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About house-sitting and Happy House Sitters
How much does it cost to join?
Why get a house-sitter from Happy House Sitters?
How does the service work?
What types of people house-sit?
How long is a house-sit?
Do I need to insure my home and contents?
Finding the right house-sitter for YOU
How do I attract the right house-sitters with my advertisement?
What if I am still worried about my pet?
What if I am planning an extended trip?
The house-sitting agreement
Should I enter into a formal agreement with my house-sitter?
Who pays the bills?
Can I ask for a bond?
Your account
Will my details be kept confidential?
How do I Edit / Delete my ad?
How much does it cost to join?
Nothing! We do not charge home and pet owners (or renters). Sitters' subscriptions cover our costs. That way we can offer you this great service for FREE. Just think how much you'll save. ↑ Back to Top
Why get a house-sitter from Happy House Sitters?
If you have a trip planned, then a house-sitter will let you enjoy it! You no longer have to leave your home empty and unsecured, or your pets sad and lonely. All tasks you require of the sitter should be negotiated directly with the sitter.
Our experienced house-sitters:
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Have more invested in your property: Because our sitter registration fees are a little higher then other sites, our sitters tend to be more committed to providing you a better service
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Keep your home looking 'lived in: Have peace of mind knowing your home is safe and secure while you're away.
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Look after your pets: Your pet will be fed, walked and cared for. It will have company and taken to the vet if necessary. Most importantly, it gets to stay at home where it's most comfortable.
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Save you money: A house-sitter will save you approximately $50 - 70 per day on kennel and cattery fees. That's $1500 - $2100 for a 4 week holiday.
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Maintain your home: Your mail will be collected, your messages taken and forwarded and your gardens watered and mowed. Any home maintenance issues will be taken care of and your home will be clean and tidy when you return (and maybe even leave some flowers on your table!)
And all this for free!
This leaves you to ...
Enjoy your holiday! Knowing your pets are cared for, fed, walked and groomed. The lawns and garden are maintained and the pool is kept clean. You no longer have to worry about leaving your loved (and expensive) home empty and unsecured. You have the convenience of not having to remove all your belongings to rent out your house. If you need to come back earlier or later you have the flexibility that you would not have from a rental lease. All the things you do around the house are taken care of. All at no cost to you. All we ask, is that when you have found someone you let us know.
↑ Back to Top How does the service work?
As a home owner You can join Happy House Sitters for FREE!
Once you join, you can:
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Advertise your property for house-sitters to find you
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Receive unlimited access to our database of house & pet sitters.
There are two ways you can use our service.
1. House-sitters find you: Once you register with us, you get to place a free advertisement on our website. Our registered house-sitters will then contact you via email to discuss your requirements. All you need to do is complete our registration form.
2. You find your house-sitter: Once you register, you can login to our site and search for the 'perfect' house-sitter. All you need to do is complete our registration form.
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What types of people house-sit?
The short answer is, anyone can be a house-sitter. House-sitters can be people moving interstate, people waiting for their house to be renovated or retired people on holidays. However, the majority of our house-sitters tend to be professional people saving for their first home and seniors travelling around Australia.
We do not 'screen' the house-sitters. We leave that up to you. You know the type of person you want better than we do.
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How long is a house-sit?
That's up to you. However, house-sits of two weeks or more are easier to fill.
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Do I need to insure my home and contents?
Happy House Sitters recommends you insure your house and contents while you are away.
Discuss this with your insurance company and let them know you will have a house-sitter looking after your home.
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How do I attract the right house-sitters with my advertisement?
To ensure you attract the right people to your home, give the house-sitters as much information you can about:
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The general location/suburb of your home and what's close by (e.g. transport, shops)
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Number of bedrooms and other features about your home (e.g. pool, internet, backyard)
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A description of your pet, it's temperament and any special requirements.
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What's expected of them in terms of home maintenance.
See samples of other home owner advertisements.
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What if I am still worried about my pet?
If you are feeling anxious about leaving your beloved pet and don't like the idea (or cost) of kennels, you are not alone.
Our registered house-sitters are also pet lovers. They will play, feed, walk, take to the vet if necessary and groom your pet while you are away.
Most importantly, they will keep your pet company in the very place where he or she is most happy- at home!
Can I still get a house sitter if I'm renting?
Yes. Renters are welcome to use our service, but we do suggest that you get the landlord's OK first.
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What if I am planning an extended trip?
If you are planning an extended trip and are considering renting out your home, think again. Many of our house-sitters are looking for long-term opportunities.
Unlike a rental agreement, getting a house-sitter offers the huge convenience of not having to put your furniture and other belongings into storage. And if you need
to return earlier or later than planned, a house-sitters is far more flexible than a tenant who has signed an official lease.
↑ Back to Top Should I enter into a formal agreement with my house-sitter?
It's a good idea. Please download and print these two documents.
1. Welcome to Happy House Sitters
2. House sitting agreement
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Who pays the bills?
Usually the sitter will pay the day to day bills-phone, gas, electricity etc. However, if they house-sit for more than one year, the house-sitter may also agree to pay your fixed bills for that period. e.g. rates, insurance.
Ultimately though, the terms of the agreement must be negotiated between you and your house-sitter.
↑ Back to Top Can I ask for a bond?
This is a reasonable request. The amount and where it is deposited, until your return should be negotiated between you and your house- sitter.
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Will my details be kept confidential?
Yes. We do not publish your contact details at all. Only you can disclose your details to prospective house-sitters at the time you choose.
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How do I Edit / Delete my ad?
You can edit / Delete your ad by logging into your account.
How can Happy House Sitters be improved?
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