• House sitters may be required to perform basic cleaning duties.broom image by .shock from Fotolia.com
  
  A house sitter’s duties will depend on the duration of the job, the type of job and the basic living styles of the homeowners. When a house sitter is employed there are certain duties that will need to be added to the contract to ensure the responsibilities are covered. While a house sitter is required to ensure the safety of your home while the occupants are away, there are certain duties that can be added upon hiring.
  
  

Securing the Home

• House sitters' duties while securing the home include making sure the home looks lived in while the house owner is away. This includes turning on and off lights in the home, making the home looked occupied when seen from outside, collecting the mail from the mail box and having a vehicle parked in the driveway. When the home is occupied by a house sitter, this deters people from trying to break in or vandalize the property.
  
  

Grounds Care

• Typically, if a home owner is going to be gone for an extended period of time, lawn care will be needed. Lawn service can be applied to the contract of the house sitter. Lawn care ranges from cutting the grass and tending flower beds to weeding the garden and basic grass care. Pulling weeds, watering plants and applying fertilizers can also be tasks of the house sitter. House sitters can also be responsible for removal of snow or leaves.
  
  

Pet Care

• Many times a home owner cannot take his pets along with him and is uncomfortable placing pets into a boarding house for animals. House sitters can ensure that pets are properly cared for and fed. The benefit of a house sitter is that the pet stays comfortable in a familiar setting.
  
  

House Cleaning

• Typically, a house will not need to be cleaned while the home owners are away. The house sitter would ensure that any cleaning that needs done while she is occupying the home is completed. If a home owner will be gone for an extended period of time, a house sitter will ensure dust and dirt does not build up around the house by dusting and vacuuming.
  
  

Miscellaneous Duties

• Depending on the lifestyle of the home owner, miscellaneous duties would include taking care of live indoor plants, pool maintenance, disposal of garbage and forwarding mail. Paying utilities bills and house repairs will also need to be discussed prior to house sitting. Depending on the needs of the home owner, the miscellaneous duties would be addressed on a case-by-case basis.