Questions To Ask Homeowners

House sitting jobs in New Zealand are a fantastic way to explore new parts of the country, live rent-free, access free utilities, and enjoy the company of a wide range of pets while Kiwi homeowners are away. However, to ensure a smooth experience for both parties, house sitters are encouraged to ask as many questions as they deem necessary when they are starting their assignments. By doing so, they can help clarify expectations, avoid misunderstandings, disappointments, and any unpleasant surprises.

Many homeowners will have a ‘welcome’ or ‘information’ folio all ready for their sitters, which will detail the ins and outs of the property’s routine. But others will have next to no information written down apart from perhaps a few emergency contact phone numbers. So it’s a good idea to know ahead of time the sort of questions you wish to ask before the homeowners head off into the wide blue yonder, especially if they are not going to be home when you arrive to commence your assignment.

Below is a rundown of some key questions every NZ house sitter should make a point of asking when starting an assignment. NOTE: I will be revisiting and adding to this list on a regular basis so be sure to bookmark this page for any updates.

1. General House Sitting Arrangements

What are the exact dates of the house sit?

When do you leave?

When you arrive back home?

When would you like the sitter to arrive?

Will you require flexibility in case of an early or late return home? (by either sitter or homeowner)

Is there a backup contact in case of an emergency?

What is the best way to contact you while you’re away? (e.g., phone calls, email, text, FB messenger etc)

Do you have a written guide with house instructions and emergency contacts?

2. House Rules And Responsibilities

Are there any specific house rules I should be aware of (e.g., no visitors, quiet hours, security protocols)?

How should I handle mail, packages, or unexpected visitors?

Are there any areas of the house that are strictly off-limits? (for both sitter and pets)

What is expected in terms of cleaning and maintenance before you return?

3. Pet Care Duties

What is the daily routine for the pets?

Do you keep the cats inside at night?

Where is the best place to walk and exercise the dog? (if living in an urban area)

Are there any specific medical needs, dietary restrictions, or medications for the pets?

What are the rules regarding pet behaviour (e.g., allowed on furniture, lead requirements)?

Where is the nearest vet, what is their phone number, and what should I do in case of an emergency?

Do the pets have any known anxieties or behavioural issues I should be aware of?

4. Home Security And Utilities

What are the security measures in place (e.g., alarm systems, cameras, locks)?

Where is the switchboard, gas shut-off valves, and water mains located in case of an emergency?

Are there any scheduled maintenance services (e.g., gardeners, cleaners, pool maintenance) that I should expect?

Are there any specific instructions for waste disposal and recycling?

5. Appliances And Household Logistics

How do the heating, cooling, and ventilation systems work?

Do you need to give me a demo on how to operate any of the appliances?

Are there any quirks with appliances or plumbing that I should know about?

Where are essential supplies such as cleaning products, tools, and emergency kits stored?

6. Local Area Information

Are there any key contacts in the neighbourhood (e.g., trusted neighbours, property managers)?

What are the best nearby grocery stores, pharmacies, and essential services?

Are there any neighbourhood rules or restrictions I should be aware of?

Is there public transport available, or will I need a car?

7. Compensation And Additional Considerations

Can you confirm if this a paid house sit, or is it an exchange for free accommodation and utilities?

Are you happy to reimburse me for expenses, like extra pet food or cleaning supplies? (sitter should hang on to their receipts)

Are there any additional tasks such as gardening, pool maintenance, or handling rental guests?

Where do I find the petrol and oil for the lawn mower and line trimmer?

Will there be enough petrol to last the sit?

Final Words

Asking the right questions ensures a successful house sitting experience for both Kiwi house sitters and homeowners. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a highly experienced sitter or just starting out, clear communication is vital to avoiding potential issues. As the saying goes ‘you can never ask too many questions’, so I encourage each and every sitter to ask as many questions as they feel they need to. And there’s no such thing as a silly question, certainly not when it involves living in and taking care of somebody’s home, personal possessions, and treasured fur babies.

QUICK TIP: It’s a good idea to have a notebook and pen on you when you’re quizzing the homeowners, because you can then jot down their answers in black and white and not have to worry about trying to remember every morsel of information they relay to you. Better sitting, everyone.