House Sitting Arrangements While Travelling: A Guide for NZ Homeowners

Whether you are heading overseas for several months, taking a domestic holiday, or simply spending an extended period away for work, leaving your home unoccupied creates vulnerabilities. An empty property is more attractive to burglars, minor issues can escalate into major problems without someone to notice them, and gardens can quickly become overgrown. For pet owners, the challenge is even greater; kennels and catteries are expensive, and many animals find them stressful.

House sitting arrangements address all these concerns. You get peace of mind knowing someone trustworthy is caring for your home and pets, while the house sitter enjoys free accommodation in exchange for their services. When done well, it is a mutually beneficial arrangement that has grown increasingly popular among New Zealand homeowners.

Finding the Right House Sitter

The most critical element of any house sitting arrangement is finding someone you can genuinely trust with your home. There are several approaches, each with their own advantages.

Friends and family are often the first choice. You know them, they know you, and there is an existing relationship of trust. The downside is that not everyone has suitable candidates in their personal network, and mixing personal relationships with formal arrangements can sometimes create awkwardness if issues arise.

House-sitting platforms may provide profiles, reviews, references, identity checks or other screening, but features, fees and the scope of checks vary. Read the current provider terms, verify references yourself, meet the sitter, and decide what further checks are appropriate before giving access to your home.

• Consistent positive reviews from multiple homeowners
• Experience relevant to your specific needs (pet care, gardens, rural properties)
• Clear communication and responsiveness during initial contact
• References you can actually contact and verify
• A profile that demonstrates reliability and responsibility

Local community connections can also work well. Retired neighbours, teachers on holiday, or people between rentals sometimes make excellent sitters. Word of mouth through community groups, churches, or local Facebook pages can uncover suitable candidates who come recommended by people you trust.

Creating a House Sitting Agreement

Whether the sitter is known to you or found online, a written agreement can reduce misunderstandings by recording the arrangement. It should clearly outline the agreed terms; whether legal advice is needed depends on the arrangement, payment, duration and responsibilities.

• Dates: Exact start and end dates, including key handover times
• Responsibilities: Pet care, garden maintenance, mail collection, rubbish and recycling
• Boundaries: Guest policies, use of vehicles, off-limits areas or items
• Expenses: Who pays for utilities, pet food, garden supplies, and any agreed reimbursements
• Emergency procedures: What to do and who to contact if something goes wrong
• Cancellation terms: How much notice either party must give if circumstances change

Many house sitting platforms provide template agreements you can use as a starting point. Even for informal arrangements with friends, having something in writing prevents misunderstandings and ensures both parties have the same expectations.

Insurance Considerations

Before finalising the arrangement, check the current house and contents policy and contact the insurer. Consumer Protection says policyholders must give complete, up-to-date and relevant information when circumstances change; occupancy, visitors, paid activity and security conditions are policy-specific.

Give the insurer complete details and ask for the answer in writing. Check notification and occupancy conditions, the sitter's belongings, accidental or deliberate damage, pet-related loss, keys and security, liability, and any excess or exclusion. Do not assume the sitter or their belongings are covered.

Policies define occupancy and absence differently and may impose conditions after a specified period. A sitter’s presence does not automatically preserve full cover. Describe who will stay, for how long and on what basis, then obtain written confirmation of the applicable terms from the insurer.

Preparing Your Home for House Sitters

A thorough handover makes life easier for your sitter and reduces the chances of problems while you are away. Take time to prepare comprehensive information about your home and its systems.

Create a house manual covering everyday essentials: how the heating system works, where the water shut-off is located, how to operate appliances, rubbish and recycling schedules, and known property quirks. Provide only access information the sitter needs. Use guest profiles or separate access where available, and do not share email, financial or primary-account credentials. Explain how Wi-Fi, keys and alarm access must be handled and returned or revoked.

For pet owners, detailed care instructions are essential. Cover feeding schedules, portion sizes, medication routines, exercise requirements, and vet details including your preferred clinic and after-hours emergency options. If your pet has behavioural quirks or things that frighten them, let your sitter know.

Leave emergency contact numbers prominently displayed: neighbours who can help, a local friend or family member who can make decisions in your absence, and contact details for your plumber, electrician, and other tradespeople.

Maintaining Communication While Away

Establish communication expectations upfront. Some homeowners prefer daily updates; others are happy with weekly check-ins or contact only when necessary. Be clear about your preferences, keeping in mind that over-communication can be annoying for both parties.

Agree on the best methods of contact. Messaging apps work well across time zones, and video calls can be helpful for showing you how the pets are doing or demonstrating an issue that needs discussion.

Returning Home

Agree on handover arrangements before you leave. Will you overlap for a few hours so the sitter can brief you on anything that arose? Will they leave keys with a neighbour if your flight arrives late? Clear arrangements prevent awkward situations when you return.

If your sitter did a good job, leave them a positive review on whatever platform you used. Good house sitters build their reputation through reviews, and your feedback helps other homeowners make informed decisions. A small thank-you gift is also a nice gesture for sitters who went above and beyond.