What’s the true cost of a broken wine glass? Is it the few euros to replace it, or is it the sinking feeling in your stomach when you hear that sharp crash echoing through someone else’s quiet home? What’s the price of a malfunctioning coffee machine when it’s not yours to fix?
These aren't just hypothetical questions. They represent a core anxiety for every house sitter, from the first-timer to the seasoned nomad. It’s the silent fear that rides along with the joy of exploring a new place. The truth is, accidents happen.
Things get dropped, spilled, or simply decide to stop working. But how you handle that moment is what separates an amateur sitter from a professional one. It’s the ultimate test of the trust you’ve been given.
The Unbreakable Rule: Immediate and Honest Communication
If you've been following our journey, you'll know we believe clear communication is the foundation of every successful house sit. This principle becomes absolutely critical when something goes wrong. As we discussed in our guide on the cardinal sins of house sitting, pretending nothing happened is the fastest way to shatter a homeowner's trust.
It’s deeply uncomfortable, but sending that message is always better than the alternative: the homeowner discovering the damage themselves. That path leads to resentment, a bad review, and a damaged reputation. Honesty, even when embarrassing, reinforces that they chose the right person.
In our years of sitting, we've had a few minor casualties: two glasses and one Ikea knife. Each time, our process was the same. We immediately sent a message to the owner, explained what happened, and offered to pay for a replacement. And each time, the owner has told us not to worry about it. We don't expect this to always be the case, but it shows that most people are reasonable about everyday accidents.
Minor vs. Major Damage: Your Action Plan
Not all damage is created equal. A chipped plate requires a different response than a flooded laundry room. Knowing how to react is key.
Handling Minor Breakages: The "Ikea Knife" Protocol
For small, everyday items, follow these simple steps:
Don't Panic: Take a breath. It's usually not as bad as it feels in the moment.
Document It: Take a quick, clear photo of the broken item.
Communicate Immediately: Send a concise and apologetic message. A simple script works best: "Hi [Homeowner Name], just wanted to let you know there was a small accident and one of your kitchen knives broke. I'm so sorry! Please let me know the best way to replace it or reimburse you."
Clean Up Safely: Dispose of the broken item carefully.
This approach is transparent and respectful. It gives the owner control and shows you’re taking responsibility.
Navigating Major Incidents: The "Coffee Machine" Scenario
Then there are the big things. At one sit, a high-end coffee machine suddenly stopped grinding beans. My mind immediately jumped to the worst-case scenario: I must have misused it. The thought of forking out hundreds, maybe thousands, of euros for a replacement was not on my bingo card for the year.
This is where the value of a professional platform becomes undeniable. A random agreement made on a social media group offers zero protection in these moments. This exact fear is why Caro and I exclusively use reputable House Sitting Sites and primarily stick with Trusted House Sitters.
Your Financial Safety Net: Why Platform Insurance is Non-Negotiable
The premium membership on a platform like Trusted house sitters is more than just access to listings; it's a critical safety net. The premium annual fee includes accident and third-party liability insurance for sitters and home insurance for owners. For us, spending an extra €40 for that peace of mind is not negotiable, especially considering how often we are looking after other people’s homes and pets.
If a major incident like the coffee machine failure (or worse) happens, the protocol changes slightly:
Prioritize Safety: First, ensure any immediate danger is neutralized (e.g., turn off the water for a leak, unplug a sparking appliance).
Inform the Homeowner: Your first call or message is still to the owner. Explain the situation clearly and calmly.
Contact the Platform: Immediately after, get in touch with the platform's support or claims department. They have a process for this. Follow their instructions to the letter to ensure you’re covered by their Insurance Coverage with House Sitters.
This structured approach removes the panic and replaces it with a clear, professional plan. It protects you financially and demonstrates to the homeowner that you are a serious, responsible sitter.
When Pets are the Culprits: Who is Responsible?
What happens if the pet causes the damage? A cat sharpens its claws on an antique chair, or a puppy chews through a table leg. The rule of thumb is this: the homeowner is generally responsible for their pet's predictable behavior. It's their home and their pet.
The critical exception is sitter negligence. If you did something obviously irresponsible. like tying a puppy’s leash to a fragile vase, you would likely be held responsible. This comes back to your primary role, which we cover in our guide on what do house sitters usually do: providing attentive and responsible care.
Again, communication is key. Let the owner know what happened, even if you're not at fault. A simple message like, "Just a heads-up, Fido got a bit excited this afternoon and chewed on the corner of the rug in the living room. He's fine, but I wanted you to be aware!" keeps them in the loop.
Your Damage Control Checklist
If an accident happens, don't freeze. Follow this checklist:
Assess: Is everyone (human and pet) safe? What is the immediate extent of the damage?
Document: Take clear photos or a short video from multiple angles.
Communicate: Contact the homeowner immediately. Be honest, apologetic, and clear about what happened.
Mitigate: Prevent further damage. Clean up a spill before it stains, or move other items away from a leak.
Follow Up: For minor issues, confirm with the owner how they'd like you to proceed (replace, reimburse, or forget it). For major issues, contact your platform's insurance provider and begin the formal process.
Accidents feel awful, but they are a part of life. By handling them with honesty, professionalism, and a clear plan, you do more than just fix a problem. You prove to the homeowner that their trust in you was well-placed.
A well-handled crisis can actually strengthen your relationship, leading to a glowing review on your House Sitting Profile and even an invitation to return.
Ultimately, damaging property during a house sit isn't a catastrophe, it's a test of your character. Pass it, and you'll solidify your reputation as a sitter any homeowner would be lucky to have.
Caro & Konrad 🐾🚐
DM us @housesittersguide if you have questions — we answer everyone!
What is the first thing I should do if I break something at a house sit?
The very first step is to take a photo of the damage and immediately send a clear, honest message to the homeowner explaining what happened and offering to reimburse them.
Am I responsible for damage caused by the homeowner's pet?
Generally, homeowners are responsible for damage caused by their pets' normal behavior (e.g., scratching). However, you could be held liable if the damage resulted from your own negligence.
Does Trusted House Sitters insurance cover damage I cause?
Yes, premium memberships on Trusted House Sitters include accident and third-party liability insurance, which provides a safety net for accidental damage to the property.
Should I replace a small item I broke, like a mug or a plate?
Always offer to. Message the owner first. They may tell you not to worry about it, or they might prefer you replace it with a specific item or provide reimbursement. Don't replace it without asking.
What's the difference between handling a minor breakage and a major appliance failure?
For minor breakages, direct communication and an offer to pay are usually sufficient. For major issues like a failing appliance, you should still communicate immediately but also involve the house-sitting platform's insurance and support team to navigate the claims process.
