Quick note:
IMPORTANT SCOPE NOTICE
This questionnaire is not for owners offering casual pet sitting or short stays.
It is intended for property owners offering longer or higher-responsibility house-sitting stays, such as larger properties, seasonal homes, or residences requiring independent judgment and written clarity.
It is designed for situations where structure, responsibility, and documented expectations matter.
It is designed to be copied and completed in the owner’s own document or online.
HOUSE-SITTING DETAILS — CONFIRMATION BEFORE AVAILABILITY
This questionnaire is intended for property owners to prepare and document a house-sitting offer once, then reuse it without having to answer the same questions repeatedly.
The aim is to avoid misunderstandings later (e.g. “I assumed this was included” or “I thought that was understood”).
Please mark each item with an uppercase X inside the brackets and add comments where clarification is needed — even if the information was mentioned earlier.
Complete it, save it as an owner’s own document or in Google Docs, provide sitters with a link to it, or publish and share it where appropriate.
This allows potential sitters to review all relevant details upfront and helps avoid repeated clarifications and misunderstandings.
HOW TO DOWNLOAD, SAVE, AND SHARE THIS DOCUMENT (WITHOUT LOSING CONTROL)
This document is provided as a template.
- The owner must create and edit their own copy.
- The original is read-only and cannot be edited.
Click here to learn how to save and edit this document on:
Google Docs, Microsoft Word / OneDrive, and Apple Pages.
A direct document link is located further down so owners can copy the template and share a clean, controlled version with sitters.
Owner how-to:
HOW TO FILL IN THIS DOCUMENT
For convenience, a document version is available via a link at the end of this post.
- Mark answers by placing an uppercase X inside the brackets [ ].
- Some Comments lines include example text.
- If an example applies, it may be left as is or bolded.
- If it does not apply, it should be deleted.
- Owners may click at the end of the prefilled example text, press Enter, and add their own comments.
- Add comments wherever clarification is needed — even if the information was mentioned earlier.
EXAMPLE
Tap water drinkable:
Yes [X] No [ ]
Comments:
(press Enter here and type your response)
Result:
Comments: Drinkable, but bottled water preferred due to taste
REUSE AND SHARING
This format may be reused and shared with potential sitters or other property owners, provided the copyright notice remains intact.
Minor edits to better fit specific circumstances are allowed.
TO REUSE THIS QUESTIONNAIRE FORMAT
- Complete the questionnaire in the owner’s own document.
- Select all text (Ctrl + A), copy (Ctrl + C), and paste (Ctrl + V) the full content into the owner’s own Google Doc, Word document, or other text editor.
- Keep the copyright notice intact.
LOCATION AND ACCESS
General location details (full address will be provided privately at a later stage):
Please list any or all of the following, where applicable: village/town, postal code, country.
[ ] Provided
Comments:
Public transport access (for town trips and sightseeing without a car):
[ ] Good [ ] Limited [ ] None / impractical
Comments (nearest stop/station, typical frequency, destinations served, walk distance, seasonal limits):
Property inside a ZTL or restricted access zone:
Yes [ ] No [ ]
Comments (if yes, please confirm registered vehicle access):
Parking options at or near the property:
[ ] On-site [ ] Street [ ] Permit required
Comments (distance from door, restrictions, safety):
DATES AND DURATION
Indicative availability period:
[ ] Fixed [ ] Flexible
Comments (general timeframe only):
Approximate length of stay:
[ ] Fixed [ ] Flexible
Comments (minimum / maximum duration, if applicable):
Possibility to extend the stay by mutual agreement:
Yes [ ] No [ ] Unknown [ ]
Comments (conditions or notice required):
Arrival and departure details:
Exact dates, handover timing, and access arrangements will be confirmed privately at a later stage.
Plans for use of the property following the end of the sit:
Details will be shared privately where relevant (e.g. owner return, family or guest arrival, professional services, cleaning, or overlap expectations).
