Pros And Cons Of House Sitting Websites

House sitting in New Zealand has become an increasingly popular way for Kiwi homeowners to have their properties and pets looked after while they’re away on holiday, and for sitters to enjoy rent-free accommodation and free use of the utilities, such as electricity, hot water, and internet, and in many cases even Sky TV and Netflix.

House sitting websites have emerged as the undisputed go-to platforms for connecting homeowners with potential house sitters, offering both parties a convenient way to find arrangements that suit their needs.

There are a number of quality sites that focus purely on New Zealand, such as Kiwi House Sitters, The House Sitting Company, NZ House Sitters, and Pawshake, but there is also a really good global site, Trusted House Sitters, which lists assignments in different countries from around the world, including New Zealand. At my last count, there was just over 100 house sits in NZ being advertised, which is quite impressive and on par to the amount of assignments that can be found on the NZ sites.

However, while websites like these provide a range of benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider, for both homeowner and house sitter. Below, we explore the pros and cons of using such sites to help you determine whether they’re the right choice for you.

Pros

1. Convenience And Ease Of Use

House sitting sites simplify the process of finding a sitter or securing a house sitting opportunity. With just a few clicks, homeowners can post detailed listings of their needs, and New Zealand house sitters can create profiles to showcase their experience. The streamlined process eliminates the hassle of searching for sitters through word of mouth or unregulated social media, and it provides a one-stop platform where both parties can connect.

2. Large Pool Of Candidates

These sites typically host a large network of users, giving NZ homeowners access to a diverse pool of candidates to choose from, including both Kiwis and people from abroad. Sitters, too, benefit from the large number of listings being advertised, with opportunities to sit in different parts of NZ and for varying lengths of time – it’s actually surprising just how many house sitting jobs in NZ there really are! This extensive selection makes it easier for homeowners to find someone who meets their specific requirements, while sitters can choose opportunities that best align with their travel goals or schedule.

3. Reviews And Ratings

One of the key advantages of house sitting websites is the ability to view reviews and ratings of sitters and homeowners. This feature adds a level of trust and transparency that might be lacking in informal house sitting arrangements. Homeowners can vet potential sitters based on past reviews from other users, and sitters can assess the reliability and hospitality of homeowners before committing to a stay.

4. Security And Verification

Most reputable house sitting platforms incorporate security measures to protect both homeowners and sitters. Verification processes may include identity checks, background screenings, and secure communication channels. These measures help to establish a sense of trust between both parties, reducing the risk of fraud or unreliable sitters.

5. Travel Opportunities

House sitting websites open up a heap of travel opportunities for sitters who’re keen to explore different corners of New Zealand. Instead of paying for pricey accommodation, sitters can experience new places while living in a comfortable home. These platforms offer options in cities, suburbs, and even rural areas, allowing sitters to explore different regions and integrate with the local residents — all while saving money on lodgings.

6. Clear Expectations And Agreements

These sites typically encourage both parties to outline clear expectations and responsibilities before the arrangement begins. This helps avoid misunderstandings, as homeowners can specify tasks (such as pet care, garden maintenance, or security checks) while sitters know exactly what’s expected of them. Many platforms even provide template agreements to ensure that both sides are on the same page.

Cons

1. Membership Fees

While many house sitting websites offer valuable services, they often come with membership fees. Both NZ homeowners and NZ house sitters may be required to pay a subscription fee to access the platform’s listings and features. These fees can range from modest to quite expensive, depending on the platform. For some users, especially casual sitters or those with only short-term needs, these fees may be a deterrent.

2. Competition For Sits

For house sitters in New Zealand, competition on the more popular house sitting platforms can be fierce. Highly sought-after locations and prime opportunities may receive numerous applications, making it difficult for newer or less experienced sitters to secure a house sitting gig. Some of these sitters will probably need to apply for several listings before getting selected, if at all, simply because it’s hard to stand out from the crowd without a strong history of reviews, unless perhaps they have a particular skill under their belt that holds appeal to homeowners, such as having experience as a vet or plumber.

3. Limited Listings In Certain Areas

While many sites boast a large selection of listings, the availability of house sitting opportunities can vary by region. In popular tourist destinations, there are often plenty of options, but in smaller or less-known areas, listings may be limited or nonexistent. Homeowners in rural or less frequently visited areas may find it harder to attract sitters, while sitters looking to stay in specific locales might struggle to find options that align with their preferences.

4. Reliance On Trust

Despite the security measures that house sitting websites employ, the arrangement still heavily relies on trust between homeowners and sitters. While reviews and verification can help mitigate risk, there’s always a chance that a sitter may not perform their duties adequately, or that a homeowner may not provide the conditions they promised. Sitters could encounter homes that are unclean and untidy, while homeowners might find that their sitter didn’t uphold agreed-upon responsibilities. Plus, without too much effort, an unscrupulous sitter is able to provide false reviews on their profile. Unfortunately, this sort of thing can and does happen. Thus, it’s important that homeowners don’t rely too much on the security measures offered by these sites, and that they do their own homework on each sitter and screen them thoroughly. For more on this, homeowners are encouraged to read my post Screening Your House Sitters.

5. Lack Of Personal Connection

House sitting websites often operate on a more transactional basis compared to finding sitters through friends, family, or personal networks. This can lead to less personal connections between homeowners and sitters. In some cases, this might not matter, but for homeowners who prefer a more familiar or comfortable relationship with their sitter, using a website may feel less personable.

6. Potential For Miscommunication

Even with the best intentions, miscommunications can occur. Homeowners might not clearly convey the extent of responsibilities (especially when it comes to pet care or maintenance), or Kiwi house sitters may misunderstand what’s expected of them. Although most platforms encourage the use of contracts or agreements, issues can still arise when expectations aren’t fully aligned.

Final Words

House sitting websites offer a convenient and efficient way for homeowners and sitters to connect, providing a wide range of benefits such as ease of use, access to a large pool of candidates, reviews and ratings, and global opportunities. For house sitters in NZ, these platforms open doors to travel experiences without the burden of accommodation costs, while Kiwi homeowners gain peace of mind knowing their property and animals are being looked after.

However, the drawbacks, such as membership fees, competition for opportunities, limited listings in certain areas, and potential miscommunications, are important considerations. Both homeowners and sitters should weigh these pros and cons carefully before committing to (and investing in) a platform, and always communicate clearly to ensure a positive experience for both parties.