CHRISTIAN HOUSE SITTERS

A Worldwide Christian House Sitting Ministry

Advice to Owners

Please remember that sitters are not there to work for you. They will look after your home and your animals as agreed but that is all. Our houses are made available for vacation purposes. Through my research into some of the secular sites I was astounded to see that a lot are not vacation offers but simply a way of trying to get free labour.

Information to be Supplied to Sitters

We advise you to give at least the following basic information to your House Sitters:

• Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
• Kitchen facilities (microwave, cooker, etc.)
• Heating facilities (central heating, open fire, etc.)
• Laundry facilities
• Availability of phone, computer access, and TV
• Information about your church
• Your doctor
• Public transport
• Availability of a bicycle
• Emergency contact number
• Your vet (if pets are involved)
• Local facilities such as shops

If you leave food, please make it very clear to the sitters whether you expect them to use it or to replace it.

We highly recommend that House Sitters arrive at least a day before the Home Owner departs in order to get to know the home and animals.

Suggested Agreement

Remember this is a Christian House Sitting Service, so we highly recommend that Home Owners obtain a character reference from the House Sitters’ local church and a second reference.

We also suggest that you draw up a brief agreement based on the following outline. This should be agreed and signed by both parties prior to the house sit. This is to prevent any future misunderstandings.

NOTE: This is just a suggested outline. Laws differ in every country.

Agreement entered into between:
Name of House Owner
and
Name of House Sitter
Address of the House Sit
Starting Date
Ending Date

Responsibilities of the House Sitter

Animals

Include clear details about feeding routines and how you expect your animals to be exercised. Specify how long you are happy for the sitter to leave the house and pets unattended. Owners are responsible for supplying food for their animals and any vet fees that may arise.

Cleaning & Gardening

House Cleaning: Specify what cleaning you want done each day.
Gardening: Specify exactly what you want done.

Expenses

Sitters are normally expected to pay their own phone bills, food, etc. For long-term sits (over 3 months for full-time Christian workers, otherwise over 6 months) with no animals, you may agree about utility bills. If animals are present, utilities cannot be charged unless the owners are full-time Christian workers.

Food

Make clear if the sitter can use any food left behind and whether they need to replace it before you return.

Visitors

Specify if you are happy for your House Sitter to entertain visitors.