How to Get a House Sitting Gig

I get paid to stay here?!

House sitting can be a nice source of income on the side for someone who doesn't have a lot of obligations in their life. It is really ideal for someone who is single and has no kids or pets of their own. Here, you'll find out about finding house sitting jobs and the types of things you might expect to do during your stay.

Things You'll Need

• Transportation
• Personal work references

Instructions

1. If you are interested in house sitting but have never done it before, it is a good idea to get a couple letters of recommendation or reference from professional and personal sources. If you have watered your neighbor's plants and picked up their mail while they were out of town, ask them to write a letter. Also, a letter regarding how responsible and hardworking you are at your job would be very helpful, as well.

2. Next, you've got to look for a house sitting appointment. Craigslist is a good place to start, look in the housing, community and jobs sections, or you can simply do a search for "house sitting." The local classifieds are also a great place to look. You might also put your feelers out by just mentioning to friends or work associates that this is something you'd like to start doing and an opportunity might come to you.

3. If you end up getting a house sitting offer from someone you don't know -- say through a classified site -- be prepared that they might want to run a background check on you, and they will probably want to see your reference letters. Being reliable and trustworthy is key to getting chosen as a house sitter, as is having good references.

4. Once you've gotten your house sitting gig, you and the home owner will have a conversation about how long he will be gone and what he expects of you while you are taking care of his home. At this time, you should also negotiate how much your pay will be. Some house sitting gigs are not paid if they are a long-term stay of several weeks or months or more because they provide you with a place to live. Basically, long-term stays can be seen as a place for you to live rent free in exchange for your watching the property.

5. Many house sitting gigs also include pet sitting. Make sure you clearly understand what the pet needs as far as their feeding and exercise schedules.

6. Other duties may include watering the yard and plants, taking care of houseplants, mowing the yard and cleaning. Checking the mail, taking out the trash and picking up newspapers are also very likely duties of a house sitter.

7. Duties vary by owner preferences, so make sure to work out anything you have questions about before your term as the house sitter begins. You might want to ask about food, use of hot tub or sauna and use of the television. If the owner has used house sitters before, most likely they have a written list of the sitter's duties and will fill you in on everything pretty thoroughly. The owner may also give you a copy of their itinerary, so you know when and where you'll be able to reach them, and when they will return.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to ask for a letter of recommendation after you've house sat for someone.

• Keep communication lines open with the owner. If something happens to one of the pets or something gets broken, be upfront about it and take action as soon as possible. Make sure to meet with the owner at the house, if possible, before your term begins. That way you will feel comfortable with the surroundings and the owner before you begin. Be responsible. Don't have questionable people over or throw parties while the owners are away. This is asking for trouble, and if something happens like a theft or accident, you could be liable for any damages.

References

• HouseCareers.com: Home
• House Sitters America: Home