House Sitting Agreement Template

"Agreement" means this House Sitting Agreement, including any written amendment made in accordance with its terms.

"Premises" means the private residence located at [Premises Address], including its interior, fixtures, fittings, furnishings, appliances, garden, outbuildings, garage, driveway, and any other areas forming part of the property, save for any areas designated as restricted under this Agreement.

"Contents" means all furniture, furnishings, appliances, electronic equipment, tools, personal effects, documents, valuables, and other movable property belonging to the Homeowner or any member of the Homeowner's household and located at the Premises.

"Pets" means the animals owned or kept by the Homeowner that are present at the Premises during the Term, being [Number and Description of Pets, including names, species, and breeds].

"Term" means the period commencing on the Start Date and ending on the End Date, unless terminated earlier in accordance with this Agreement.

"Start Date" means [Start Date and Time], and "End Date" means [End Date and Time], or such other date and time as the Parties may agree in writing.

"House Rules" means the rules, instructions, and restrictions governing the care, use, and occupation of the Premises, as set out in this Agreement and as supplemented by any reasonable written instructions given by the Homeowner from time to time.

"Emergency" means any sudden or unforeseen event that poses an immediate threat to the safety of persons or Pets, or an imminent risk of material damage to the Premises or Contents, including fire, flood, gas leak, burglary, serious injury or illness, structural failure, or prolonged loss of essential utilities.

"Veterinary Cost Limit" means the maximum aggregate sum of [Veterinary Cost Limit Amount and Currency] that the House Sitter is authorized to commit for emergency veterinary treatment without the Homeowner's further written approval.

"Emergency Contacts" means the persons identified in this Agreement as the Homeowner's designated contacts, together with the Homeowner's veterinarian, as updated by the Homeowner in writing.

"Guest" means any person other than the House Sitter, including any family member, friend, partner, child, co-habitant, or visitor, who enters, stays at, or is given access to the Premises.

Headings are for convenience only and do not affect interpretation. Words in the singular include the plural and vice versa, and the word "including" means "including without limitation". References to writing include email and text message.

The Homeowner hereby engages the House Sitter, and the House Sitter hereby accepts the engagement, to occupy, supervise, and take care of the Premises, the Contents, the Pets, and the plants during the Term, on the terms of this Agreement.

The purpose of the engagement is to ensure that the Premises remain occupied, secure, clean, and properly maintained, and that the Pets and plants receive proper care, during the Homeowner's absence. The House Sitter shall not use the Premises for any other purpose.

The House Sitter acknowledges that the engagement is personal to the House Sitter. The House Sitter shall not assign, delegate, subcontract, or otherwise transfer any of the House Sitter's rights or obligations to any other person.

The House Sitter represents and warrants that all information provided to the Homeowner regarding the House Sitter's identity, background, references, experience with animals, and availability is true, accurate, and complete, and that the House Sitter is physically and legally able to perform the obligations set out in this Agreement.

The House Sitter confirms that the House Sitter has no known allergy, medical condition, or other circumstance that would prevent the proper care of the Pets or the performance of the duties under this Agreement, and shall promptly inform the Homeowner if any such circumstance arises.

The Homeowner may, at the Homeowner's sole discretion, request references or identification from the House Sitter before the Start Date. The Homeowner's failure to request them shall not relieve the House Sitter of any obligation or waive any right of the Homeowner.

The Parties acknowledge that the House Sitter is not an employee, agent, or partner of the Homeowner, and that nothing in this Agreement creates an employment, agency, partnership, or landlord-tenant relationship between them.

This Agreement shall commence on the Start Date and, unless terminated earlier in accordance with its terms, shall continue until the End Date, at which time the House Sitter's right to occupy the Premises shall automatically expire without need for notice.

The Term may be extended only by the written agreement of both Parties executed before the End Date. The House Sitter's continued presence at the Premises after the End Date shall not constitute an extension or renewal, nor create any tenancy or right of occupation.

Prior to the Start Date, or on the Start Date, the Parties shall meet at the Premises at [Handover Time and Location] for a handover (the "Handover"), during which the Homeowner shall introduce the House Sitter to the Pets, demonstrate the operation of appliances, alarms, and locks, and explain the House Rules and routines.

At the Handover, the Parties shall jointly inspect the Premises and Contents and record in writing, with photographs where practicable, their condition and any pre-existing damage or wear. The record so signed or acknowledged by both Parties shall be the baseline for assessing loss or damage under this Agreement.

