First: take a breath. If you're reading this because something has just happened, the most important thing is to respond thoughtfully, not reactively. Document everything. Then work through your options.
Types of problems (and how serious they are)
Not all problems are equal. Understanding the severity helps you respond appropriately:
Minor issues (annoying but manageable)
Communication lapses, minor mess left behind, small items moved or misplaced, slight deviations from pet routine.
Response: Mention in feedback. Learn for next time. Move on.
Moderate issues (concerning, needs addressing)
Accidental damage, pet care below standard, unauthorised guests, failure to follow important instructions.
Response: Document thoroughly. Contact platform. Consider compensation request. Leave honest review.
Serious issues (significant harm)
Major damage or theft, pet neglect or injury, abandonment mid-sit, significant financial loss.
Response: Full documentation. Police report if theft/crime. Platform escalation. Insurance claim. Honest review. Consider legal advice for significant losses.
Immediate steps: document everything
Before you do anything else:
- Photograph everything. Damage, mess, the state of your home. Timestamps matter.
- Screenshot all communications. Platform messages, WhatsApp, texts. Don't rely on platform records alone.
- Write down what happened. Timeline with dates. Your memory will fade.
- Get vet records if applicable. If your pet was affected, document their condition. See our pet emergencies guide for detailed protocols.
- Keep receipts. For repairs, replacements, emergency pet care, anything related.
This documentation is essential for platform claims, insurance, or any legal action. Do it while details are fresh.
Contacting the platform
What platforms can (and can't) do
They might
- • Investigate the situation
- • Remove the sitter from the platform
- • Provide limited compensation (premium plans)
- • Mediate disputes
- • Help find emergency replacement sitter
They probably won't
- • Cover full cost of damage
- • Remove negative reviews from sitters
- • Take legal action on your behalf
- • Guarantee compensation
- • Act quickly (investigations take time)
Reality check: Platform support varies widely. Some respond quickly; others take weeks. Many serious issues result in “we've noted this on their account” rather than meaningful action.
Insurance claims
Your options
- Platform protection (if applicable)
Check your membership tier. Premium memberships often include damage protection with limits and excesses. Read the terms carefully.
- Home insurance
Your contents insurance may cover damage by third parties. Check whether housesitters are excluded. Some policies require you to report that you have sitters.
- Sitter's liability insurance
Some sitters (especially professionals) have their own liability cover. Worth asking – though many don't.
Warning: Insurance claims require evidence and can take months. Don't assume you'll be made whole. Prevention is better than claims.
The review dilemma
Many homeowners fear leaving honest negative reviews because:
- • The sitter might retaliate with a negative review of them
- • They don't want confrontation
- • They feel they might be partly to blame
- • Platforms sometimes side with sitters in disputes
The case for honest reviews:
- • Future homeowners deserve to know
- • It's how the community protects itself
- • The sitter should be accountable
- • Your review of them is separate from theirs of you
How to write it: Stick to facts. Avoid emotional language. Be specific about what happened. “Sitter left significant mess, did not follow pet feeding schedule, and damaged kitchen counter” is better than “Worst sitter ever, don't use them!”
Realistic expectations about recourse
The hard truth: For most housesitting problems, meaningful recourse is limited. Here's the reality:
- Platform protection has limits and exclusions. Coverage is often less than expected.
- Sitters often can't afford to pay. Even if they're liable, collecting is another matter.
- Legal action is rarely worth it. Costs often exceed damages. Small claims is an option but time-consuming.
- Platforms have limited enforcement. They can remove sitters but can't force compensation.
This is why prevention – careful vetting, clear communication, and appropriate arrangements – matters so much.
Preventing it next time
Better vetting
- More reviews, longer track record. New sitters are riskier. Look for substantial history.
- Read reviews carefully. Look for specifics, not just star ratings. Notice patterns.
- Always video call. No exceptions. Watch their environment. Ask hard questions.
- Request references. Beyond platform reviews. Previous homeowners you can contact directly.
Better communication
- Clear expectations in writing. Consider a written agreement with specifics. What's expected, what's off-limits.
- Regular check-ins. Daily photos/updates. Catch problems early.
- Local backup contact. Someone who can check if you're worried and unreachable.
Consider paid arrangements
Paid housesitting offers several protections:
- Sitters have more to lose (reputation, income)
- You can require proof of insurance
- Written contracts specify responsibilities
- Professional sitters take it more seriously
- Financial accountability creates motivation
Moving forward
A bad experience is disheartening. But remember:
- Most sits go well. Bad experiences get discussed more; good ones are the norm.
- You learned something. What red flags did you miss? What would you do differently?
- Better sitters exist. Many experienced, reliable sitters would love to care for your pets.
- The review system needs your honesty. Help the next homeowner avoid what you experienced.
The bottom line
Bad housesitting experiences are stressful, but they're manageable. Document everything, explore your options, be realistic about outcomes, and use what you've learned to prevent it happening again.
The best protection is choosing carefully in the first place. Verified sitters with substantial track records, proper vetting, and clear communication dramatically reduce your risk.