This Agreement helps ensure that no detail is overlooked; that owners and sitters are on the same page. To use it, highlight the following text, copy/paste it into the body of an email message, then edit as appropriate.
This Agreement is made on (date):
between the Homeowners (names):
and the Housesitters (names):
and is in effect from (date):
until (date):
This Agreement relates to the Property located at (address):
The Homeowner grants permission to the Housesitters to occupy the above premises pursuant to the terms and conditions contained in this Agreement.
The Homeowner makes the following express terms:
This Agreement does not constitute a lease. The parties agree that the Housesitters have license to occupy the premises under the terms and conditions of this Agreement and have no legal interests in the premises.
The Housesitters must vacate the premises at the end of the term of this Agreement.
No persons or pets other than those specifically included in this Agreement are permitted to live at the premises during the term of this Agreement.
This Agreement relates only to Housesitting assignments, which do not typically carry a financial gain for either party.
The Homeowner agrees:
With the understanding that the Housesitters will need to purchase transportation tickets and obtain alternative housing accommodations in advance, the Homeowner will give the Housesitters at least a 14-day notice of any change to the agreed-upon dates of the Housesitting assignment.
The premises will be vacant, clean, and fit for the Housesitters to live in on the first day of the housesitting assignment.
That the Homeowner, or their authorized emergency contact person, may enter the premises during the terms of this Agreement in the following circumstances:
- In an emergency (including making urgent repairs)
- At any time, with the prior consent of the Housesitters
The Homeowner will provide the Housesitters or the Homeowner's nominated emergency contact person with spare keys for the premises and the Housesitters' use.
To provide all pet food, sundry items, and equipment for caring for the Homeowner's animals. The Homeowner agrees to reimburse the Housesitters for any pet food or supplies bought for the animals during the assignment.
To arrange for payment for any services provided by a qualified veterinarian or groomer in treating and caring for the animals.
To provide full details of all pets and their required care during the assignment.
To provide instruction, and necessary tools, equipment, and supplies, for required care of home, yard, garden, or pool.
The Housesitters agree:
To make every reasonable effort to ensure the good health, cleanliness, comfort, safety, and happiness of the animals covered by this Agreement.
Homeowner’s Animal Name(s) / Species:
To be responsible for any act by any person invited onto the premises by the Housesitters.
Not to use or allow the premises to be used for any illegal purpose.
Not to cause a nuisance or allow a nuisance to be caused on the premises.
Not to sub-let the premises.
Not to allow any person to live or temporarily stay unless the Homeowner grants specific permission.
Not to keep any animal on the premises, other than those listed in this Agreement, without the permission of the Homeowner.
Housesitters' animals allowed with Homeowner's permission: NOT APPLICABLE.
To regularly clean the premises, unless the Homeowner provides housecleaners, and to maintain the premises as clean and tidy as at the start of this Agreement.
To maintain the yard or garden, unless gardeners are provided by the Homeowner, in the same condition as at the start of this Agreement.
To notify the Homeowner of any damage to the premises.
To deal with household trash, recycling, and compost as directed by the Homeowner.
To ensure that reasonable measures are used in safeguarding the Property and its contents.
The Homeowner agrees to pay (or reimburse the Housesitters for):
All housing expenses, including but not limited to mortgage and rent payments, taxes, property insurance, HOA community fees, utilities, and service charges.
All animal costs for the care of the animals listed in this Agreement.
All costs of emergency repairs or pre-arranged routine maintenance of the premises.
Reimbursement for repairs and maintenance:
The Homeowner agrees to pay the Housesitters, upon termination of the assignment, any reasonable costs that the Housesitters have incurred for making repairs to the premises so long as:
- the Housesitters did not breach this Agreement when the damage occurred.
- the Housesitters gave the Homeowner, or their nominated emergency contact, opportunity to access and to make repairs.
- the Housesitters provide receipts and labor calculations for any costs incurred.
Use of Homeowner's vehicle:
The Housesitters ensure that they have clean driving records, no accident histories, and current driver's licenses. The Homeowner agrees to the following (please highlight or circle any that apply and initial):
- The Housesitters are NOT permitted to use the Homeowner's vehicle.
- The Housesitters are permitted to use the Homeowner's vehicle in emergencies (veterinarian, hospital, mandatory emergency evacuation, urgent house repairs, etc.).
- The Housesitters are permitted to use the Homeowner's vehicle when it's used for the care and maintenance of the Homeowner's pets or property (transport to the dog park, groomer, or veterinarian, buying pet food or supplies, buying home maintenance and repair items, picking Homeowners up from the airport or train station, etc.)
- The Housesitters are permitted to use the Homeowner's vehicle for the purposes stated above (#2 and #3), plus for their personal use (supermarket, park, library, etc.). In this case, the Housesitters confirm that they will be liable for any damages incurred while using the Homeowner's vehicle, including insurance deductibles or excess fees on any resulting insurance claim. Furthermore, at the end of the assignment, the Housesitters agree to wash the vehicle, top off the oil, and fill the tank with fuel.
If the Homeowner has agreed to have the Housesitters use their vehicle, the Homeowner will contact their insurance agent to temporarily add the Housesitters' names to the vehicle insurance policy.
Termination of Agreement:
With the understanding that the Housesitters will need to purchase transportation tickets and arrange for alternative housing accommodations in advance, the Homeowner will give the Housesitters at least 14 days' notice of early termination of this Agreement.
The Housesitters agree not to leave the premises before the end of this Agreement without permission from the Homeowner or authorized emergency contact person.
The Housesitters agree to vacate the premises on the date of termination of this Agreement.
Both parties to this Agreement agree that if either party breaches this Agreement, then the other party may terminate the Agreement on 24 hours' notice, and either party may reserve their rights to recover any funds due under this Agreement.
Any additional terms (detail):
SIGNATURES TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND AGREE TO ITS TERMS
Name of Homeowner:
Homeowner's Signature:
Name of Homeowner:
Homeowner's Signature:
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Name of Housesitter:
Housesitter's Signature:
Name of Housesitter:
Housesitter's Signature:
