Terms and Conditions

Effective Date: 19 August 2025

Welcome to The Homesitters. By booking or using our services, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully.

1. Definitions

“Client” – the person(s) who owns or resides at the property or has authority to book services for a property.
“Service Provider” / “We” / “Us” / “Our” – The Homesitters.
“Sitter” – the house sitter appointed by The Homesitters to perform the agreed services.
“Services” – house sitting, pet care, plant care, home checkups, and any additional agreed-upon duties.
“Property” – the client’s residence and its contents.

2. Scope of Services

The Homesitters agrees to provide services as per the Client’s booking, which may include:

• Daily or overnight presence at the property.
• Feeding and providing fresh water to pets as instructed.
• Light grooming, walking, and companionship for pets (where agreed).
• Watering of indoor and outdoor plants.
• Home security checks (doors, windows, alarms, etc.).
• Bringing in mail and rotating lights (if requested).
• Additional duties agreed upon in writing prior to service.

3. Booking and Payments

• Bookings must be confirmed in writing (email or message).
• A 50% non-refundable deposit is required upon confirmation.
• The balance is payable on or before the first day of service.
• Payments may be made via EFT or other accepted methods.
• No refunds for early return unless agreed upon beforehand.

4. Cancellation Policy

Client cancellations:

• More than 7 days’ notice: 50% of the total fee (deposit) will be returned.
• Less than 7 days’ notice: 50% of the total fee (deposit) will be retained.

Service Provider cancellations:

• In the rare event of unforeseen circumstances (e.g., a sitter cannot attend), The Homesitters will first arrange a replacement sitter to ensure continuity of service.
• If no replacement sitter is available, a full refund of payments made will apply.

5. Client Responsibilities

The Client agrees to:

• Provide accurate and complete instructions regarding pets, plants, and security.
• Disclose potential hazards (e.g., faulty alarms, aggressive pets, unsafe areas).
• Ensure all systems are in working order (alarm, plumbing, lighting, etc.).
• Provide all necessary access (keys, remotes, codes).
• Confirm pets are healthy and up to date on vaccinations (unless disclosed otherwise).

6. Liability and Indemnity

The Homesitters and Sitters will take reasonable care and act in good faith. We are not liable for:

• Loss or damage caused by faulty systems, wear and tear, or weather-related incidents.
• Death, illness, or escape of pets due to pre-existing health conditions, poor fencing, or undisclosed issues.
• Burglary or third-party intrusions despite best security practices.

The Client agrees to indemnify and hold harmless The Homesitters against claims, damages, or expenses arising from:

• Client’s acts or omissions.
• Undisclosed hazards, unsafe pets, or negligence.

7. Insurance

• The Client must maintain suitable home or renters’ insurance.
• We recommend informing your insurer that The Homesitters will be staying at the property.

8. Access, Keys, and Security

• The Client must provide keys/remotes/codes prior to service.
• Keys will be kept secure and returned after services.
• Alarm systems must be tested and explained before service begins.
• The Homesitters is not responsible for false alarms or malfunctioning systems.

9. Emergencies and Veterinary Care

• In the event of a pet medical emergency, we will contact the Client immediately.
• If unreachable, we will seek care at the nearest vet. All veterinary costs are the Client’s responsibility.
• Reasonable emergency fees (e.g., transport, extra time) may be billed.

10. Privacy and Confidentiality

• All Client information, access codes, and data will be kept strictly confidential.
• We will never share, sell, or distribute Client data except as required by law.

11. Termination of Agreement

• The Homesitters may terminate services immediately if:
• The environment is unsafe for the sitter.
• Pets display dangerous behavior not disclosed beforehand.
• The Client breaches this agreement.
• No refund applies where termination is due to Client breach.

12. Dispute Resolution

• Both parties agree to attempt good-faith negotiation first.
• If unresolved, disputes may be referred to mediation before legal action.

13. Amendments

The Homesitters may amend these Terms & Conditions. Clients will be notified in writing of material changes.

14. Governing Law

This agreement is governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa.

15. Acknowledgment

By confirming a booking, the Client acknowledges they have read, understood, and agreed to these Terms and Conditions.