Common Questions - Minders
These are some of the commonly asked questions by our house minders.
What are the owners looking for when choosing someone?
Owners generally will want the person who can suit their needs the best. If they have pets they will obviously want someone who can look after them (dogs, cats, or other pets). Owners can sometimes specify a specific gender or age group as well. However, what all owners want to see is a responsible person who can do the job well.
As a minimum as well you should have at least two references, or a police check. For more information on police checks click here or references here.
I can see what is available on other websites, why can’t I see them on yours?
As security and privacy is a major concern for a lot of people, we don’t publish what is available. When a property is available in the areas you prefer you then are contacted by us with information about the position. This way the owner’s details are kept offline and your details are only used by those you have agreed to be contacted by.
How many house sits do you have?
This can vary as we are dependent on what new jobs come in. The areas you have selected and your preferences will also have an influence on the number available.
What are the average length of assignments?
Some can be as short as 1 week all the way up to 1 to 2 years. The average is between 2 weeks and 3 months but can vary with seasons and also economic conditions. The more flexible you are with an assignment lengths the better you will do.
How many jobs can I do?
You can do as many jobs as you like provided you do one job at a time. Owners expect their minders to spend the night at the house. Looking after two houses simultaneously is not permitted.
Who is responsible for the owners bills while they are away?
This will vary from owner to owner, but the general rule is, the longer you stay the more utilities you are expected to pay.
Am I guaranteed a houseminding position?
Although we do pass your details onto the owners, we do not have the final say in who is chosen. This is the sole decision of the owner, thus we cannot guarantee you any position. However, we will work with you to ensure you have a good chance of being selected.
How long does it take to get placed?
Depending on the positions that come in, this may take a week to 6 months. Generally most owners seek to arrange a minder 1 to 2 months out. This gives everyone the time to meet each other and make their arrangements.
Who makes the decision when choosing a houseminder?
Although we provide the owners with a list of candidates it is solely the responsibility of the owner to choose their minders.
Where can I housemind?
HouseMinders receives requests from all over Australia. Please click on this link to see where. Where can I Housemind?
Can I go from one house sit to another?
There is no limitation to how many house sits you do, providing you do not do any simultaneously and your registration is current.
What if something goes wrong?
In any situation something can go wrong. Washing machines can break down, plumbing can fail. It is strongly recommended that the minder comes to an agreement with the owner regarding the following;
- The minder is left a list of preferred tradesmen.
- How any work done is billed and who pays for it.
- If a contingency fund is left for this specific reason with a neighbour or friend.
- Emergency contact numbers to contact the owner while they are away.
Does the owner’s home contents policy cover the home against break-in?
Most insurance companies will void a contents policy if the home is unattended for a particular time. Having a houseminder generally averts this situation. Minders are recommended to discuss this with the owner at the time as all policies will vary.
Is the minder covered against injury while on the owner’s property?
Most home / content policies cover the owner/resident in the case of third party injury. Again minders should check with the owner as individual policies will vary.
We’re pet lovers. Does this help?
Absolutely. Pets are a primary factor of what attracts owners to finding a minder. While it does not guarantee you an assignment, it can help.
We have a pet we’d like to bring, is this okay?
This is a case by case scenario. Some owners are okay, while some aren’t. It will also depend on the compaitibility of the animals, for example most guinea pig owners will not want any dogs.
We’re keen gardeners? Does this help?
Being able to maintain a garden will help. It is worth highlighting what you are prepared to do (mowing lawns etc…).
Is there an agreement between the owner and minders?
We provide a sample agreement which the owner may or may not use. Others have their own ways of doing this in the form of a letter etc… It is strongly recommended that there is some form of agreement as it can settle arguments if something goes wrong. Houseminders Pty Ltd has no part of the contract and is solely between the owner and the minder. We are not any part of these agreements. Click here to see the sample document. Sample Agreement
Wouldn’t I be better finding my own assignments?
Whilst you could advertise yourself in local papers or a website, house owners come to us as we are a well established and highly regarded house minding company. As we also invest quite a bit into marketing and have many referral sources, it is more likely we will be able to get you more assignments as well.
Can I change my profile?
You can change your profile at any time free of charge.
How much does your service cost?
We charge an annual fee based on the location/s you are interested in minding. Click on the link to find out more. How Much Does It Cost?
Are there any other costs you charge?
There are no other fees that we charge.
My confidentiality. Who see’s my profile?
Your profile is only given to those positions that you have told us you are interested in. As we match your details with the owners preferences and vice versa, your contact details are only given after you have given us the okay.
Why do I need to pay first? Shouldn’t I only pay when I get placed?
As we act as a matching service for the individual owners, and as they make the final decision on who they choose, we cannot offer this type of service.
Is Houseminders a party to the agreement between the owner and minder?
No. Any agreement is between the home owner or resident and the house minders only.
Can I, the houseminder, terminate the arrangement before the owner returns?
No. The house minder contracts through the signed agreement, to complete the assignment. In an emergency, such as chronic illness, HouseMinders will exercise its best endeavours to assist the owner in finding a replacement minder.
Can the owner terminate the arrangement prior to the arranged dates?
No. The homeowner / resident also contracts through the signed agreement, to allow the minder to stay for the time specified in the agreement.
Can the owner extend the arrangement?
Yes. The minder would be invited to extend if the case came up. This would require a change to be made by both parties to the house minding agreement. Where the minder cannot stay on, the owner will contact us to make other arrangements.
Do I bring some of my own things?
As the house is fully furnished and ready for you to use, you only need to bring things you need to use such as clothes and personal hygiene. Owners will negotiate what and what you cannot use in the house such as food, cleaning products etc…
What about my computer?
Some owners are happy for you to bring your own computer. Others are also willing to let you use their existing equipment. With the internet again this can be a case by case scenario, however there are now many providers of Wireless internet if required.
How much can I save in rent using Houseminders?
If you were able to house sit for 4 weeks in a whole year and the average weekly rent was $150 (which can be very conservative depending where you are) it would cost you $600 in rent. The lowest price we charge for any given area is $165 with HouseMinders. Even taking into account our most expensive zone being $275, in 4 weeks you have saved a minimum of $325. Imagine the savings over the full year.
Will I need to pay a bond?
Again, this will be up to the individual owners and can be negotiated.
Is it common for an owner to make a part of the home off limits?
From time to time we do get owners who will mark of a bedroom or any particular part of the house as off limits.
If my plans change can I cancel my registration?
Of course. We hope you don’t and that houseminding works for you but we understand that your circumstances can change. We are also happy to transfer your registration between same priced areas even if you move interstate. If you do cancel we will remove your details from our database. We cannot refund registration fees.
Important note
HouseMinders provides an introduction service. We do not guarantee the availability, suitability or conduct of any houseminder or owner. HouseMinders does not select minders for assignments. These decisions are made by each individual property owner.