The Homeowner shall provide the House Sitter with a set of keys, access codes, or other means of entry (the "Access Items") for the Term only. The House Sitter shall not copy, duplicate, or share any Access Items and shall return all of them to the Homeowner at the end of the Term.

At the end of the Term, the House Sitter shall be present for a return handover at [Return Handover Time and Location], during which the Parties shall inspect the Premises, compare their condition against the baseline record, and the House Sitter shall return all Access Items and hand over any mail, messages, and notes.

If the Homeowner's return is delayed, the Homeowner shall use reasonable efforts to notify the House Sitter, and the House Sitter shall continue to perform the duties under this Agreement for up to [Maximum Extension Period] on the same terms, provided that the Homeowner confirms the delay in writing.

The House Sitter acknowledges that the sole compensation for the services performed under this Agreement is the right to reside at the Premises, free of rent, during the Term, on the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement (the "Free Accommodation").

No salary, fee, stipend, commission, or other monetary payment shall be payable by the Homeowner to the House Sitter, and the House Sitter expressly waives any claim for additional remuneration, reimbursement of personal costs, or compensation for time spent performing the duties, except as expressly provided in this Agreement.

The House Sitter's occupancy of the Premises is a personal, revocable license granted solely for the purpose of performing the engagement. It does not constitute a lease, tenancy, or any interest in land, and the House Sitter shall not claim any right of exclusive possession or any protections available to tenants.

The Homeowner retains full ownership, possession, and control of the Premises at all times and may enter the Premises at any time, with reasonable notice where practicable, to inspect, carry out repairs, or address any Emergency or breach of this Agreement.

The House Sitter shall occupy the Premises only as the House Sitter's temporary residence for the Term, shall not designate the Premises as a permanent address for any purpose, and shall not register any person, vehicle, or business at the Premises.

The Parties acknowledge that the value of the Free Accommodation has been agreed as adequate and sufficient in exchange for the House Sitter's obligations, and that each Party is responsible for any personal tax obligations arising from the arrangement, if any, as determined by the law applicable to that Party.

The House Sitter shall reside at the Premises for the entire Term and shall sleep at the Premises on at least [Minimum Nights per Week] nights each week. The House Sitter shall not leave the Premises unattended for more than [Maximum Unattended Hours] consecutive hours without the Homeowner's prior written consent.

The House Sitter shall perform all duties under this Agreement with reasonable care, skill, diligence, and in good faith, and shall treat the Premises, the Contents, and the Pets with at least the same care as a prudent owner would exercise.

The House Sitter shall keep the Premises secure at all times, including by locking all doors and windows when leaving the Premises and overnight, activating any alarm system in accordance with the Homeowner's instructions, and not leaving Access Items in any place accessible to others.

The House Sitter shall maintain the Premises in a clean, tidy, and sanitary condition, including regular cleaning of kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas, proper disposal of refuse and recycling on scheduled collection days, and prompt cleaning of any spills or stains.

The House Sitter shall comply with the House Rules and with all reasonable written or oral instructions given by the Homeowner, and shall maintain reasonable availability by telephone or message to respond to the Homeowner within [Response Time] of any request.

The House Sitter shall promptly, and in any event within [Notification Period], notify the Homeowner of any damage, loss, malfunction, theft, Emergency, injury to a Pet, or other material event affecting the Premises, the Contents, or the Pets.

The House Sitter shall comply with all laws, regulations, and community or neighborhood rules applicable to the use and occupation of the Premises, and shall not engage in any unlawful, dangerous, or nuisance-causing activity at or from the Premises.

The House Sitter shall provide daily care to the Pets in accordance with the Homeowner's written instructions, including feeding, fresh water, exercise, grooming, medication, waste removal, cleaning of litter boxes, cages, or enclosures, and appropriate companionship, as detailed at [Pet Care Instructions].

The House Sitter shall not leave the Pets alone for longer than [Maximum Pet Alone Period] and shall ensure that the Pets are kept within the Premises or on a secure leash or restraint, and in compliance with the Homeowner's instructions, at all times.

The House Sitter shall not permit the Pets to be in the care of any other person, boarded, transferred, or taken to any location other than for walks or veterinary treatment, without the Homeowner's prior written consent.

The House Sitter shall monitor the Pets' health and behavior and shall notify the Homeowner without delay of any illness, injury, unusual behavior, loss of appetite, or escape. Where a Pet is missing, the House Sitter shall immediately commence a thorough search and notify the Homeowner and Emergency Contacts.

