The TrustedHousesitters third party policy has been implemented in line with our code of conduct and Terms and Conditions. This policy explains when a third party can be present during a sit and how members need to arrange this appropriately.
In line with our sitter and owner guidelines, and to ensure the security and privacy of all members, pets and homes, we do not allow other people on the property whilst a sit is ongoing. Once a sitter has begun their sit, we require that the owner(s) have vacated the property for the entirety of the stay, and no other individuals (apart from the confirmed sitters) are present during the sit.
Owner third party policy
An owner must ensure that their property is vacant and that no other person will be living in the home apart from the sitters. This includes (and is not limited to) no family members, tenants or employees.
Pets are always allowed to be present during a sit!
If an owner has arrangements in place for people such as cleaners, gardeners and maybe even maintenance people to come in periodically to complete tasks or help maintain the home, then this is allowed. An owner that has any arrangements in place must advise a sitter of those arrangements (for example "gardener comes in once a week for 2 hours") before confirming the sit. The owner should stipulate the potential for any third parties to be present during a sit by putting that information in their listing.
Sitter third party policy
A sitter must not allow any third parties to attend the sit or enter an owner's property without the owner's consent prior to arranging the sit. If an owner is happy for a sitter to arrange for a friend or family to visit them for any part of their sit, then that is absolutely fine provided the owner gives their consent for the sitter to make those arrangements.
Sitters must remember that they are staying in an owner's home and be respectful to not allow unauthorised third parties be present on the sit unless the owner says it is okay to do so.