House sitting is built on trust.
A homeowner is inviting someone they may have never met into their home to care for the people—or rather, pets—they love most. In return, the sitter receives a place to stay and the opportunity to experience a new location.
There may not be a formal rulebook, but experienced house sitters know there are certain expectations that make every house sit smoother and more enjoyable.
Good etiquette isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being thoughtful, respectful, and leaving homeowners feeling confident they made the right choice.
Whether you’re preparing for your very first house sit or you’ve already completed several, these unwritten rules can help you build trust and earn excellent reviews.
If you are begenning though it will be helpful for you to know how to write a profile that gets choosen.
1. Treat the Home as You’d Want Yours Treated
This is the golden rule of house sitting.
Remember that you’re staying in someone’s home—not a hotel or holiday rental.
Take care of the property by:
- Keeping rooms reasonably tidy
- Cleaning up after yourself
- Respecting furniture and belongings
- Following any house instructions
- Reporting accidental damage honestly
Most homeowners don’t expect perfection. They appreciate care and honesty.
2. Respect the Pet’s Routine
For many animals, routine provides comfort.
Try to keep feeding times, walks, medication, and bedtime as close as possible to what the homeowner has explained.
Avoid making unnecessary changes simply because they’re more convenient.
Consistency helps pets feel secure while their owners are away.
3. Communicate Regularly
One of the easiest ways to reassure a homeowner is through regular updates.
A quick daily message with a photo can make a huge difference.
For example:
“Bella had a lovely morning walk today and is now happily asleep on the sofa. Everything is going well!”
These updates don’t need to be long.
They simply let homeowners know their pets are safe and happy.
4. Ask Questions Before Making Assumptions
Every household is different.
If you’re unsure about something, ask.
For example:
- Can visitors come over?
- Is it okay to use the washing machine?
- Should the windows stay open?
- Can I take the dog to the beach?
Most homeowners would rather answer a question beforehand than deal with a misunderstanding later.
Good communication prevents small problems from becoming larger ones.
5. Respect House Rules
Every home has its own expectations.
Some homeowners may ask that shoes stay by the door.
Others may prefer no overnight guests or certain rooms to remain private.
These rules aren’t personal—they’re simply part of caring for someone else’s home.
Following them demonstrates respect.
6. Leave the Home Clean
One of the best compliments a homeowner can give is:
“We came home and couldn’t even tell someone had been staying here.”
Before leaving, try to:
- Wash dishes
- Empty rubbish bins if needed
- Vacuum or sweep floors
- Change used bed linen if requested
- Wipe kitchen surfaces
- Return furniture to its original place
You don’t need to perform a deep clean unless you’ve agreed to do so.
Simply leave the home in the condition you’d hope to find it yourself.
7. Be Honest if Something Goes Wrong
Accidents happen.
A glass breaks.
A pet becomes ill.
A pipe leaks.
These situations are rarely the problem.
Failing to tell the homeowner usually is.
If something unexpected happens:
- Stay calm.
- Contact the homeowner promptly.
- Explain what happened honestly.
- Offer reasonable solutions where possible.
Honesty builds far more trust than trying to hide mistakes.
8. Respect Your Neighbours
Remember that you’re representing the homeowner while they’re away.
Be considerate by:
- Keeping noise to a reasonable level
- Parking where instructed
- Being polite to neighbours
- Following local community rules
A positive impression extends beyond the home itself.
9. Don’t Invite Guests Without Permission
Even if it seems harmless, avoid inviting friends or family to the property unless the homeowner has clearly said it’s okay.
This applies to overnight guests as well as visitors during the day.
Some homeowners are perfectly comfortable with visitors.
Others are not.
Always ask first.
10. Keep Personal Use Reasonable
House sitting usually includes access to the home’s facilities.
That doesn’t mean everything should be treated as freely available.
For example:
- Use household supplies thoughtfully.
- Replace anything significant that you finish.
- Be mindful of heating, air conditioning, and electricity.
- Respect the homeowner’s belongings.
Small acts of consideration leave lasting impressions.
11. Leave a Thoughtful Goodbye
Before departing:
- Double-check that pets have everything they need.
- Lock doors and windows if instructed.
- Return keys as agreed.
- Send a message letting the homeowner know you’ve left.
Many experienced sitters also leave a short note describing how the sit went.
It’s a simple gesture that homeowners often appreciate.
12. Remember That Reviews Go Both Ways
On many house sitting platforms, homeowners and sitters can review one another.
The best reviews usually come from positive experiences built on good communication, reliability, and mutual respect.
Instead of thinking about how to get a five-star review, focus on creating an experience that naturally deserves one.
Good etiquette makes positive reviews much more likely.
House Sitting Is a Partnership
One common misunderstanding is that house sitting is simply free accommodation.
In reality, it’s an exchange built on shared responsibility.
The homeowner provides a welcoming home.
The sitter provides dependable care for the home and pets.
When both sides communicate openly and respect each other’s expectations, everyone benefits—including the pets.
A Simple Etiquette Checklist
Before every house sit, ask yourself:
✔ Have I read all the homeowner’s instructions?
✔ Do I understand the pet’s daily routine?
✔ Will I send regular updates?
✔ Have I asked about anything I’m unsure of?
✔ Will I leave the home clean and tidy?
✔ Am I treating this home with the same care I’d want for my own?
If you can answer “yes” to each question, you’re already following the habits that experienced house sitters rely on.
Final Thoughts
House sitting etiquette isn’t about following complicated rules.
It’s about making homeowners feel comfortable leaving their home in your care.
Simple habits—clear communication, respect for routines, honesty, and consideration—often matter far more than years of experience.
Many homeowners remember how a sitter made them feel long after they’ve forgotten the small details of the sit itself.
If you consistently make people feel confident, respected, and reassured, you’ll not only receive stronger reviews but also increase your chances of being invited back again.
Whether you’re preparing for your first house sit or your fiftieth, good etiquette is one of the most valuable skills you can develop. It builds trust, strengthens relationships, and helps create the positive experiences that make house sitting rewarding for both homeowners and sitters.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is house sitting etiquette?
House sitting etiquette refers to the unwritten expectations that help homeowners and sitters build trust. It includes respecting the home, caring for pets properly, communicating regularly, and leaving the property clean.
How often should I update the homeowner?
Most homeowners appreciate a short daily update with a few photos. Unless they’ve requested otherwise, one message each day is usually enough to reassure them that everything is going well.
Is it okay to have friends visit during a house sit?
Only if the homeowner has given permission. Never assume visitors or overnight guests are acceptable without asking first.
What should I do if something breaks?
Tell the homeowner as soon as possible. Accidents happen, and honest communication is almost always appreciated more than trying to hide a mistake.
Do I need to deep clean the house before leaving?
Not usually. Unless you’ve agreed otherwise, leaving the home clean, tidy, and in the same condition you found it is considered good house sitting etiquette.
Find out if house sitting is safe, risky and the ways how you can protect yourself by reading this.
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