how to stay safe as a house sitter
House Sitters, beware!
The industry is full of beautiful moments — but it’s not immune to scams.
Here are 3 common house sitting scams in 2025 and how to avoid them
The Too-Good-to-Be-True Listing
Luxury home, high pay, little effort? Be wary of listings that sound like a dream. Scammers often lure sitters with baited offers, then request personal info or upfront payments.
Fake Homeowners Asking for Deposits
Fake Homeowners Asking for Deposits
Legitimate homeowners never ask for money upfront. If you’re being asked for a bond, “holding fee,” or “application processing payment” — walk away.
Off-Platform Switcheroos
If someone insists on taking the convo off a reputable platform (like Aussie House Sitters) too quickly, question why. This is often how they avoid accountability.
RHS Tips
Trust your instincts.
Ask questions
Screenshot everything
We’re building a safer, more responsible community — one honest sit at a time.
RHS Safety Guide: Real-Life Tested Tips for House Sitters
These safety moves are proactive, discreet, and designed
to keep you secure and confident during every sit.
Send the meeting address
Always send the meeting address to a trusted contact
If you don’t hear from me in an hour, call me. A simple habit that creates a vital safety net — someone always knows where you are and can act if needed. Text a photo of the house.
SOS Smart Phone Button
Triple-press your phone’s volume button for silent SOS
On Android and iPhone, this quick move shares your location and captures photos from both cameras — all silently, without opening an app. Alerts continue until someone responds.
Park on the Street
If told to park in the back lane, “accidentally” park out front
Visibility equals safety. Parking out front introduces you to neighbours and makes your presence more obvious — a subtle but effective way to protect yourself.