FAQ

Over the years we have found that most people want to ask us the same questions, so here are a few questions and answers.

Q What type of people Homesit?
A Someone like you or your friends. House sitters join Homesit for a range of reasons. They are responsible people who love animals and enjoy discovering different parts of New Zealand. House sitters tend to be people who find it suits their circumstances at a certain time in their lives. Maybe they have been overseas and are undecided where they now want to live. They may have sold their old home and be waiting for their new one to become available. They may be retired and see house sitting as a way to have a change and see a bit more of the country. All Homesit house sitters have to supply us with references, attend an interview and authorise a police check .

Q Do they pay rent?
A No, in exchange for accommodation they offer a service. They will, however, offer to recompense you for power they use and any toll calls. They will also replace any consumable items of yours they may use. As they are not paying rent you can set guidelines - for example, no parties, overnight visitors or other pets .

Q Can I choose my Homesitter?
A Yes, you can ask us to send along more than one candidate and we are happy to do so if we have sitters available. However, as we are experienced at matching sitters with homes, in most cases the first sitter you meet will be most suitable.

Q How do you screen your sitters?
A They supply three written references with contact phone numbers so they can be verified. They also supply a form of identification so we can complete a security check through the court system. We interview our sitters to get an overview of their skills, and determine where their strengths lie in terms of home and pet care and they complete a questionnaire.

Q What about my insurance cover?
A We recommend that you tell your insurance company that your home will not be empty and that you will have caretakers in residence. We suggest that you remove items of particular value or anything you do not want used by the house sitter. You could either leave them in the care of a family member or place them in a locked room. This will ensure that everyone can relax and it indicates to your insurance company that you have taken precautions.

Q How much does this service cost?
Please ask your local Homesit agency for a no-obligation quotation. This quote will be inclusive of GST. We can also quote for looking after your lifestyle block, homestay, bed and breakfast, plant nursery, or other specialised home-based business. Our all-inclusive prices are excellent value and very competitive when they are compared with security companies, catteries, kennels, and the add-ons (such as dog walking fees) that those organisations usually require.

Q Is there a minimum or maximum length of time we can book for?
A Yes, we normally have a minimum booking requirement of two weeks, although we will take a shorter booking if we have a sitter available, so please ask. Discounts are offered for longer sits, and no maximum period applies. Each locality has a minimum charge, so check with your local agency. Deposits are usually non-refundable and special rates may apply during major holiday periods. Please enquire about the exact conditions in your area from your nearest Homesit agency.

Q Do you only cover the Auckland area?
A Though much of our business does come from the Auckland area, we have offices in other parts of the country including Christchurch. We also have some retired sitters who are open to travelling further afield ... some of whom may need a contribution towards their travel costs. Homesit is expanding throughout New Zealand so please check to see if there is a Homesit in your area.

Q We have a farm/homestay/bed and breakfast (or other homebased business), do you have sitters who could take over when we go on holiday?
A Yes, we do have some sitters who are willing and able to look after your home and business. However, as we are not an employment agency we will provide a quote based purely on the Homesitting aspect of the assignment. An arrangement to remunerate your sitter for the extra time and responsibility involved in running your business will be your decision and should be negotiated directly with the sitter.

Q We have certain valuable or fragile items that we would prefer no one to touch, what do you recommend?
A You can either put them away in a lockable room (please unplug all electrical appliances in the locked room) and leave the key with a family member, or leave them in a safe deposit box, or with friends or family. Your sitter will be able to relax and so will you.

If you have a question we haven't answered please email us or phone your local Homesit branch. We have many regular clients who are convinced that we offer the best solution to their home and pet care problems and they say it's great to come home to a warm, tidy home and happy, healthy pets.