Terms of Service

Terms of Service

By using our website, you agree to the following terms:

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 throughout the United Kingdom.

By using our website, you agree to these Terms of Service (ToS), which may be updated from time to time. Please check them regularly. If you do not agree, do not use our website or services.

2. Definitions

  • Homeowner Client: The property or pet owner/occupier who contracts us for house-sitting services.

  • House Sitter: An individual approved by House and Home Sitters Ltd to provide house-sitting services as a subcontractor.

3. Privacy and Security

Our Privacy Policy, which forms part of these ToS, ensures your information is handled in accordance with UK law. We are GDPR-compliant.

We use cookies for website functionality. If you do not consent to this, please do not use our website.

4. Website Content and Conduct

You are responsible for any content you submit to our site or company. Content must not be unlawful, offensive, or harmful.

If you believe your content has been used without permission, please contact us at info@houseandhomesitters.co.uk.

5. Intellectual Property

All content on this website — including text, images, and trademarks — is protected. You may not use or reproduce any material without our written consent.

6. Third-Party Services

We are not responsible for goods or services offered by third parties via our website. These are subject to the third party’s own terms and conditions.

7. User Obligations

You must not:

  • Misrepresent your authority;

  • Collect data from other users;

  • Use the website for spam or unauthorised advertising.

You agree to indemnify us against any claims, costs, or losses resulting from your use of our website or services.

8. Rights and Responsibilities

We reserve the right to edit or remove content or to suspend or terminate access to our website at any time and without notice.

9. Homeowner Client Obligations

By accepting our formal quotation (sent via email), you enter into a binding written agreement with House and Home Sitters Ltd. This agreement arises independently of our website, which serves only as an invitation to treat. Accordingly, it is not a distance or online contract and is not subject to the Consumer Contracts Regulations.

You agree to:

  • Provide all necessary information and cooperation, including photos, descriptions of your property and pets, parking availability, and any relevant instructions;

  • Disclose any CCTV cameras in advance and confirm these will not infringe the sitter’s privacy;

  • Pay all agreed rates and expenses in advance. Our invoice is payable on presentation. Quotations are issued subject to our published rates and are provided E&OE. In the event of a clerical or typographical error in a quotation or invoice, House and Home Sitters Ltd reserves the right to amend the figure to align with our applicable published rates at the time of booking;

  • Cover council tax and utilities during the assignment, supply sufficient food and treats for pets, and ensure your home is clean and safe;

  • Grant us permission to use, reproduce, and publish any content related to the house-sitting assignment;

  • Neither employ nor engage any sitter introduced by us, in any capacity, whether during or within 12 months of an HHS assignment, without our prior written consent. If this occurs, you shall pay HHS a fee of £3,000 or two months’ gross salary (whichever is greater) on invoice presentation, as agreed liquidated damages.

10. Limitations of Liability

Our liability is limited to the higher of:

  • Any insurance payout (after deducting any applicable excess); or

  • The basic daily rate applicable to the relevant assignment.

This limitation reflects a fair allocation of risk between the parties and remains valid even if any specific remedy fails. It applies solely for the benefit of House and Home Sitters Ltd.

House and Home Sitters Ltd is not the insurer. Any claims are subject to the insurer’s terms, exclusions, and claims procedure. You are responsible for providing all necessary documentation and completing any forms required to facilitate the claims process.

We make no guarantee regarding the availability or suitability of any specific sitter. Sitters may be replaced at our discretion.

We are not liable for any sitter’s unsuitability or for circumstances beyond our control, including but not limited to:

  • Acts of God (vis major);

  • Illness, bereavement, or family emergencies;

  • Transport delays;

  • Vehicle breakdowns;

  • Adverse weather.

We accept no liability for indirect, special, or consequential damages resulting from your use of our services.

11. Cancellation Policy

If the homeowner client cancels before an assignment begins, any liability to refund or reduce charges will be limited to travel expenses not yet incurred and any additional dog-walking charges (i.e., extra walks beyond the standard daily dog care rate). The basic daily rate and standard pet care charges remain payable in full.

If the homeowner client cancels during an assignment, all agreed charges remain payable in full to the scheduled end date.

12. House Sitter Obligations

You are an independent contractor, not an employee. Nothing in these Terms creates an employment relationship, partnership, or joint venture between the sitter and House and Home Sitters Ltd. A binding contract arises when you accept an assignment.

You agree to:

  • Fulfil all contractual commitments and follow our standards of conduct;

  • Arrange a suitable replacement if unable to complete an assignment;

  • Provide regular updates, follow the homeowner’s instructions, and respect their privacy;

  • Maintain cleanliness and safety in the home and care for pets as agreed;

  • Not engage in direct financial transactions with homeowner clients or accept payments from them;

  • Accept that assignment terms may change (e.g., cancellations, changes to dates or pet care) without any claim for loss;

  • Honour all terms arranged between House and Home Sitters Ltd and the homeowner client;

  • Provide your bank details to us promptly after the assignment for payment.

13. Governing Law

These Terms of Service are governed by the laws of England. The courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any disputes.

14. Rates and Quotation Hierarchy

In the event of conflict, the following order of precedence applies:

  1. The formal quotation as accepted by the homeowner client;

  2. The published rates on our website;

  3. These Terms of Service.

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