The phone buzzes on the kitchen counter, a notification flashing across the screen. It’s a message from an old friend: “Surprise! I’m in town for the next 48 hours, literally 15 minutes away from you. Can I come over?”
For a moment, excitement bubbles up. Then, a cold wave of anxiety hits. You glance around the beautiful home, the homeowner’s photos on the wall, their cat purring on the sofa, and the reality of the situation sinks in. This isn't your home. What do you do?
This exact scenario is the tightrope walk of house sitting. On one hand, you’re an adult with a social life. On the other, you're a trusted guest in someone's private sanctuary, and your reputation is on the line.
If you’re searching for answers to this question, you already sense the grey area. It’s the single most common source of anxiety for new sitters and a frequent cause of negative reviews for those who get it wrong.
The Core Conflict: Your Autonomy vs. Their Trust
Let's be direct: the problem isn't having friends. The problem is the assumption that the homeowner's trust extends to people they've never met, vetted, or approved. As we’ve covered when explaining what house sitters usually do, your primary role is to care for pets and maintain the home's security.
Introducing an unknown person, even a trusted friend, can be seen as a breach of that core responsibility.
Homeowners use platforms like Trusted House Sitters precisely because they offer a layer of security, including ID checks and verified reviews. They chose you based on your house sitting profile and your interview.
They didn't choose your friend, your partner, or your family member who happens to be in the area.
The Golden Rule: Communicate Before You Assume
The solution is deceptively simple, yet it’s where so many sitters fail: always ask for permission. Transparency is the currency of the house-sitting world. A homeowner is far more likely to be accommodating to an honest request than to discover an unauthorized guest after the fact.
Here’s a personal story. When I applied for one of my very first sits, Caro and I weren't officially sitting as a couple. My profile was for a solo sitter. But during our initial video call with the homeowner, I brought it up. I asked, “Would it be okay if my partner, Caro, came to stay for a few nights?”
Far from being annoyed, the owner was delighted. They were both German, and I wasn't. They immediately switched to German, and Caro took over the communication.
They felt even more comfortable knowing two responsible people would be there. We got the sit even a follow up a year later, and it was a fantastic experience.
Most homeowners are reasonable people. They understand you have a life. What they cannot tolerate is being deceived.
How to Ask for Permission (Without Sounding Entitled)
Timing and tone are everything. The best time to clarify a guest policy is during the initial interview, before you’ve even confirmed the sit.
If you know you might have a guest:
Bring it up casually during the video call. You could say something like:
“My partner/a close friend might be in the area for a couple of days during the sit. What are your thoughts on having a guest over for a dinner or possibly staying a night? We’re very respectful and would be happy to provide any information you need.”
If a guest opportunity arises unexpectedly (like the friend in town):
Send a polite and detailed message immediately. Don't wait. Your message should include:
Who: “My close friend, [Name], who I’ve known for ten years…”
What: “…will be passing through the city and we were hoping to catch up.”
When & How Long: “Would you be comfortable with them coming over for dinner tomorrow evening? Or, if it’s a longer sit, “Would you be okay with them staying in the guest room for one night?”
By providing clear details, you show respect for their property and their peace of mind. You’re not asking for a blank check; you’re making a specific, reasonable request.
Does the Length of the Sit Change the Rules?
Absolutely. There’s a world of difference between a weekend sit and a three-month assignment. Homeowners offering longer stays are generally more understanding that you’re not just visiting, you’re temporarily living your life there. They know you can’t put your entire social life on hold for 12 weeks.
Short Stays (Under 2 weeks): It's best to assume a no-guest policy unless discussed upfront. The primary focus is on settling in and caring for the pets. The exchange is simple and short-term.
Long Stays (Over 1 month): Homeowners are often much more lenient. They understand that having a friend visit for a weekend or a partner stay for a week is a normal part of life. This is one of the benefits of house sitting long-term. However, this doesn't negate the golden rule: you still need to communicate and get approval.
Navigating a Strict No-Guest Policy
Some homeowners will state clearly in their listing: “Strictly no guests or visitors.” If you see this, you have two choices:
Respect it and apply anyway, accepting that you will be there alone.
Don't apply for the sit.
There is no third option. Attempting to argue, persuade, or ignore a stated rule is the fastest way to destroy your reputation.
A negative review stating you brought unauthorized people into the home is incredibly damaging and can make it difficult to secure future house sitting opportunities. Your goal is to collect positive, verified reviews for your housesitting services, not to risk it all for a social visit.
Ultimately, whether you can have guests when house sitting comes down to trust and communication. Remember that you are there to provide a service, peace of mind for the homeowner.
Every decision you make should support that goal. Be upfront, be respectful, and never assume. By handling the situation with maturity, you not only protect the homeowner's property but also your own valuable reputation in the house-sitting community.
Stay Classy
Konrad and Caro 🐾
What should I do if a friend shows up unannounced during a house sit?
Politely explain that you're in someone else's home and cannot have guests without prior permission. Contact the homeowner immediately to explain the situation and ask if a brief visit is acceptable. Do not let your friend inside until you have explicit approval.
Is it different if my partner wants to stay versus a friend just visiting for dinner?
Yes, it's very different. An overnight guest is a much bigger request than a dinner guest. You must be extremely clear about the duration of the visit when you ask the homeowner. An overnight guest has access to the home when you might be asleep or out, which is a higher level of trust required from the owner.
Should I mention my partner in my house sitting profile if they might join me sometimes?
Absolutely. If you plan to sit as a couple, you should have a joint profile. If you are primarily a solo sitter but your partner might occasionally join, it's best to mention this in your profile description to set expectations from the start.
Can a homeowner cancel a sit if I have a guest without permission?
Yes, they likely can. Bringing an unauthorized person into their home is often a major breach of the house-sitting agreement. This could lead to the immediate termination of the sit and a very negative review, making it difficult to find future sits.
Does the homeowner's insurance cover my guests?
Almost certainly not. The homeowner's insurance covers them, and potentially you as the invited sitter, but it will not extend to your unauthorized guests. If your guest were to cause damage or have an accident, it could create significant legal and financial complications.