In the event that a Pet requires urgent veterinary treatment, the House Sitter shall first attempt to contact the Homeowner and the Emergency Contacts. If neither can be reached within a reasonable time having regard to the Pet's condition, the House Sitter shall take the Pet to the Homeowner's veterinarian, [Veterinarian Name and Contact Details], or, if unavailable, to the nearest suitable veterinary clinic.

The House Sitter is authorized to consent to and incur emergency veterinary treatment that is reasonably necessary to preserve the life of a Pet or relieve acute suffering, up to the Veterinary Cost Limit. Any treatment exceeding the Veterinary Cost Limit requires the Homeowner's prior approval, except where delay would result in the Pet's death or severe suffering and the Homeowner cannot be reached, in which case the House Sitter shall act in the Pet's best interests, consistent with veterinary advice.

The Homeowner shall bear the reasonable and documented veterinary costs authorized under this Agreement, provided that the House Sitter obtains and delivers itemized invoices. The Homeowner shall reimburse the House Sitter or pay the veterinary provider directly within [Reimbursement Period] of receipt. The Homeowner shall not be liable for costs resulting from the House Sitter's negligence, misconduct, or breach of this Agreement, which shall be borne by the House Sitter.

The House Sitter shall water, tend, and care for the indoor and outdoor plants in accordance with the Homeowner's instructions, including the frequency and quantity of watering, any specific requirements for particular plants, and any lawn or garden tasks described at [Plant and Garden Care Instructions].

The House Sitter shall collect all mail, packages, and deliveries addressed to the Homeowner or delivered to the Premises daily or as frequently as practicable, and shall store them securely and unopened in [Mail Storage Location], unless the Homeowner instructs otherwise in writing.

The House Sitter shall not open, read, copy, forward, or disclose the contents of any mail or correspondence addressed to the Homeowner or any member of the Homeowner's household, other than as expressly authorized in writing by the Homeowner, and shall report any mail marked urgent or apparently time-sensitive to the Homeowner.

The House Sitter shall take reasonable measures to maintain the exterior appearance and security of the Premises, including removing flyers and packages visible from the street, operating lights or blinds as instructed, and removing or reporting hazards such as fallen branches or accumulated snow or debris, where applicable.

The House Sitter shall not make any alteration, addition, repair, decoration, or improvement to the Premises or Contents without the Homeowner's prior written consent. Minor routine upkeep, such as replacing light bulbs, shall be permitted where reasonably necessary.

The House Sitter shall promptly notify the Homeowner of any maintenance issue, malfunction, leak, pest infestation, or defect observed at the Premises, and shall not arrange any third-party repair except in an Emergency or with the Homeowner's prior consent.

The House Sitter shall comply with the House Rules, which include that the House Sitter shall not smoke or vape inside the Premises, shall not use illegal substances at the Premises, and shall not possess weapons or hazardous materials at the Premises.

The House Sitter shall not hold parties, gatherings, or events at the Premises, and shall keep noise at a level that does not disturb neighbors or violate any local ordinance or community regulation.

The House Sitter shall not enter, open, or use any room, cabinet, safe, drawer, storage area, or vehicle that the Homeowner has designated as restricted, being [Restricted Areas and Items], and shall not access the Homeowner's personal papers, files, devices, or private belongings except as necessary in an Emergency.

The House Sitter shall not use the Premises for any commercial, business, professional, or income-generating purpose, including short-term rental, subletting, or the storage of goods for third parties, and shall not use the Homeowner's address for any such purpose.

The House Sitter shall not use the Homeowner's vehicles, bicycles, tools, equipment, or other specified property unless expressly permitted in writing by the Homeowner, being [Permitted Use of Equipment and Vehicles, if any].

The House Sitter may use the Homeowner's telephone, internet connection, television, and household appliances only for ordinary personal domestic purposes, subject to any limits specified by the Homeowner, and shall not use them for unlawful purposes or in a manner that exposes the Homeowner to liability.

The House Sitter shall not remove any Contents from the Premises, nor lend, sell, pledge, or dispose of any Contents, and shall not change locks, codes, passwords, or security settings.

The House Sitter shall comply with any additional rules relating to alarm use, thermostat settings, appliance use, or waste sorting, as notified by the Homeowner in writing at or after the Handover, including those described at [Additional House Rules].

No Guests are permitted at the Premises at any time during the Term, whether for a visit, a meal, an overnight stay, or any other purpose, and the House Sitter shall not invite, admit, or allow any Guest to enter or remain at the Premises.

