Terms and Conditions - Minders
Terms and Conditions of Booking with HouseMinders
Please read our terms and conditions before applying with us.
The Houseminders service
Houseminders Pty Ltd (the “Company” or “HouseMinders”) provides a service where the Company assists owners and residents (the “Owners”) to locate individuals, couples and families (the “Minders”) to live-in and care for, their homes, pets and gardens when they’re travelling away from their homes, (herein after referred to as the “Service”).
No guarantees of positions
You agree that registration does not guarantee that you will receive a house minding position. HouseMinders will make its best endeavours to find positions for you, but if none are forthcoming, you agree that no refund of the registration fee is payable.
Areas of operation
The Company finds minders for owners/residents all over Australia. Overseas assignments will be catered for in the future.
Duration of assignments
The Company provides the Service for any duration of 7 days or more, but may accept shorter assignments in certain areas where there are available registered minders.
Owing to a shortage of Minders in some areas, the Company, at its discretion, may decline certain owner bookings.
Joining HouseMinders
Minders register with the Company for a period of 12 months. Any minders wishing to register for a shorter period of time may do so, but will pay the full registration fee. These minders must inform the Company when they are no longer available.
Registration and payment
Registration will only be accepted on a duly signed HouseMinders booking form or facsimile. Payment can be made by cheque, money order, Visa, MasterCard and direct deposit. Bookings received without payment will not be accepted.
Registration fee
The Company charges an annual registration fee to all Minders. This registration fee entitles the Minder to select a region or a number of regions. Discounts apply where multiple regions are selected.
Changes in prices
The Company reserves the right to change its prices at any time.
Rebooking with the same minder(s)
Where regular customers request the same Minder as used previously, the Company will endeavour to meet the Owner’s request. You are under no obligation to accept. You agree not to contact the Owner directly.
Re-registration
If you accept an assignment where a period of the assignment occurs after the 12 month anniversary of your registration, you agree to re-register at the prevailing area rate.
References
It is condition of registration that you have references (personal, professional or houseminding) available for the perusal of Owners. Minders without suitable references or a police check will not be accepted.
Completion of assignments
If you commence a houseminding assignment you must complete it. If you are forced through an emergency (such as chronic ill-health) to give up the assignment you agree to notify (by phone, fax or email) both the Company and the Owner at least 72 hours before leaving the assignment. If you cannot do so yourself you agree to arrange for a friend or relative to inform the Owner or Company. This notification must be confirmed in writing. You agree to pay the Company’s costs of phone, fax & couriers associated with amending your booking & locating an alternate minder.
Extending assignments
If the Owner decides to prolong his absence, you will have first option on the extended assignment. However, you are under no obligation to accept the extension. If you choose to accept an extension to the assignment you agree to liaise with the Owner, or Owner’s representative, and update the Houseminding Agreement to reflect the changes to the return dates.
Type of Service
These terms and conditions apply to all services relating to Minders. It is the role and responsibility of the Owner, and not HouseMinders, to select and screen the minder to care for the Owner’s home and pets. HouseMinders cannot guarantee the suitability of Owners homes and you should inspect the premises wherever possible.
Cancellations and refunds
Should you decide to cancel your registration, you will give the company 7 days notice. We will then remove your details from our register. There are no refunds given for cancellation under any circumstances.
The minders
You agree that you are registering with the Company as an independent individual(s), and that you are neither an agent(s) nor an employee(s) of HouseMinders.
The Company introduction agency
You agree that the role of the Company is that of an introduction agency. I.e. we forward the details of suitable Minders to Owners who have requested a certain profile of individual, couples and/or family. You agree that the decision to select any minder is that of the owner/resident alone. You agree that HouseMinders does not guarantee to find you an assignment and cannot be held responsible in any way if you are not selected for one.
Indemnity
You agree that the Company or any third party introducer cannot be held accountable for your conduct or actions or Owners conduct or actions while on assignment. You agree to indemnify the Company, its directors, employees and any third party introducers from any indirect or consequential damages that may result from your actions or inaction.
Changing your profile
You can change your minder profile at any time, by sending an email, fax or letter to the Company, detailing your amendments.
Changing your preferred minding areas
If you wish to be considered for minding assignments in additional areas, you can add to your profile by informing us by email, fax or letter and by enclosing the correct payment. If you wish to substitute a new area for an area for which you are already registered, you can do so by paying the incremental difference (if any) between the cost of the new area and the original. However, no refunds are payable if that area is less expensive than the original.
Homeowner/houseminder agreement
You agree to execute a Houseminding Agreement with the Owner. This agreement will detail the terms, duration and responsibilities of the houseminding arrangement.
For your convenience, the Company can provide the Minder (and the Owner) with a sample Houseminding Agreement that sets out the responsibilities of both parties concerning the security and care of the owners home and pets. You agree that the Houseminding Agreement (whether or not it is the pro forma provided by the Company) is made between you and the homeowner only and that the Company or any third party introducer is not a party to this agreement or any of its terms and conditions.