Required presence at the property on the arrival date:
Yes [ ] No [ ]
Comments (general expectations only; specifics confirmed privately):
DELAYS, CHANGES, OR EARLY DEPARTURE
If unexpected delays occur (e.g. vehicle issues, traffic, weather, or other circumstances), is flexibility available regarding arrival or departure timing:
Yes [ ] No [ ] Limited [ ]
Comments (acceptable delay window, notice required):
If circumstances require an earlier departure than initially agreed, expected procedure:
- [ ] Advance notice required
- [ ] Minimum notice period specified
- [ ] Key handover / property handback procedure defined
Comments (notice period, handover method, contingencies):
LOCAL RISK AND CONTINGENCY CONSIDERATIONS
Is the property located in an area known to be affected by any of the following during certain seasons:
- [ ] Forest or wildfire risk
- [ ] Flooding or heavy rain / flash flooding
- [ ] Landslides or road closures
- [ ] Severe storms or weather-related access restrictions
- [ ] None known
Comments (seasonality, frequency, past incidents if known):
If such conditions occur during the sit period, is there an established procedure or guidance for occupants:
Yes [ ] No [ ]
Comments (evacuation guidance, local contact, authority instructions):
SCOPE CONFIRMATION
Sitters should assume the owner has read the “Scope and boundaries” section in the Nordic House Sitters Blog or Facebook post and understands the sitter limitations.
TASKS DURING THE SIT (FIXED LIST)
Please list only tasks that are required during the stay and not already mentioned elsewhere.
Routine day-to-day living does not need to be listed.
Garden, pool, or exterior tasks:
Yes [ ] No [ ]
Comments (frequency, tools provided):
Mail, waste/recycling, alarms, shutters:
Yes [ ] No [ ]
Comments:
Any other required tasks not listed above:
Yes [ ] No [ ]
Comments (please be specific):
PETS AND ALLERGY (MUST BE CONFIRMED)
Are there any furred animals associated with the home (dogs, cats, rabbits, etc.), including animals that normally live there, visit regularly, or stay there outside the sit period:
Yes [ ] No [ ]
Comments (species, where they stay, frequency):
During the sit period, will any furred animals have access to indoor living spaces:
Yes [ ] No [ ]
Comments:
Only caged animals (e.g. hamsters), fish, or similar:
Yes [ ] No [ ]
Comments:
HOUSE RULES AND LOCAL CONSIDERATIONS
Quiet hours or building rules:
Yes [ ] No [ ]
Comments:
Guest policy during the sit:
Allowed [ ] Not allowed [ ]
Comments:
Neighbour sensitivities or prior issues sitters should be aware of:
Yes [ ] No [ ]
Comments:
Security systems, cameras, and restricted areas:
Information will be discussed privately at a later stage.
Are there any local registration or reporting requirements for occupants during the sit:
Yes [ ] No [ ] Unknown [ ]
Comments (municipality rules, visitor registration, etc.):
WILDLIFE AND RURAL SAFETY (IF APPLICABLE)
Is the property located in an area where wild animals may pose a risk to occupants (e.g. wolves, bears, wild boar, etc.):
Yes [ ] No [ ] Unknown [ ]
Comments (species known in the area):
If yes, are there established precautions or protections at the property:
- [ ] Fencing
- [ ] Secure waste storage
- [ ] Local guidance provided
- [ ] No specific measures
Comments (what to be aware of, local advice, seasonal considerations):
UTILITIES AND PRACTICAL LIVING
Tap water drinkable:
Yes [ ] No [ ]
Comments (taste, filters, bottled water preferred):
Heating or cooling type and any limits:
Yes [ ] No [ ]
Comments:
Internet reliability for daily use:
Good [ ] Variable [ ] Limited [ ]
Comments:
Grocery shopping access:
- [ ] Walking distance
- [ ] Short drive (under 10 minutes)
- [ ] Longer drive (over 20 minutes)
Comments (local shop, supermarket distance/time by car, car required, delivery options):
Local markets (if applicable):
Farmers market / local market nearby:
Yes [ ] No [ ] Unknown [ ]
Comments (where, days/times, seasonal availability, typical products):
CLEANING AND HOUSE CONDITION
Cleaning expectation at departure:
Leave as found [ ] Light clean [ ] Full clean [ ]
Comments (products provided, specific expectations):
