Guides
Plain answers about house sitting: tipping, safety, what a sit involves, and how to become a sitter. Written by Chris, who with Nicky has looked after more than 50 homes as a sitter.
How much should I tip a house sitter?
There is no fixed amount. What to weigh up when deciding on a tip, the three ways to reward a sitter on Home Tales, and how much of a tip the sitter receives.
How guaranteed tips work
A guaranteed tip is promised when you list your home, collected before the sit and paid to your sitter when it is done. Each step, and what happens if plans change.
Is house sitting safe?
What Home Tales checks before members can message, apply or list a home, what those checks do not cover, and the steps hosts and sitters can take to stay safe.
What does a house sitter do?
From the welcome pack and handover to daily pet care, updates and leaving the home as you found it: what a house sit involves from start to finish.
How to become a house sitter
How to become a house sitter with Home Tales: verifying your identity, building a profile, passing House Sitting Basics, applying for sits and getting paid.