The Legal Aspects of House Sitting in the UK

by Sarah & Cooper | Feb 12, 2025 | Being a digital nomad and working abroad, House sitting, Move to the UK, Travel, United Kingdom

House sitting in the UK offers a unique opportunity for both homeowners and sitters, but understanding the legal framework is essential. While house sitting is often an informal arrangement, there are legal considerations, including contracts, insurance requirements, and how to handle disputes. Ensuring clarity in these areas helps protect both parties and creates a smooth house-sitting experience. This guide explores the key legal aspects of house sitting in the UK, offering practical insights for those looking to navigate the process with confidence.

House Sitting Agreements and Contracts

Many house-sitting arrangements are informal, but having a written agreement ensures clarity and prevents potential disputes. A well-drafted contract outlines the responsibilities of both the homeowner and the house sitter, setting clear expectations.

Key Elements of a House Sitting Agreement:

• Duration of the sit – Specify the start and end dates. Timings too, can vary due to when the home owners may need to leave and return per their transport connections.
• Responsibilities – Detail tasks such as pet care, garden maintenance, and security measures.
• Emergency protocols – Define actions to take in case of unexpected situations. e.g. if you get locked out of the home or a pet gets sick while in your care.
• Expenses – Clarify if the sitter is responsible for any costs, such as utilities. Additionally, what to do if you need to cover emergency pet care.
• Guest policy – State whether the sitter can invite visitors.
• House rules – Include specific requirements, such as smoking policies and restricted areas.

Having a signed agreement provides legal protection and ensures that both parties are aware of their commitments.

Insurance Considerations for House Sitters

One of the most overlooked aspects of house sitting is insurance. Both the homeowner and the sitter must understand what is covered under existing policies and whether additional coverage is needed.

Homeowner’s Insurance:

• Some homeowner policies cover house sitters, but others may void coverage if a non-family member is staying on the property.
• Homeowners might consider informing their insurer about a house sitter’s potential stay to confirm coverage.
• It’s advisable to check if the policy covers damages caused by the sitter or theft during their stay.
• If you are with a matching service like TrustedHousesitters, there is built-in insurance that comes with some membership tiers, so check to see exactly what you’re covered for.

House Sitter’s Insurance:

• House sitters may consider personal liability insurance, which covers accidental damage to the property. This cover may vary from country to country.
• Public liability insurance is recommended in case a third party, such as a visitor or delivery person, suffers an injury while the sitter is in charge.
• If the house sitter is providing pet care, pet insurance or an agreement on veterinary expenses should be discussed beforehand.
• As above for homeowners, if you’re signed up to a service you may have some level of cover that comes with your membership.

Tip on seeking advice: if you have specific questions about your situation, it can sometimes be helpful to ask other people about their experiences. Drop your question in our Facebook Group here.

Handling Disputes and Legal Protection

While most house-sitting arrangements go smoothly, disputes can arise over issues such as property damage, breaches of agreement, or disagreements regarding pet care.

How to Avoid Disputes:

• Have a clear agreement – A written contract minimises misunderstandings.
• Maintain communication – Regular updates to the homeowner ensure lines of communication are kept open and transparent, and go a long way to helping to resolve minor issues before they escalate.
• Document property condition – Taking photos before and after the sit can serve as evidence in case of disputes.

What to Do if a Dispute Occurs:

• Try to resolve the issue directly with the homeowner.
• If necessary, use a third-party mediator, such as the house-sitting platform through which the arrangement was made.
• As a last resort, legal action can be taken, but this is rare and usually avoidable with clear agreements in place. In our 8+ years operating within the house sitting industry we’ve never heard of a dispute going this far.

Is House Sitting Considered a Legal Tenancy?

One common concern is whether house sitting creates a tenancy agreement under UK law. Generally, house sitters do not have tenancy rights because they are not paying rent and do not have exclusive possession of the property.

However, issues can arise if:

• The house sitter stays for an extended period and starts receiving mail at the property.
• There is an agreement that resembles a rental contract.

To avoid confusion, homeowners should clarify in writing that the arrangement is a temporary, non-rental agreement, and house sitters should not use the address for official purposes.

Understanding the legal aspects of house sitting in the UK is crucial for both homeowners and sitters. Clear contracts, proper insurance coverage, and good communication help ensure a smooth experience while avoiding potential disputes. By following these guidelines, house sitters can protect themselves legally while enjoying the benefits of this unique arrangement.

Find out more and get 25% off a membership at TrustedHousesitters here!