The prohibition in this Section applies without exception to family members, partners, friends, children, and other occupants, and the Homeowner has not authorized any person other than the House Sitter to occupy the Premises or to be left with the Pets.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following persons are permitted to enter the Premises to the extent necessary to perform their functions: emergency services personnel responding to an Emergency, and any person expressly authorized in writing by the Homeowner, including [Authorized Service Providers, if any].

The House Sitter shall not permit any tradesperson, contractor, cleaner, delivery person, or other third party to enter the Premises, except for deliveries at the entrance and persons whom the Homeowner has pre-approved in writing.

The House Sitter shall not disclose the Homeowner's absence, travel itinerary, the location of Access Items, or the security arrangements of the Premises to any third party, and shall not publicize the Premises or the arrangement on social media or any other public forum.

Any breach of this Section shall constitute a material breach of this Agreement entitling the Homeowner to terminate in accordance with this Agreement, and the House Sitter shall be fully responsible for the acts and omissions of any Guest as if they were the House Sitter's own.

If the Homeowner requests, the House Sitter shall request that any unauthorized person leave the Premises immediately and, if necessary, shall contact the appropriate authorities.

The Homeowner shall continue to pay the regular fixed charges for the Premises, including [Homeowner-Paid Charges, such as mortgage, property taxes, insurance, standard utility subscriptions, and base internet service], and the House Sitter shall not be responsible for these charges.

The House Sitter shall be responsible for the cost of the House Sitter's personal expenses, including food, personal toiletries, personal laundry supplies, personal telephone usage, and any other costs incurred for the House Sitter's own consumption or convenience.

The House Sitter shall be liable for any excessive or unreasonable utility consumption, and for any charges exceeding [Utility Allowance Amount and Period], including long-distance or international calls, premium services, streaming or on-demand purchases, and other usage beyond ordinary domestic needs.

The Homeowner shall provide the House Sitter with [Pet Supplies Provision, such as food, litter, and medication] for the Pets for the Term. Where additional supplies are reasonably necessary, the House Sitter may purchase them and shall be reimbursed by the Homeowner upon presentation of receipts, up to [Supplies Spending Limit].

Except as set out in this Agreement for Pet-related costs, the House Sitter shall not incur any expense in the Homeowner's name or on the Homeowner's account, or charge any cost to the Homeowner, without the Homeowner's prior written approval.

Any sum owed by the House Sitter to the Homeowner under this Agreement shall be paid within [Payment Period] of written demand, and the Homeowner may deduct any such sum from any amount owed to the House Sitter, including any refundable deposit, if applicable.

The House Sitter shall ensure that utilities are used prudently, including turning off lights, appliances, and taps when not in use, and shall promptly report any interruption of utility service.

The House Sitter shall be liable to the Homeowner for any loss of, or damage to, the Premises or the Contents caused by the act, omission, negligence, or misconduct of the House Sitter, whether accidental or intentional, including damage caused by any Guest or any person admitted to the Premises by the House Sitter.

The House Sitter shall be liable for loss of or damage to any Contents caused by the House Sitter's misuse, failure to follow the House Rules, or failure to secure the Premises, including loss resulting from the loss of Access Items or the House Sitter's failure to lock the Premises.

The House Sitter shall not be liable for fair wear and tear, damage that existed prior to the Start Date as recorded in the baseline record, or loss or damage caused solely by an event beyond the House Sitter's reasonable control, provided that the House Sitter has complied with this Agreement and notified the Homeowner promptly.

Where loss or damage for which the House Sitter is liable occurs, the House Sitter shall, at the Homeowner's election, either repair or replace the affected item to a standard equivalent to its prior condition or pay the Homeowner the reasonable cost of repair or replacement, within [Compensation Period] of written demand and supporting evidence.

The House Sitter shall be liable for injuries to or the death of a Pet to the extent caused by the House Sitter's negligence, wilful misconduct, or breach of this Agreement, including costs of veterinary treatment resulting from such events.

The Homeowner may rely on any insurance held by the Homeowner without limiting the House Sitter's liability under this Agreement, and the House Sitter shall reimburse any insurance excess or deductible payable and any uninsured loss resulting from the House Sitter's liability.

The House Sitter shall not be entitled to bring a claim against the Homeowner for loss of or damage to the House Sitter's personal belongings brought onto the Premises, which are kept at the House Sitter's sole risk, and the House Sitter is advised to maintain appropriate personal insurance.

