Housesitting - Free Vs Paid?

I’ve recently noticed many online debates about paid versus free housesitting. As someone that offers both, I believe that should homeowners be willing to pay for a service, and sitters are willing to assume the extra responsibility of taking on a paid placement, great.

Free sitting is based on the concept that the sitter is offering you peace of mind that your home will be lived in (or a presence of someone being on your property in their own caravan), pets and garden are tended to in exchange for accommodation and utilities. Some well-known Australian housesitting directories, such as Aussies House Sitters, Mindahome and Happy House Sitters have a ‘no charge’ policy for their sitters.

Paid sitting is taking on a live-in role as a contractor; this often sets particular standards to which the sitter is committing for the agreed service price. Some of these platforms include Pawshake, Mad Paws and PetCloud. These options offer insurance along with a more dedicated customer service team.

When I started sitting full-time, I didn’t assume any money would be exchanged. However, I would often be offered something on completion of my sits. I would also often have gracious hosts who would tell me to help myself to whatever food etc., was in their home. I’ve even had a few do a grocery shop for me! All very generous, however never expected. Maybe my hosts just felt sorry for me or felt a sense of responsibility because I’m younger studying!

When I was only advertising for ‘free sits’, I often got ‘tips’ that ranged from $50 to $600. I even had a fantastic couple offer me $200USD to cover a hire car for the weekend and take me out to dinner. Spoilt!

I’ve taken on fantastic sits for young families, pensioners, and single mums on the other spectrum. I would never assume these hosts would engage a paid sitter, let alone have that expense in their holiday budget. The price range for paid sitters can be from $20 - $80 per night.

I’ve also heard of sitters offering their hosts money to cover utility expenses they consumed while in their homes. Some homeowners advertise this expectation, especially for extended sits. I’ve offered a semi-retired couple money for bills after a 3-month sit and was refused.

As a house sitter, it’s essential to appreciate different homeowners will have varying circumstances and expectations. As a homeowner, it’s equally important to respect that sitters may have different standards for what they are prepared to take on and what they may expect from you in return.

Of course, everyone has their individual requirements and standards for housesitting. At the end of the day, it really comes down to supply and demand and, more importantly, what works for you.

Are you a house sitter and want to charge $100 per night because you offer XYZ, have this or that experience, are fully insured and have created a full-time job out of it? Go you! Or are you happy to have a free place to park your van with water and power access while making an epic Aussie road trip? That’s great too! Maybe you’ll even enjoy doing odd jobs for your host.

Are you a homeowner that wants peace of mind with an insured sitter? Maybe you even want to claim a tax expense (IE, farms, or you work from home), super! You’ll find someone fantastic and very obliging. Maybe you feel that opening your home to a sitter and giving them a place to stay for free is enough? That’s awesome, too; there are plenty of sitters that will take you up on your offer.

If you have specific requirements or requests, it’s often best to mention this in your advertisement or enquiry. Everyone appreciates transparency. As a homeowner, being clear about any expectations you have, including the type of sitter who will best fit your requirements, is always appreciated and can cut down an inundation of unsuitable applications.

I see numerous unsolicited advice and opinions on social media threads and groups saying right or wrong. Perhaps it’s time everyone gets back in their own lane and focus on what their circumstances and expectations are best suited to. Be kind. As long as people have homes and a whole planet to explore, there will be the right opportunities and sitters for you.

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