HOUSE SITTING AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made on [Date], BETWEEN:
[Homeowner Name], residing at [Homeowner Address] (“Homeowner”);
AND
[House Sitter Name], residing at [House Sitter Address] (“House Sitter”).
WHEREAS
- The Homeowner is the owner or lawful occupant of the property located at [Property Address] (“Property”).
- The Homeowner wishes to engage the House Sitter to reside at and care for the Property during the Homeowner’s absence on the terms set out below.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
1. TERM
1.1 This Agreement shall commence on [Start Date] and end on [End Date], unless terminated earlier in accordance with this Agreement.
2. DUTIES OF THE HOUSE SITTER
2.1 The House Sitter agrees to:
- Occupy the Property as a temporary residence.
- Maintain the Property in a clean, tidy, and secure condition.
- Water plants/garden as instructed by the Homeowner.
- Collect and manage mail and packages as instructed.
- Feed, care for, and exercise pets as specified in [Pet Care Instructions/Attachment], if applicable.
- Take reasonable steps to ensure the safety and security of the Property.
- Immediately notify the Homeowner of any damage, emergency, or unusual occurrence at the Property.
- Follow any additional instructions as set out in [Additional Instructions/Attachment].
2.2 The House Sitter shall not:
- Allow anyone else to reside at or use the Property without the Homeowner’s prior written consent.
- Make any alterations, repairs, or improvements to the Property without the Homeowner’s written consent.
- Use the Property for any unlawful or commercial purposes.
3. ACCESS
3.1 The Homeowner shall provide the House Sitter with all necessary keys, codes, and instructions to access and care for the Property.
3.2 The Homeowner may, with reasonable notice, enter the Property during the Term for inspection or maintenance purposes.
4. UTILITIES AND EXPENSES
4.1 Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the Homeowner shall be responsible for all regular utility bills (e.g., electricity, water, gas, internet) during the Term.
4.2 The House Sitter shall be responsible for any additional expenses arising from their own intentional or negligent acts.
5. PAYMENT (if applicable)
5.1 The Homeowner agrees to pay the House Sitter a fee of [Amount] per [Day/Week/Entire Term], payable as follows: [Payment Terms].
OR
5.1 No monetary compensation shall be provided; the House Sitter is permitted to reside at the Property in exchange for house sitting services.
6. LIABILITY AND INSURANCE
6.1 The House Sitter shall take reasonable care to avoid damage to the Property.
6.2 The Homeowner shall maintain adequate insurance coverage for the Property and its contents. The House Sitter is encouraged to obtain personal insurance for their belongings.
6.3 The House Sitter shall not be liable for normal wear and tear or for losses not caused by their negligence or intentional acts.
7. TERMINATION
7.1 Either party may terminate this Agreement at any time by giving [Notice Period Days] days’ written notice to the other party.
7.2 The Homeowner may terminate this Agreement immediately in the event of a material breach by the House Sitter.
7.3 Upon termination, the House Sitter shall vacate the Property and return all keys and access devices to the Homeowner.
8. GOVERNING LAW
8.1 This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of [Governing Law State/Country].
9. ENTIRE AGREEMENT
9.1 This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements or understandings, whether written or oral, relating to the subject matter herein.
9.2 Any amendments to this Agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties.
10. NOTICES
10.1 Any notice required or permitted under this Agreement shall be given in writing to the addresses specified above (or such other address as a party may notify in writing).
11. DISCLAIMER
This document is a template and may not be suitable for all situations. The parties should consult with legal counsel before signing this agreement.
SIGNATURES
Homeowner:
Name: [Homeowner Name]
Signature: ___________________________
Date: [Date]
House Sitter:
Name: [House Sitter Name]
Signature: ___________________________
Date: [Date]
