House Sitting: Does Anyone Have Any Experience With It?

[XB70]

As I understand it, house sitting is when someone lives in another person/couple/familiy's house for some length of time while the owner is gone. It might be for just a few weeks during a vacation, or it could be for several months to a year or more due to, say, an overseas assignment for the owner who intends to return but doesn't want to have to sell his house before leaving only to have to buy another upon returning, or to have to leave the house unattended for such an extended period of time.

Has anyone here ever been involved with house sitting, from either end of the arrangement, or, perhaps, known someone who has?

Your feedback is appreciated.

 

[Korean_redneck]

No, but I've seen a movie about it.

 

[Palut]

I've got a friend who housesits all the time. Its usually for about a week at a time, and always for someone she knows from work. They pay her, she cares for the pets and watches the house. Works out great for all involved.

 

[k1xv]

Are there agencies that arrange for such things, and, if so, are the house sitters bonded for damages? The last thing you want is an irresponsible person to do harm to your house, and then not be financially responsible.

 

[9296D21B14]

Last summer my 23 y/o son did this for my sister and her husband in another state while they were in Europe for several weeks while my brother in law did research related to his job. My son had been admitted to grad school in the same town so it gave him a chance to get used to the area until his apt became available in August. They paid him a small amount as he had to care for their two dogs. He also got a summer only p/t job. Fotunately, no dog mishaps and he is not the type to trash the place with Animal House type parties. He was very glad to get into his own place after eight weeks but it also gave him a chance to get to know them better and they have been a real support to him this past year. Great experience.

 

[TheTanSedan]

I've done it a few times over the past twenty years.

Most folks just want someone to stay in their house to keep the burglars out, the dog fed, and the peace of mind of someone who will call them if anything goes amiss.

Small fee per overnight as I recall.

 

[Tree Hugger]

I've had several family friends and relatives house-sit (and dog-sit) while we were on vacation.
We did it on a 'use anything as if it were your own' basis. All made reasonable use of the food in fridge and freezer, some left a 'treat' in return...

(Particularly the friend of my youngest that is an excellent chef!).