The House Sitter shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Homeowner, and members of the Homeowner's household, from and against all claims, losses, liabilities, damages, costs, and expenses, including reasonable legal fees, arising out of or in connection with the House Sitter's breach of this Agreement, negligence, or wilful misconduct, or the acts or omissions of any person admitted to the Premises by the House Sitter.

The House Sitter indemnifies the Homeowner against any claim by a third party, including neighbors, authorities, or other persons, for injury, nuisance, or damage caused by the House Sitter, any Guest, or any Pet while under the House Sitter's care to the extent caused by the House Sitter's failure to follow this Agreement.

The Homeowner shall not be liable to the House Sitter for any loss, injury, illness, death, or damage suffered by the House Sitter or any person on the Premises, or to any property of the House Sitter, during the Term, except to the extent caused by the Homeowner's gross negligence or wilful misconduct.

The House Sitter acknowledges that the House Sitter occupies the Premises and cares for the Pets at the House Sitter's own risk, and accepts the inherent risks associated with the care of animals, including the risk of scratches, bites, and allergic reactions, and the Homeowner does not warrant the temperament of any Pet other than as disclosed in the Pet Care Instructions.

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, the Homeowner's aggregate liability to the House Sitter arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall not exceed [Homeowner Liability Cap], and the Homeowner shall not be liable for any indirect, consequential, or special loss.

The Homeowner shall not be liable for any interruption in utilities, services, or access to the Premises, or for any early termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, and the House Sitter shall have no claim for compensation or damages in respect of such events.

The obligations in this Section shall survive the expiry or termination of this Agreement.

The Homeowner's designated Emergency Contacts are: (i) [Emergency Contact 1 Name, Relationship, Telephone, Email]; and (ii) [Emergency Contact 2 Name, Relationship, Telephone, Email]. The Homeowner may update these details by written notice to the House Sitter.

The Homeowner's veterinarian is [Veterinarian Name, Address, Telephone], and the nearest emergency veterinary facility is [Emergency Veterinary Clinic Name, Address, Telephone].

In any Emergency involving a threat to life or safety, the House Sitter shall first contact the relevant emergency services at [Emergency Services Number] and take reasonable steps to protect persons and Pets, and shall then notify the Homeowner and the Emergency Contacts as soon as practicable.

In an Emergency involving burglary, fire, flood, gas leak, or similar damage to the Premises, the House Sitter shall take reasonable steps to prevent further loss, including shutting off water, gas, or electricity at the locations shown to the House Sitter at the Handover, but shall not put the House Sitter's own safety at risk.

The House Sitter shall be authorized to arrange urgent emergency repairs that are strictly necessary to prevent imminent damage or secure the Premises, up to [Emergency Repair Cost Limit], where neither the Homeowner nor the Emergency Contacts can be reached, and shall provide receipts and a written account of the matter.

The House Sitter shall prepare and deliver to the Homeowner a written report of any Emergency within [Report Period] after its occurrence, describing the events, actions taken, persons involved, and any damage or loss, together with photographs where practicable.

The Homeowner shall provide the House Sitter with the location of fuse boxes, water and gas shut-off valves, first aid supplies, and fire extinguishers at the Handover, and the House Sitter shall familiarize himself or herself with them.

The House Sitter acknowledges that, in the course of the engagement, the House Sitter may obtain access to private and confidential information concerning the Homeowner and household, including personal documents, financial information, correspondence, travel plans, security arrangements, and photographs (the "Confidential Information").

The House Sitter shall keep the Confidential Information strictly confidential, shall not disclose it to any person, and shall not use it for any purpose other than performing this Agreement, during the Term and after its expiry or termination for [Confidentiality Period].

The House Sitter shall not photograph, film, or record the interior of the Premises, the Contents, or the Homeowner's belongings, nor publish any images or information about the Premises, the Homeowner, or the Pets on social media or other public platform, except for documenting condition, loss, or Emergencies for the Homeowner's benefit.

The House Sitter shall not access, use, copy, or tamper with the Homeowner's computers, tablets, telephones, smart devices, accounts, or files, and shall not connect any personal device to the Homeowner's private networks other than the guest network or internet access expressly provided by the Homeowner.

The Homeowner may operate security cameras, alarms, or monitoring devices at or around the Premises, as disclosed to the House Sitter at [Disclosed Monitoring Devices], and the House Sitter consents to the monitoring of the common and exterior areas for the protection of the Premises. No cameras shall be installed in bedrooms or bathrooms.

