The most common advice you'll hear about house sitting is to "treat the home like it's your own." We're here to tell you that's terrible advice. You shouldn't treat it like your own home.
You should treat it with more respect, more care, and more diligence than you've ever treated any place you've lived. Why? Because this isn't a free hotel. It's a fragile ecosystem built entirely on trust, and a single misstep can bring it all crashing down.
After years of living in other people's homes, from Tuscan farmhouses to Swiss chalets, we've seen and heard it all. Getting five-star reviews isn't just about doing the right things; it's about aggressively avoiding the wrong ones.
These aren't just suggestions; they are the hard-and-fast rules that separate the amateurs from the sitters who get invited back again and again.
Category 1: The Unforgivable Sins (Privacy & Trust)
Violating these rules will almost certainly get you a bad review and potentially removed from platforms like Trusted House Sitters.
1. Don't Go Snooping
This is the cardinal sin. A homeowner's personal space is sacred. We've read disturbing posts on Reddit about sitters going through underwear drawers and private documents. Never, ever do this. If a homeowner tells you a specific room is off-limits, respect that boundary. Stick to the spaces they have designated for you. Your curiosity is not worth violating someone's trust.
2. Don't Invite Guests Unannounced
As we covered in depth in our guide on having guests when house sitting, their home is not your social hub. A surprise visitor, even an old friend who is just in town, puts you and the homeowner in an incredibly awkward and liable position. If you want to have someone over, you must ask for explicit permission first, every single time.
3. Don't Post Carelessly on Social Media
It’s tempting to show off the beautiful home you're staying in, but you could be compromising the owner's security. Never post photos of the house's exterior, address, or any information that could identify its location. If you want to post, ask the owner first. Most are happy for you to share cute pictures of their pets. Stick to photos of local landmarks or the animals themselves, not the interior of their private home.
Category 2: The Pet Care Blunders (Your #1 Job)
Remember, you're there for the pets first and the location second. Messing this up is a fundamental failure of your house sitting job.
4. Don't Deviate from the Pet's Routine or Diet
Good intentions can lead to bad outcomes. Don't decide the dog needs a different kind of food or that the cat doesn't really need her medicine. Stick to the provided instructions to the letter. A change in diet can cause stomach upset, and altering a routine can create anxiety. The owners know their pets best; your job is to be a seamless extension of their care.
5. Don't Guess with Medications
This is critical. During a sit in Italy, we were giving a Labrador three pills with his dinner. After he ate, we found a dry pill under the table. Was it his? Did he spit it out? Was it an old pill? We had no idea. Instead of guessing and potentially double-dosing him, we contacted the owners immediately. They told us to hold off on any more pills. What not to do when house sitting: never make a medical decision on your own. Always, always communicate.
6. Don't Freeze in a Pet Emergency
Panic is your enemy. When our Great Dane sit in Sydney was attacked by another dog, the first thing I did, after securing the dog and getting the other owner's details, was call the homeowners. Don't hide it, don't wait, and don't pretend you're a vet. Inform the owner of the situation clearly and calmly, and follow their instructions for which vet to contact. Your job is to be their person on the ground, not a lone wolf decision-maker.
Category 3: The Household No-Nos (Respect the Space)
These mistakes create extra work and stress for the homeowner upon their return.
7. Don't Become an Unqualified Handyman
If a door squeaks, a little WD-40 is probably fine. If a pipe bursts, your job is not to find a wrench. It's to find the main water shut-off valve (ask the home owner immediately in case this happens!). They will arrange for a professional. Attempting a repair you're not qualified for can turn a small issue into a catastrophe and create serious house sitting legal issues.
8. Don't Let Mess Accumulate
Living in a tidy space prevents accidents. As one of our core beliefs goes, "it's when things become messy is when things start to break." Don't treat the sit like a week-long party where you clean up on the last day. Keep the kitchen clean, take your shoes off at the door, and tidy up as you go. You're not just a guest; you're a custodian of their home.
9. Don't Abuse the Utilities
If the home has a sauna, a hot tub, or air conditioning, the owner expects you to use it reasonably. They don't expect you to run the sauna 24/7 or keep the A/C at sub-zero temperatures with the windows open. Be mindful that someone else is paying the bills. Enjoy the amenities, but don't be wasteful.
10. Don't Forget Security Basics
Leaving the house unlocked, even for a five-minute trip to the shop, is a breach of trust. Every time you leave, do a 30-second check: are all windows closed and locked? Is the alarm set? Is the front door secure? It needs to become second nature. Your primary role, besides pet care, is ensuring good house sitting safety.
Category 4: The Communication Crimes (The Silent Trust Killers)
Good communication can solve almost any problem. A lack of it can create problems out of thin air.
11. Don't Go Radio Silent
This is one of the most subtle ways to erode trust. The homeowner is thousands of miles away, worrying about their beloved pets and home. A simple daily update with a photo can completely put their mind at ease. For short sits, we recommend daily contact. For longer ones, you might agree on every few days. The key is to discuss their expectations before they leave.
12. Don't Hide Accidents
Whether it's a broken wine glass or a scratched coffee table, don't pretend it didn't happen. Homeowners are reasonable people; they understand accidents happen. What they won't understand is dishonesty. Owning up to it immediately shows integrity and respect. A simple, "I'm so sorry, I accidentally knocked over a vase. How can I replace it for you?" is always the right move.
13. Don't Rely Only on a Verbal Briefing
People forget things under the stress of travel prep. If the homeowner doesn't have a written guide, don't be afraid to take out a notepad and write everything down yourself as they explain it. Ask them to confirm the details. This shows you're taking the responsibility seriously and ensures no critical information about pet care or home security gets missed.
14. Don't Mess Up the Bins
Every country, and sometimes every town, has a ridiculously complex recycling system. Don't just toss everything in one bag. Trust me, I lived in Germany and people will call the police on you if you mix the rubbish up.
Ask for clear instructions, check the welcome guide, or even look at the neighbours' bins to see what goes where. Getting this wrong can leave the homeowner with a pile of stinking rubbish or even a fine.
15. Don't Leave a Mess Behind
Your final task is to leave the house as clean, or cleaner, than you found it. This means plashing the bedding in the washing basket, vacuuming and mopping the floors, cleaning the kitchen and bathrooms you used, and removing all traces of your presence.
A clean home is the final, lasting impression you leave. It’s what turns a good sit into a great one and guarantees a glowing, verified review for your profile.
Ultimately, avoiding these pitfalls comes down to one principle: profound respect. Respect for their pets, their property, and their privacy. Master that, and you'll have your pick of the most incredible house sitting opportunities around the world.
Caro & Konrad 🐾🚐
DM us @housesittersguide if you have questions — we answer everyone!
What is the number one rule of house sitting?
The number one rule is to act with profound respect for the homeowner's trust, property, and pets. This means clear communication, respecting privacy, and following all instructions to the letter.
Can I have a friend over while house sitting?
No, you should never have a guest over unless you have received explicit, prior permission from the homeowner for that specific guest and time. Their home is not a social venue.
What happens if I accidentally break something?
You should communicate it to the homeowner immediately and honestly. Hiding an accident is far worse than the accident itself. Offer to pay for a replacement or repair.
How often should I send updates to the homeowner?
This should be discussed before they leave. A good rule of thumb is to send a daily update with a photo for short sits. For longer sits, you might agree on every few days. Over-communicating is always better than under-communicating.
Is it okay to go through the homeowner's drawers or cupboards?
Absolutely not. This is a severe violation of privacy and trust. You should only use the spaces and items that have been specifically designated for your use.
