House sitting

[Caggsie1]

A few questions for those who house sit.
do you charge a fee, fuel, time etc
my Hubby is now in land of retirement but still wanting to work, I thought this may be a way forward.
all input, particularly expectations of the service that’s provided, is there an expectation
to live in house?
use own facilities but have the use of electricity and dump facilities?
or combination of both?
Can own dogs accompany?
what is the procedure to going abroad to do a house sit?
im sure ive more questions to ask Once some responses come in.

 

[MisterB]

we have had house sitters. they park up for free and live in their motorhome and get free use of water, waste facilities and electricity if they need it. we have also allowed use of washing machine etc we do NOT pay and wouldnt ! as a special treat, we allow them to cut the lawns when we are away LOL, though they need to clean their dog poo up first !
it suits some full timers as they get a few weeks in a nice location free, rather than pay@£20 per night (at least) in the same area.

i think if you wanted to charge a fee then you would need insurance etc as you are effectively self employed and working. what if something went wrong, would you be responsible and accept responsibility, after all you are offering a professional service?

 

[Franck]

We have worked for Homesitters.com who pay a wage, not much just the equivalent of 1 3/4 hours per day. You live in the clients house and look after it and any pets if required. You can only bring a spouse and not your own pets. It’s intetesting to do and we’ve stayed at some lovely properties.

 

[Franck]

Just to add that you get mileage from your own home to the client and back.

 

[Caggsie1]

Whilst house sitting would you be expected to be present 24/7?

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[gus-lopez]

I used a free site some years back & noticed that many wanting sitters expected them to leave a large deposit. 500-1000€ . couldn't see why until returning to a **** tip from the lady who was minding mine.

 

[Shrimp]

We property sat for 4 winters (for a friend) in France.
I did look at doing it ‘properly’ thru an agent but they don’t want dogs!
This summer we will be in Derbyshire for 4 or 5 months helping out on a privately owned campsite, booking in, siting units and cleaning the tiny facilities for a free pitch EHU etc. We don’t have to be there 24/7!
Should save us a fair bit of dosh this year!

 

[Wild Brambles]

There is a variation on this that I think should be encouraged. It is a bit more than house sitting, but includes and element of caring for an elderly resident. Without somebody nearby, then he/she may not be allowed to stay in their own home if they have some disabilities.

 

[Armytwowheels]

There is a variation on this that I think should be encouraged. It is a bit more than house sitting, but includes and element of caring for an elderly resident. Without somebody nearby, then he/she may not be allowed to stay in their own home if they have some disabilities.

Way too complicated. DBS checks would need to be obtained to safe guard the elderly resident. Also a degree of medical or carer training would be needed.

 

[Caggsie1]

There is a variation on this that I think should be encouraged. It is a bit more than house sitting, but includes and element of caring for an elderly resident. Without somebody nearby, then he/she may not be allowed to stay in their own home if they have some disabilities.

This isn’t the same, you’d need medical quals, security check and hornets nest for an unqualified person.

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[gus-lopez]

Way too complicated. DBS checks would need to be obtained to safe guard the elderly resident. Also a degree of medical or carer training would be needed.

This isn’t the same, you’d need medical quals, security check and hornets nest for an unqualified person.

You'd be amazed at where some people get there families 'carers' from.
My wife ,who has all the required checks both Uk & spanish+ training, did a relief job through her company for a family who obtained their mother's carer through gumtree.?? & they aren't the only ones.

 

[lorger]

Not something I'd thought off but if anyone is looking to house sit for 30 days during March/April let us know as we will be off on our holidays.
We have hook up water and waste disposal plus wifi, we wouldn't need anyone to access our house or do any jobs just really park up. Only issue is you wont get Sat TV as the house blocks the signal so would need normal Ariel.

 

[KiwiKampers]

“what is the procedure to going abroad to do a house sit?”
In New Zealand, house sitting is generally an informal arrangement between both parties and no money changes hands. It’s popular with motorhomers who tend to stay in their vans with free EHU, laundry, water, etc. The “chores” can be as little as feeding the cat to managing a small farm.
When we used house sitters they stayed in the house, fed cats and chooks, made sure the lawn mowing guy did his job, watered my garden, and collected the mail. However, they had to be prepared to cope in an emergency, such as mend fencing if the sheep got out and prime out water pump which would break down with monotonous regularity. Therefore, they were expected to be on the premises for the majority of the time.

 

[bigtree]

We have used housesitters in the past,the first one being a member on here. They stayed in the house, got the use of our cars and m/home storage facility. All we asked was to look after our cats and keep the garden tidy,didn't have to be there 24/7. They were great but subsequent ones not so much, one couple really took the p*** and had the heating on 24/7 and were galavanting all over Scotland. The last couple got jobs,one local the other in England. You really need to study their profile if considering getting housesitters. Just to add it was only the first couple that got the cars as we had got to know them for a while before doing the house sit,they are now friends. The others got the use of our mountain bikes.

 

[MisterB]

Not something I'd thought off but if anyone is looking to house sit for 30 days during March/April let us know as we will be off on our holidays.
We have hook up water and waste disposal plus wifi, we wouldn't need anyone to access our house or do any jobs just really park up. Only issue is you wont get Sat TV as the house blocks the signal so would need normal Ariel.

why not advertise on the section on the forum for house sitting? it worked for us!

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[lorger]

why not advertise on the section on the forum for house sitting? it worked for us!

I might do but its not something I really need as my Dad lives 2 doors away, it would be more for someone who wants a wee holiday in D&G

 

[Hollyberry]

Slight variation but when I lived in France I periodically needed help in the house, painting, heavier garden work than I could manage, small maintenance jobs. I had people from the UK ( one single bloke ( ok but tended to wander off to my neighbour’s then a young couple who were brilliant ) They lived in the house and had all meals in exchange for a few hours work a day. I’d have been very happy to provide EHU, water, WiFi etc for similar with a motorhome.
Beware of any “caring” role. As well as DBS checks the job should carry a proper contract and insurance. Anything less is open to all sorts of potential problems.

 

[EuroTrotters]

I’ve just had some cheeky 8astard make an enquiry to rent my villa.

Gave him a price which was negotiable.

He then started waffling on about how my prices were too high and that he can actually get places for free by house sitting.

Why waste my F******* time in the first place.

I hope it’s not one of you ?

 

[Caggsie1]

I’ve just had some cheeky 8astard make an enquiry to rent my villa.

Gave him a price which was negotiable.

He then started waffling on about how my prices were too high and that he can actually get places for free by house sitting.

Why waste my F******* time in the first place.

I hope it’s not one of you ?

Certainly not us my ickle pickle.