The Ten Commandments Of House Sitting

House sitting is a privileged position of trust. When someone invites you to live in their home to take care of their property, possessions, and pets while they’re away, they’re placing a huge amount of trust in your reliability, respect, and judgment. The last thing you want to do is to let them down. When it comes to house sitting it’s important to get the fundamentals right. If you can do that, you shouldn’t go too far wrong. So whether you’re new to house sitting or a seasoned pro, having the following ten tenets (or commandments) front of your mind will keep you in good stead, and help you to provide excellent service and maintain strong relationships with homeowners.

1. Thou Shalt Communicate Clearly & Regularly

Homeowners appreciate knowing that everything is under control. Agree in advance on how often they’d like updates—daily, weekly, or only if something happens. A quick message with a photo of their pet or garden can go a long way to reassure homeowners that their property and fur babies are in good hands. Avoid bombarding them with minor details unless they’ve asked for them. You’re there to provide peace of mind, not create anxiety.

2. Thou Shalt Follow Instructions To The Letter

Every home has its own systems, quirks, and routines. Read the homeowner’s guide thoroughly. If they’ve left a list or binder, stick to it faithfully—from feeding pets to watering plants. If something’s unclear, ask. Don’t guess how appliances might work or which food the cat prefers—reach out to clarify.

3. Thou Shalt Treat The Home With Respect

You’re not just a guest—you’re a trusted caretaker. Keep things clean, tidy, and as you found them. Be mindful of energy use and take care with furniture, appliances, and valuables. Don’t invite guests without permission. Never bring over friends, family, or partners unless the homeowner has explicitly approved it. Their home is their private space.

4. Thou Shalt Be Proactive With Problems

Issues like a leaking tap or broken fence can quickly escalate. Notify the homeowner immediately if anything major goes wrong. Take initiative to minimise damage while waiting for their instructions. Don’t try to cover up mistakes. If you break something, own up to it. Honesty builds trust—concealing damage or problems can ruin your reputation.

5. Thou Shalt Respect Pet Care Routines

Pets thrive on familiarity and routine. Stick to the feeding, walking, and playtime schedule the owner provides. Give pets affection—but respect their personalities too. Don’t introduce new foods or habits. Avoid experimenting with their diet or taking pets on risky adventures. What seems like fun to you could be stressful or harmful to the animal.

6. Thou Shalt Keep The Home Secure

You’re responsible for their property’s safety. Lock doors and windows when you leave, turn on outdoor lights at night, and follow any instructions about alarms or security systems. Be discreet on social media. Avoid posting anything that identifies the house’s precise location or who the homeowners are.

7. Thou Shalt Maintain The Property

Homeowners expect to return to a clean and orderly space. Clean up after yourself daily. Before they return, vacuum, wipe surfaces, wash sheets and towels, and take out the rubbish. Don’t forget to give the lawn a quick mow and maybe the garden a quick weeding. Refrain from rearranging the homeowners’ belongings. It might be tempting to reorganise the pantry or shift the furniture, but don’t. Respect their choices and leave everything as it was.

8. Thou Shalt Stay Within Boundaries

Boundaries maintain trust and professionalism. If some areas are off-limits (e.g. office, storage rooms), respect that. Use only the rooms and amenities you’ve been given access to. Don’t help yourself to homeowners’ premium wines, rare spices, or their personal items. Also, remember to replace all of their consummables that you use like food, soap, bog roll, and laundry liquid.

9. Thou Shalt Be Reliable With Dates & Times

Homeowners often plan travel around your arrival and departure. Arrive on time, and don’t leave the home unattended at the end of the sit unless explicitly arranged. Allow for delays in case of flights or weather issues. Don’t leave early without the homeowner’s knowledge and agreement. Never abandon the sit prematurely or leave pets alone before the owners return, even if your duties feel “done.” Confirm handover details.

10. Thou Shalt Leave A Thoughtful Touch

A good final impression ensures repeat invitations and glowing reviews. A short thank-you note, some chocolates or baked goodies (home-made or shop-bought) or even a ready meal shows appreciation. It’s not expected—but always remembered. Please don’t leave a mess behind. No one wants to return from a trip to a dirty kitchen or unmade bed. Clean thoroughly and make the home feel fresh and welcoming.

Final Words

Being a great Kiwi house sitter is about more than just showing up. It’s about being trustworthy, respectful, responsible, and thoughtful. By following these ten commandments you’ll not only meet expectations—you’ll exceed them, build a strong reputation, and likely be invited back again and again. Better house sitting, everyone.