House Sitter

Mary Hatch Bailey · Post by **Mary Hatch Bailey** » Sat, 12 Nov 2005 8:30 am

Curious to know what you think someone should be paid, if anything, to be a housesitter for one month. They would have their own room, bathroom and sitting area in a very central location, kitchen priviledges, cable and virtually no responsibilities other than keeping our maid company. Sounds crazy I know, but there it is. Thanks.

Vaucluse · Post by **Vaucluse** » Sat, 12 Nov 2005 3:47 pm

Hmm, tricky one . . . Is there a problem with the maid staying by herself and having an acquaintance or friend look in every now and then?

Mary Hatch Bailey · Post by **Mary Hatch Bailey** » Sat, 12 Nov 2005 4:24 pm

Our maid is quite afraid to stay by herself. There will be lots of people in and out on a daily basis, but she would prefer someone stay here at night. I'd let her have a friend stay with her certainly, but not sure any other employer would agree to that.

Why are you slacking off? Back to packing for you! And don't skimp on the bubble wrap!

sapphire · Post by **sapphire** » Sat, 12 Nov 2005 4:29 pm

And then you get to pop them bubbles! Life's simple pleasures.

Matney · Post by **Matney** » Sat, 12 Nov 2005 5:12 pm

My hubby and I house sat for a couple who were gone for a couple of months when we lived in OZ. Nothing was mentioned of money before they left and silly us thought nothing of it. UNTIL she requested we pay 2 month's rent after they returned. I was dumbfounded, shocked, etc... Here we were watching over their house and their belongings, watering plants, paying bills, collecting mail and then were expected to pay them for the priviledge. I might also add that they were not short of money--he is a retired professional golfer-trophies everywhere.

Now to your question, Mary. I feel if you are letting someone stay in your house and use all the things in your house, I don't think they should also be charged for that honour. I guess I would make clear that if anything is broken, lost, stolen, it would be their responsiblity to replace or repair it. If I had anything of sentimental value I would probably put it away for safe keeping.

I know of a maid 2 doors down and whenever her employers are away, she hates sleeping there. Luckily in her case her hubby lives here too!
Good luck.

Mary Hatch Bailey · Post by **Mary Hatch Bailey** » Sat, 12 Nov 2005 5:29 pm

Matney wrote:My hubby and I house sat for a couple who were gone for a couple of months when we lived in OZ. Nothing was mentioned of money before they left and silly us thought nothing of it. UNTIL she requested we pay 2 month's rent after they returned. I was dumbfounded, shocked, etc... Here we were watching over their house and their belongings, watering plants, paying bills, collecting mail and then were expected to pay them for the priviledge. I might also add that they were not short of money--he is a retired professional golfer-trophies everywhere.

Now to your question, Mary. I feel if you are letting someone stay in your house and use all the things in your house, I don't think they should also be charged for that honour. I guess I would make clear that if anything is broken, lost, stolen, it would be their responsiblity to replace or repair it. If I had anything of sentimental value I would probably put it away for safe keeping.

From one of the contacts I made, the housesitter suggested $50 per night seemed fair. That I pay them $50 per night ! I don't even want them to water the plants, or bring in the mail, nothing. How can I pay that person more than I pay my maid who will be doing everyhing? Seems ridiculous to me.

Vaucluse · Post by **Vaucluse** » Sat, 12 Nov 2005 6:15 pm

ran out of boxes . . . bugger . . .

$50 per night?

I'll stay for $40

Strange, I would have thiught house-sitting was usually a freebie, as one can use the electricity, food - perhaps this is from the viewpoint of someone that would otherwise live with the parents

Do you have any friends with late-teenies? The stay at your place would give them some freedom

Post by **sundaymorningstaple** » Sat, 12 Nov 2005 7:14 pm

I'll do better than that, all I ask is sustenance (you know, food, beer & the maid....)

Matney · Post by **Matney** » Sat, 12 Nov 2005 8:09 pm

I'll ask at work. There is a lady who I think still stays at the YWCA. It would be good change for her if that is the case. But then again I'm not sure if she'll be around while you're away. She's in her 50's, not too wild like other people you know who will remain nameless

skye · Post by **skye** » Sat, 12 Nov 2005 10:25 pm

If you are helping someone out by giving them a place to stay while you are away, it should be free as you are both helping each other. If they already have somewhere to stay and are doing it on a professional basis while still having to cover the costs of their own home, paying them a fee seems fair although how much is fair I'm not sure. We have had the same question come up with our maid and had to tell her that she WAS the house-sitter. Looking after the house when we were away is a fundamental part of the job.

Mary Hatch Bailey · Post by **Mary Hatch Bailey** » Sun, 13 Nov 2005 10:30 am

I completely agree with you skye, but I also want to keep the peace.

micknlea · Post by **micknlea** » Wed, 16 Nov 2005 3:23 pm

Hi MHB,
Just wondering what the final result was. Perhaps I should be asking if you have resolved your problem with the house sitting yet?

I have a strong feeling we will be in the same boat early next year as our helper is terrified of staying alone in our place.

Mary Hatch Bailey · Post by **Mary Hatch Bailey** » Thu, 17 Nov 2005 6:09 am

I haven't figured it out yet. A university student was willing to do it, but is looking to make some money during her break, so wanted a job with some responsibilities, and $50 /day. That just doesn't make sense when our maid is here and can asily handle the work load when we a re not. The best thing is if our helper has a friend whose employer is away at the same time, it would be fine with me if a friend stayed with her. So, nothing yet, will let you know what I find.

Matney · Post by **Matney** » Thu, 17 Nov 2005 7:40 pm

Sorry, can't help. Most teachers head home over the break.

earthfriendly · Post by **earthfriendly** » Sat, 19 Nov 2005 5:36 pm

What about sending the maid to home country for a vacation and having friends/ family drop in to water plant etc...

Yes it is expensive to hire house-sitter. I have a relative in the US who does house-sitting. She charges fixed rate by the hour and daily rate if it is overnight regardless of the amount of tasks involved.

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House Sitter

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