Anything about the condition of the property sitters should be aware of:
Yes [ ] No [ ]
Comments:
SUPPLIES AND WHAT TO BRING
Basic household supplies provided (cleaning, kitchen, laundry):
Yes [ ] No [ ]
Comments:
Are there vehicles, machinery, or equipment stored on the property that sitters should not use or move:
Yes [ ] No [ ]
Comments:
Are there any vehicles on the property that are expected to be used, started, or moved periodically to remain operational:
Yes [ ] No [ ]
Comments (which vehicle, frequency, purpose):
If vehicle use is expected, please confirm:
- [ ] Use is optional
- [ ] Use is required
- [ ] Specific instructions provided
Comments (insurance, fuel, responsibility in case of issues):
Anything a sitter should bring that is not provided:
Yes [ ] No [ ]
Comments:
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Is the property covered by standard home insurance during the sit:
Yes [ ] No [ ] Unknown [ ]
Comments (anything relevant sitters should know):
Anything sitters should know that is not listed above:
Yes [ ] No [ ]
Comments:
Any known issues with the property (e.g. plumbing, heating, electrics, leaks, damp, access problems):
Yes [ ] No [ ]
Comments:
Home insurance remains the responsibility of the property owner.
EMERGENCY AND CONTACTS
Local contact in case of issues:
Yes [ ] No [ ]
Comments:
Preferred method of contact during the sit:
For video meetings (select one):
Signal [ ] Viber [ ] MS Teams [ ] Google Meet [ ] WhatsApp [ ] Other [ ]
If the owner does not already use one of these services, setup guides are available here:
Signal: https://signal.org/install
Viber: https://www.viber.com/download/
Microsoft Teams: https://www.microsoft.com/microsoft-teams/download-app
Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/
For other communication (select one):
Email [ ] Phone / SMS [ ]
Comments:
OWNER REFERENCE
Property owners looking for guidance on how to review sitter responses to the Nordic House Sitters sitter confirmation questionnaire can find an owner summary here:
[Link to the Owner Summary Google Doc]
[Link to the Owner House-sitting details Google Doc]
TRANSLATIONS
Translations of this questionnaire may be created and hosted by third parties.
- Any translated version must clearly state the translator and language used.
- The Disclaimer section stays in English.
- A translated version may be added below it for reference only.
- Names, titles, and search phrases (including “The Nordic House Sitters”) must remain exactly as written.
- The English version remains the controlling version.
- The Nordic House Sitters do not verify or take responsibility for translations.
Using this format well:
DISCLAIMER
This questionnaire is intended to support clarity and compatibility in house-sitting arrangements.
It is not a legal document and does not replace direct discussion or agreements between parties.
This questionnaire is provided as is, for practical information-gathering only. It is not a legal document, contract, or legal disclaimer, and should not be used as such. It serves as an information framework to clarify expectations and reduce misunderstandings in house-sitting arrangements.
The Nordic House Sitters do not control how this format is used by others and accept no responsibility or liability for its use, interpretation, or modification by third parties.
The Nordic House Sitters shall not be involved in, referenced in, or held liable for any disputes, claims, or legal matters arising from the use of this questionnaire.
This house-sitting questionnaire was developed by The Nordic House Sitters in 2026 to support planning of long holidays and to help prevent misunderstandings and disputes that can otherwise affect an enjoyable stay.
It is shared freely with the house-sitting community out of practical necessity.
UPDATES AND ADDITIONS
If you would like to suggest an update or request that an additional item be added to future versions of this template, you may email us.
Please NOTE!
The Nordic House Sitters cannot provide individual guidance or explanations on how to complete the questionnaire. Don’t waste your time — such emails or comments will be ignored.