House Sitting Arrangements While Travelling: A Guide for NZ Homeowners

Whether you are heading overseas for several months, taking a domestic holiday, or simply spending an extended period away for work, leaving your home unoccupied creates vulnerabilities. An empty property is more attractive to burglars, minor issues can escalate into major problems without someone to notice them, and gardens can quickly become overgrown. For pet owners, the challenge is even greater; kennels and catteries are expensive, and many animals find them stressful.

House sitting arrangements address all these concerns. You get peace of mind knowing someone trustworthy is caring for your home and pets, while the house sitter enjoys free accommodation in exchange for their services. When done well, it is a mutually beneficial arrangement that has grown increasingly popular among New Zealand homeowners.

Finding the Right House Sitter

The most critical element of any house sitting arrangement is finding someone you can genuinely trust with your home. There are several approaches, each with their own advantages.

Friends and family are often the first choice. You know them, they know you, and there is an existing relationship of trust. The downside is that not everyone has suitable candidates in their personal network, and mixing personal relationships with formal arrangements can sometimes create awkwardness if issues arise.

House sitting platforms connect homeowners with verified sitters who have reviews from previous sits. Popular options in New Zealand include Trusted Housesitters, Kiwi House Sitters, and MindAHome. These platforms typically charge membership fees but provide verification systems, review histories, and sometimes background checks that give you confidence in people you have never met.

Local community connections can also work well. Retired neighbours, teachers on holiday, or people between rentals sometimes make excellent sitters. Word of mouth through community groups, churches, or local Facebook pages can uncover suitable candidates who come recommended by people you trust.

Creating a House Sitting Agreement

Regardless of whether your sitter is a close friend or someone you found online, having a written agreement protects everyone. It does not need to be a complex legal document, but it should clearly outline the arrangement.

Many house sitting platforms provide template agreements you can use as a starting point. Even for informal arrangements with friends, having something in writing prevents misunderstandings and ensures both parties have the same expectations.

Insurance Considerations

Before finalising any house sitting arrangement, check your home insurance policy carefully. Most policies allow temporary visitors, but some have specific requirements about unoccupied properties or long-term guests that could affect your cover.

Contact your insurer to explain the arrangement. Key questions to ask include whether having a house sitter affects your policy, whether there are any notification requirements, how the sitter's belongings are covered (or not covered), and what happens if the sitter causes accidental damage.

Preparing Your Home for House Sitters

A thorough handover makes life easier for your sitter and reduces the chances of problems while you are away. Take time to prepare comprehensive information about your home and its systems.

Create a house manual covering everyday essentials: how the heating system works, where the stopcock is located, how to operate appliances, rubbish and recycling schedules, and any quirks of your property (that tap that drips, the door that sticks). Include login details for streaming services you are happy to share, WiFi passwords, and alarm codes if applicable.

For pet owners, detailed care instructions are essential. Cover feeding schedules, portion sizes, medication routines, exercise requirements, and vet details including your preferred clinic and after-hours emergency options. If your pet has behavioural quirks or things that frighten them, let your sitter know.

Leave emergency contact numbers prominently displayed: neighbours who can help, a local friend or family member who can make decisions in your absence, and contact details for your plumber, electrician, and other tradespeople.

Maintaining Communication While Away

Establish communication expectations upfront. Some homeowners prefer daily updates; others are happy with weekly check-ins or contact only when necessary. Be clear about your preferences, keeping in mind that over-communication can be annoying for both parties.

Agree on the best methods of contact. Messaging apps work well across time zones, and video calls can be helpful for showing you how the pets are doing or demonstrating an issue that needs discussion.

Returning Home

Agree on handover arrangements before you leave. Will you overlap for a few hours so the sitter can brief you on anything that arose? Will they leave keys with a neighbour if your flight arrives late? Clear arrangements prevent awkward situations when you return.

If your sitter did a good job, leave them a positive review on whatever platform you used. Good house sitters build their reputation through reviews, and your feedback helps other homeowners make informed decisions. A small thank-you gift is also a nice gesture for sitters who went above and beyond.