Terms of Service

By using our website, you agree:

1. General Information

  • House and Home Sitters Ltd (Company No. 09032097), registered in England and Wales, owns and operates this website. We provide house-sitting and pet care services in the United Kingdom.
  • By using our website, you agree to these Terms of Service (ToS), which may be updated from time to time. Please review them regularly. If you do not agree with these ToS, do not use our website or services.

2. Definitions

  • Homeowner Client: The property owner/occupier who contracts us for house-sitting services.
  • House Sitter: An individual contracted to provide house-sitting services after being approved by House and Home Sitters.

3. Privacy and Security

  • Our Privacy Policy, which is part of these ToS, ensures we do not share your information and handle it according to UK law. Our website is GDPR-compliant.
  • We use cookies for website functionality. If you do not consent to this, do not use our website.

4. Website Content and Conduct

  • You are responsible for any content you introduce to our website. This content must not be offensive, unlawful, or harmful.
  • Notify us at info@houseandhomesitters.co.uk if you believe your content has been used without permission.

5. Intellectual Property

  • All rights, including copyrights and trademarks, on our website are reserved. You may not use any content without our written consent.

6. Third-Party Services

  • We are not liable for services or goods provided by third parties via our website. These are subject to the policies of the third parties.

7. User Obligations

  • Do not misrepresent your authority, collect data from other users, or use our website for spam or unauthorised advertising.
  • You indemnify us against any claims or damages arising from your use of our website or services.

8. Rights and Responsibilities

  • We reserve the right to edit or remove any content or terminate your access to our website without notice.

9. Homeowner Client Obligations

  • Our website provides an invitation to treat for house sitting services, bespoke to your requirements. Our quotation is accepted by you independently of our website and therefore not a distance services or online contract, but a written one not subject to Consumer Regulations.
  • Provide all necessary information and cooperation to ensure a smooth house-sitting assignment, including photos, descriptions of the property and pets, parking availability, and other relevant details.
  • Disclose upfront any CCTV cameras and warrant these will not invade the privacy of the sitter(s).
  • Pay all agreed rates and expenses in advance of the assignment. Our invoice is payable upon presentation, with no refunds for cancellations by you or us due to breaches of these ToS, except otherwise in terms of our cancellation policy below.
  • Cover council taxes and utilities during the assignment, provide sufficient food and treats for pets, and ensure the cleanliness and safety of your home.
  • Grant us a licence to use, reproduce, and publish any content related to the house-sitting assignment.

10. Limitations of Liability

  • Our liability is limited to the greater of any insurance payout (after deducting any excess) or the basic daily rate applicable to the particular house-sitting assignment. This limitation reflects the risk allocation between the parties and remains applicable even if any specified remedy fails. It benefits House and Home Sitters.
  • Our services are provided ‘as they come,’ with no representations or warranties, express or implied. We do not warrant that a particular sitter will be available or suitable for your needs and reserve the right to replace a sitter for any reason we see fit.
  • We are not liable for any breach of contract arising from the unsuitability of any sitter provided, or any circumstances beyond our control. Examples of such circumstances include, but are not limited to:
    • Acts of God (vis major)
    • Ill health, death, or similar family disasters
    • Road traffic congestion or accidents
    • Train or other travel delays
    • Mechanical or other car problems
    • Inclement weather.
  • We are not liable for indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages arising from your use of our services.
  • This limitation of liability (including on cancellation as below) reflects the risk allocation between the parties and remains applicable even if any specified remedy fails. It benefits House and Home Sitters.
  • Any claims must be filed within a reasonable time and under these ToS, all information required by our insurer is to be furnished by you,

11. Cancellation Policy:

  • On cancellation by the Homeowner client before the assignment, any refund (or deduction from the amount agreed) will be limited to dog walking fees (if any), plus any travel expenses not incurred.

12. House Sitter Obligations

  • You are an independent contractor, not an employee. A binding contract arises upon undertaking an assignment.
  • Fulfil all contractual commitments and adhere to our standards of conduct. Find a replacement if you cannot complete an assignment.
  • Provide daily progress reports, follow all homeowner instructions, and respect their privacy.
  • Ensure the cleanliness and safety of the property and take care of pets as instructed.
  • Do not engage in direct financial arrangements with homeowner clients or accept payments directly from them.
  • You agree that the terms of a contract may change. For example, if the homeowner client cancels the dog walking or changes the assignment dates, you accept these changes without any claim for loss.
  • You are bound by any terms arranged between the homeowner client and House and Home Sitters, including the cancellation of an assignment. And bound by our standards of service (copy available on request).
  • Provide your bank details to us for payment after the assignment ends.

13. Governing Law

  • These ToS are governed by the laws of England and any disputes will be resolved accordingly.

For our Privacy Policy and GDPR compliance, please click here.