It's a question that comes up often: should you have a formal agreement for your housesit? The honest answer is: it depends on the situation, but more often than people think, the answer is yes.
Important: This article provides general guidance, not legal advice. Contract requirements vary by jurisdiction and situation. For significant arrangements or complex situations, consult a legal professional.
Full Agreement Template
Comprehensive 12-section template covering all essentials. Best for first-time arrangements, paid sits, or when you want everything documented properly.
Lite Agreement Template
Simpler one-page version for repeat clients and established relationships. Covers the key points without the formality – perfect when you already trust each other.
Platform sits: you already have terms
If you're using a housesitting platform like TrustedHousesitters or similar, you're already operating under their terms of service. These typically cover:
- Basic responsibilities of both parties
- Liability limitations and waivers
- Dispute resolution processes
- Any protection or coverage offered
However, platform terms are generic. They don't cover specific arrangements like vet bill limits, house rules, or what happens if dates change. A supplementary agreement can fill these gaps.
Direct arrangements: consider a contract
When you're hiring a sitter directly (outside a platform) or arranging a paid sit, a written agreement becomes more important:
- No platform to mediate disputes.
If something goes wrong, there's no third party to help resolve it. Your agreement is all you have.
- Payment creates expectations.
When money changes hands, both sides expect certain standards. A contract clarifies what those are.
- Insurance may require it.
Some home insurance policies require documentation when third parties occupy the property.
- Memory is unreliable.
What you agreed three months ago may be remembered differently by both parties. Writing it down prevents this.
What to include in an agreement
An agreement doesn't need to be complicated. Here are the essential elements:
Basic details
- Full names and contact details of both parties
- Property address
- Exact dates and times (arrival and departure)
- Pets included (names, species, any special needs)
Responsibilities
- Pet care duties (feeding, walking, medication)
- Home maintenance (plants, garden, pool, mail)
- What's NOT included (deep cleaning, major repairs)
- House rules (guests, smoking, parking)
Financial terms
- Payment amount (if paid sit)
- Payment timing (upfront, on arrival, after completion)
- Who pays for what during the sit (utilities, pet supplies)
- Emergency vet expenses (limits, authorisation, reimbursement)
Emergencies and contingencies
- Vet authorisation and contact
- Emergency contacts (local backup, family)
- What happens if the sitter needs to leave early
- What happens if the homeowner returns early
For detailed guidance on handling pet emergencies, see our pet emergencies guide.
Cancellation terms
- Notice period required for cancellation
- Consequences of cancellation (deposit forfeiture, etc.)
- Exceptions for genuine emergencies
The tricky part: liability
Liability is where agreements get complicated. Consider these scenarios:
- Pet injury or death: If a pet is harmed during the sit, who is liable? Under what circumstances?
- Property damage: If the sitter damages something, how is it resolved? What about normal wear and tear?
- Sitter injury: If the sitter is hurt in the home or by a pet, is the homeowner liable?
- Third-party incidents: If a visitor is hurt, or the pet injures someone, who is responsible?
These questions don't have universal answers. They depend on local law, insurance coverage, and what you agree to. For significant arrangements, legal advice is worth the cost.
Practical approaches
For casual/free sits
A simple email summary confirming the key details may be enough:
- • Dates confirmed
- • Pet care requirements
- • Emergency contacts
- • Any specific house rules
This creates a written record without the formality of a contract.
For paid sits
A more formal agreement covering:
- • All of the above, plus...
- • Payment terms
- • Cancellation policy
- • Liability statements
- • Insurance requirements
Both parties should sign or electronically agree.
Common objections
“It feels too formal/unfriendly”
Frame it as professionalism and mutual protection, not distrust. “I like to have everything in writing so we're both clear” is perfectly reasonable.
“We trust each other”
Trust is great, but misunderstandings happen even with good intentions. A written agreement prevents “I thought we agreed...” disputes.
“It's just a housesit, not a legal matter”
Until a £5,000 vet bill arrives, or the pet escapes, or something valuable is broken. Then it becomes very legal very quickly.
“I don't know what to write”
Start simple. An email listing the key points is better than nothing. We offer a free agreement template you can adapt, though check it's appropriate for your jurisdiction.
What a good agreement does
Sets clear expectations
Both parties know exactly what's expected
Prevents misunderstandings
Everything important is documented
Protects both sides
Not just the homeowner – sitters benefit too
Makes disputes easier
If something goes wrong, there's a reference point
Demonstrates professionalism
Shows both parties take the arrangement seriously
Encourages honest discussion
Writing it down forces you to address potential issues
The bottom line
For casual, short sits through established platforms, a detailed agreement may be overkill. For longer sits, paid arrangements, or direct bookings, having something in writing protects everyone.
The goal isn't to prepare for disaster – it's to ensure both sides have the same understanding of what they're agreeing to. Most sits go smoothly. But when they don't, you'll be glad you wrote it down.