House Sitter Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the modern world, the demand for professional house sitters has never been greater.

As travel increases and lifestyles become more dynamic, the need for reliable individuals who can maintain, safeguard, and manage our homes in our absence has grown.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a house sitter?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the intricacies of this role,
• A homeowner preparing to find the perfect house sitter,
• Or simply interested in the ins and outs of house sitting,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a versatile house sitter job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or home service platforms.

Let’s get started.

House Sitter Duties and Responsibilities

House Sitters are responsible for taking care of a homeowner’s property while they are away.

The role requires trustworthiness and reliability, with duties often including basic housekeeping, pet care, and maintenance tasks.

The duties and responsibilities of a house sitter include:

• Ensuring the house remains secure during the owner’s absence
• Collecting and managing mail, including accepting packages
• Performing regular checks of the property to detect any damage or break-ins
• Taking care of household pets, which may include feeding, grooming, and walking
• Maintaining the cleanliness and tidiness of the property
• Watering indoor and outdoor plants
• Taking care of any emergency that might arise, such as a burst pipe
• Ensuring any house rules specified by the homeowner are adhered to
• Communicating with the homeowner regularly to update them on the state of their property

 

House Sitter Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a reliable and trustworthy house sitter to manage and care for our property during our absence.

The house sitter’s responsibilities include managing the daily tasks of the house, which include, but are not limited to, collecting mail, watering plants, maintaining the cleanliness of the house, and responding to any emergencies that might come up, like a malfunctioning of the utilities.

Our ideal candidate is someone with good communication skills, respect for other people’s property, and ideally, with experience in house sitting.

 

Responsibilities

• Perform regular checks around the house to ensure everything is in order
• Collect mail, packages, and deliveries
• Water indoor and outdoor plants as per provided schedule
• Maintain the cleanliness of the house
• Respond to any emergencies that may arise, coordinating with emergency services if necessary
• Monitor and report any necessary repair or maintenance
• Respect the privacy and confidentiality of the homeowners

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a house sitter or similar role
• Trustworthy with respect for other’s property
• Good communication skills
• Ability to respond calmly and efficiently to emergency situations
• Familiarity with basic house maintenance tasks
• High school diploma or equivalent

 

Benefits

• Flexible schedule
• Possibility of remote work
• Opportunity to travel
• Free accommodation

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: House Sitter
• Work Environment: Residential setting. The house sitter will be living in the house for the duration of the homeowner’s absence.
• Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Homeowner or Property Manager.
• Pay: Pay is based on experience and qualifications, as well as the duration and requirements of the job.
• Location: Various locations, depending on the homeowner’s property
• Employment Type: Part-time, Contract
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a House Sitter Do?

House Sitters are individuals who are entrusted with looking after a person’s home while they are away for a period of time.

They are responsible for maintaining the house in the homeowner’s absence, which may include tasks such as watering plants, maintaining gardens or lawns, taking care of pets, and cleaning the house.

They also ensure that the home remains secure, collecting mail or parcels to prevent them from piling up and signalling an unoccupied home.

Some House Sitters may also be asked to undertake minor repairs or maintenance tasks such as fixing a leaky faucet or changing a light bulb.

House Sitters may be required to stay overnight in the house, especially when pet care is involved.

Their presence is meant to give the homeowner peace of mind that their property and possessions are being looked after and safeguarded while they are away.

They are also responsible for reporting any serious issues or emergencies to the homeowner or the relevant authorities.

 

House Sitter Qualifications and Skills

House Sitters should have a set of skills and qualifications that enable them to manage a home efficiently and responsibly, including:

• Reliability and trustworthiness, as the house sitter is responsible for looking after someone else’s home, possessions and sometimes pets.
• Good organizational skills to manage tasks such as collecting mail, taking out the trash, and maintaining the cleanliness of the home.
• Basic home maintenance knowledge for minor repairs or to handle unexpected situations like a power cut or plumbing issues.
• Pet care skills, if the house sitting job includes taking care of pets. This may involve feeding, grooming, and taking pets for walks.
• Good communication skills for interacting with homeowners and understanding their needs and expectations. Additionally, the ability to provide updates and report any issues promptly.
• Emergency management skills to handle any unforeseen incidents in a calm and efficient manner.
• Flexibility in terms of schedule to adapt to the homeowner’s needs and any unexpected situations that may arise.
• Respect for privacy and boundaries, understanding that they are in someone else’s personal space and should respect their belongings and privacy.

