I’ll be the first to admit it: on my early house sits, I asked almost no questions. I was so excited to be chosen, so eager to seem easy-going, that I operated on pure assumption. The address, the pet's name, and the dates felt like enough. It was a mix of naive trust and a fear of looking too demanding.
It wasn't until I started reading the horror stories on Reddit and other forums, tales of undisclosed cameras, surprise construction projects, and pets with complex needs revealed only upon arrival that I had a crucial realization.
Now that I have more experience, I understand that the conversation before you say "yes" is the single most important part of the entire process. It’s not about being difficult; it’s about being a professional. It’s the step that separates a dream sit from a disaster.
As we’ve discussed before, the house sitting world operates on a value exchange. That exchange begins with clear communication. Skipping this Q&A session is like signing a contract without reading it.
The Two-Stage Conversation: Vibe Check vs. Final Confirmation
Let’s be clear: you don’t need to bombard a homeowner with twenty questions on the very first video call. That initial chat is often just a vibe check a chance for both of you to build rapport and see if your personalities click.
Unless you’re traveling from afar and booking flights immediately, keep this first interaction light.
The real deep dive happens at step two: the "Okay, we'd love to have you" stage. This is when you've been provisionally accepted and it's time to confirm the details before you both hit "confirm" on the platform. This is your moment to ensure total alignment and prevent any future misunderstandings.
The Essential Checklist: Questions to Ask Before You Commit
Think of this not as an interrogation, but as a professional briefing. It shows you’re detail-oriented, responsible, and dedicated to providing the best possible care.
Category 1: Logistics & The Timeline
This is about the non-negotiable framework of the sit. Getting these details wrong can have a domino effect on your travel plans and the owner's peace of mind.
What are the exact dates and times for my arrival and departure? "The first week of July" isn't good enough. You need to know if they expect you at 9 a.m. on the 1st or 9 p.m.
Are these dates concrete, or could they possibly change? This is critical. If their trip is tentative, you need to know before booking non-refundable travel.
How do you envision the handover of the house and pets? Will they be there to walk you through everything in person, or will you be arriving after they've left and need to follow written instructions or a video call?
How will keys or access codes be provided, and how should I return them upon leaving?
Category 2: Privacy, Security & Access
This category is all about setting boundaries and understanding the environment you'll be living in. These questions are non-negotiable for your comfort and house sitting safety.
Will anyone else have access to the home during the sit? Think cleaners, gardeners, family members stopping by to pick up mail, or maintenance people. It's crucial to know who might show up unexpectedly.
Are there any security cameras inside or outside the house? And if so, where are they located and will they be recording during my stay? This is a fundamental question of privacy. Homeowners have a right to security, but you have a right to know if you're being recorded in private spaces.
Category 3: The Core Responsibilities
This is the heart of your house sitting job. You need a crystal-clear picture of what you'll be doing day-to-day.
Could you provide a detailed care sheet for the pets? This should cover everything: feeding amounts and times, medication schedule, vet contact information, walking routine, and any specific behavioral quirks (e.g., "hates skateboards," "scared of thunder," "will try to eat plastic bags"). This prevents guesswork and stress for both you and the animal.
Are there any plants or garden duties that need specific care? Ask about watering schedules, especially for longer sits. You don't want to be responsible for a prized but forgotten orchid.
Category 4: House Rules & Your Lifestyle
This ensures your lifestyle is compatible with the homeowner's expectations. A mismatch here can lead to friction and is one of the key things what not to do when house sitting.
Is smoking or vaping allowed anywhere on the property, including outside?
Am I allowed to have visitors over? What about an overnight guest? Every owner has a different comfort level with this. Never assume.
Is there anything off-limits in the home? (e.g., a specific office, a studio, a wine cellar).
Category 5: Practicalities & Property Quirks
Every home has its own personality and its own set of minor issues. Knowing about them ahead of time prevents panic.
Are there any ongoing maintenance issues I should be aware of? A tricky lock, a leaky faucet, or a temperamental Wi-Fi router are good things to know about in advance.
Is there off-street parking available for me? If so, do I need a specific permit, key fob, or garage code?
Do you have homeowners or renters insurance that covers house sitters? This is a key part of understanding the Insurance Coverage with House Sitters and determining if you need your own liability policy.
This conversation is your final chance to make sure the sit is a perfect fit. It builds a foundation of trust and professionalism that homeowners notice and appreciate, which is exactly what leads to those glowing, verified reviews for housesitting services that will land you your next dream sit.
Caro & Konrad 🐾🚐
DM us @housesittersguide if you have questions — we answer everyone!
When is the best time to ask these detailed questions?
The best time is after the initial "vibe check" call, once the homeowner has indicated they'd like to move forward with you. This is the confirmation stage, right before you both officially agree to the sit on the platform. Asking too many detailed questions upfront can sometimes be overwhelming for the owner.
What is the biggest red flag to watch out for in a homeowner's answers?
Vague or evasive answers are a major red flag. If a homeowner is unclear about pet needs, dismissive of your questions about security cameras, or can't give you firm dates, it suggests a lack of preparation or transparency that could lead to problems during the sit.
Is it rude to ask about security cameras?
Not at all. It is a perfectly reasonable and professional question about your privacy and safety. Responsible homeowners will be happy to tell you about their security systems. If an owner becomes defensive about this question, it's a significant red flag.
