for Emergencies and Health Hiccups

What if your trip extends? Flight cancelled, or worse, medical drama. Budget for extra sitter days. Set aside a contingency fund – 10-20% of your travel budget.

I had a rough patch myself a couple years back. Needed treatment at the Brisbane urology clinic after a scare. Trip delayed for two weeks. My sitter charged overtime, but I’d planned for it. No stress.

Have a backup plan. Friend or family on call? Emergency contacts list for the sitter. Include your vet, plumber, electrician.

Don’t skimp travel insurance. Covers trip extensions due to illness, which indirectly helps with sitter costs. Read the PDS; some exclude pre-existing conditions.

Final Thoughts Before Engaging a House Sitter

Finally, communicate clearly. Tell the sitter your expectations upfront. Through a managed housesitting platform like Housesitmatch.com you are offered template documents to help you formalise your agreements and brief before engaging a house sitter.

Prepare such a written agreement on duties, any payments, emergencies and so on. I’ve drafted dozens; they prevent 90% of disputes.

There you have it. Nail these steps, and you’ll avoid the pitfalls that trip up most homeowners. I’ve seen the wins – clients jet off worry-free, return to intact homes. Worth the effort every time.