 

House Sitter Experience Requirements

House sitting roles typically require individuals who have a reasonable amount of practical experience in managing a household, even if this experience is from managing their own residence.

As a house sitter, your primary responsibility is to take care of someone else’s home while they are away.

Therefore, past experience in tasks such as taking care of pets, gardening, maintaining cleanliness, handling simple home repairs, and managing emergencies such as leaks or power outages can be beneficial.

For most house sitting positions, no formal qualifications are required.

However, some homeowners may prefer candidates with previous house sitting experience, or experiences in roles that demonstrate reliability and trustworthiness, such as childcare or eldercare.

Some house sitting positions might require specialized skills or experiences, such as taking care of exotic pets or managing large estates, which may require a higher level of experience or specific knowledge.

Individuals with several years of experience in house sitting may have built up a strong reputation and references, making them more attractive to homeowners.

This could allow them to take on more premium or specialized house sitting roles.

 

House Sitter Education and Training Requirements

House sitting does not typically require any formal education or training, but there are certain skills and qualities that are beneficial in this role.

Trustworthiness and reliability are two of the most important characteristics of a good house sitter.

They are responsible for maintaining the safety and security of the homeowners’ property, which may include tasks such as locking doors, setting alarms, and looking after the property’s plants and pets.

While it’s not mandatory, a background check is often appreciated by homeowners.

This will provide them with peace of mind knowing that their home and belongings are in safe hands.

Experience in home care and pet care can also be beneficial.

This can be obtained through previous house sitting jobs, or even through caring for one’s own home and pets.

Some house sitters may choose to gain a certification from a professional house sitting organization.

This is not a requirement, but it can enhance a house sitter’s credibility and demonstrate their commitment to the profession.

Lastly, knowledge about basic home maintenance and repair tasks is also useful.

This includes understanding how to handle simple plumbing or electrical issues, and knowing who to call in case of emergencies.

In summary, while there are no strict educational requirements for house sitters, possessing certain skills, experience and qualities can make a difference in this role.

 

House Sitter Salary Expectations

The average wage for a house sitter is approximately $25 to $45 (USD) per day.

However, the actual earnings may vary based on the location, duration of house sitting, additional responsibilities such as pet care, and the individual agreement with the homeowner.

 

House Sitter Job Description FAQs

What skills does a house sitter need?

A house sitter needs to be responsible, trustworthy, and detail-oriented as they’re entrusted with taking care of someone else’s property.

They should be observant and proactive in noticing and responding to any issues that may arise.

Good communication skills are also crucial to keep the homeowners updated and to understand their instructions thoroughly.

 

Do house sitters need any formal qualifications?

While there’s no formal qualification required to become a house sitter, having some experience in similar roles such as pet sitting, babysitting, or even property maintenance can be advantageous.

CPR and First Aid certification may also be beneficial, especially when the job includes taking care of pets.

 

What should you look for in a house sitter’s resume?

It’s essential to look for references and previous experiences in a house sitter’s resume.

Any additional skills, such as pet care, plant care, or household maintenance, should also be considered.

Most importantly, check if the applicant has a clean criminal record as it’s important to hire someone trustworthy.

 

What qualities make a good house sitter?

A good house sitter is responsible, reliable, and trustworthy.

They should have good communication skills to regularly update homeowners and address any concerns promptly.

They should also be respectful of the homeowner’s property, maintaining cleanliness and privacy.

 

Is it difficult to hire a house sitter?

The difficulty in hiring a house sitter can vary depending on the location and the responsibilities associated with the job.

In areas with high demand, finding a house sitter might be relatively easy.

However, finding a trustworthy person who is willing to commit to all the responsibilities, like pet care or plant maintenance, can sometimes be challenging.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve ventured into the often-overlooked world of house sitting.

And guess what?

It’s not just about watering plants and feeding pets.

It’s about safeguarding homes, acting as the primary caretaker in the homeowner’s absence.

With our comprehensive house sitter job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step in confidently.

But why stop there?

Venture further with our job description generator. It’s your key to meticulously crafted listings or honing your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every task you take on as a house sitter contributes to the overall security and upkeep of the home.

Let’s protect that serenity. Together.

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