The House Sitter shall not tamper with, disable, obstruct, or interfere with any security system, alarm, camera, or lock, and shall report any malfunction to the Homeowner immediately.

The House Sitter consents to the Homeowner processing the House Sitter's personal data, including identification and contact details, for the purposes of this Agreement, security, and any Emergency, and the Homeowner shall handle such data with reasonable care.

The Homeowner may terminate this Agreement immediately by written notice, with no liability to the House Sitter, if the House Sitter materially breaches this Agreement, including by admitting any Guest, neglecting or endangering the Pets, causing serious damage, breaching the House Rules, or engaging in unlawful or dangerous conduct.

The Homeowner may also terminate this Agreement for convenience, or upon return from absence earlier than planned, by giving the House Sitter not less than [Homeowner Termination Notice Period] written notice, or such shorter notice as is reasonable in the circumstances.

The House Sitter may terminate this Agreement for convenience by giving the Homeowner not less than [House Sitter Termination Notice Period] written notice, and shall, to the extent possible, remain at the Premises and continue performing the duties until the Homeowner or a replacement can assume care of the Premises and the Pets.

Upon expiry or termination for any reason, the House Sitter shall vacate the Premises by the earlier of the End Date and [Vacating Deadline] following notice, remove all personal belongings, and leave the Premises in a clean and orderly condition consistent with the baseline record, fair wear and tear excepted.

Upon vacating, the House Sitter shall return all Access Items, mail, packages, and documents belonging to or relating to the Homeowner, shall not retain copies of any Access Items, and shall provide written details of any outstanding issues relating to the Pets, plants, and Premises.

If the House Sitter fails to vacate the Premises when required, the House Sitter shall be liable for the Homeowner's reasonable costs and losses resulting from such failure, including alternative accommodation and costs of recovering possession, and the Homeowner may exercise all lawful remedies to regain possession.

Expiry or termination shall not affect any rights, remedies, or obligations accrued before that time, nor the provisions that by their nature are intended to survive, including those relating to liability, indemnification, confidentiality, and dispute resolution.

This Agreement, and any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with it, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of [Governing Law Jurisdiction].

The Parties shall first attempt to resolve any dispute arising out of or in connection with this Agreement amicably by good-faith discussions. Either Party may initiate this process by written notice describing the dispute in reasonable detail.

If the dispute is not resolved within [Negotiation Period] of the notice, the Parties shall attempt to resolve it by mediation before a mutually agreed mediator in [Mediation Location], with the costs of the mediator shared equally, before commencing any proceedings.

If mediation fails or is not commenced within [Mediation Period], either Party may submit the dispute to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of [Court Jurisdiction and Location], and each Party irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of those courts.

Nothing in this Section shall prevent the Homeowner from seeking urgent injunctive or other interim relief from any competent court at any time, including to recover possession of the Premises, to protect the Pets, or to prevent breach of confidentiality.

Subject to any contrary determination by the competent court, the House Sitter shall bear the Homeowner's reasonable costs, including legal fees, of enforcing this Agreement where the Homeowner prevails in any dispute arising from the House Sitter's breach.

Each Party shall continue to perform its obligations under this Agreement pending resolution of any dispute, except where this Agreement has been terminated.

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to its subject matter and supersedes all prior discussions, understandings, negotiations, and representations, whether oral or written, relating to the house sitting arrangement.

No amendment, variation, or waiver of this Agreement shall be effective unless made in writing and signed by both Parties, save that the Homeowner may issue reasonable written supplementary instructions regarding the care of the Premises, the Pets, and the plants, consistent with this Agreement.

Any notice under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered by hand, by registered post, or by email to the addresses stated in this Agreement or as updated by notice, and shall be deemed received on delivery if by hand, [Postal Deemed Receipt Period] after posting, or on the next business day if by email, absent a delivery failure notice.

If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, that provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable, or severed, and the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

No failure or delay by the Homeowner in exercising any right or remedy shall operate as a waiver of that right or remedy, and no single or partial exercise shall preclude any further exercise of it.

Neither Party shall be liable for failure to perform obligations, other than payment obligations and obligations relating to the care of the Pets, caused by events beyond its reasonable control, provided that it promptly notifies the other Party.

This Agreement is personal to the Parties and may not be assigned by the House Sitter. No person other than the Parties shall have any right to enforce any term of this Agreement.

This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, including by electronic signature, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together constitute one instrument. Each Party confirms that it has read and understood this Agreement and has had the opportunity to obtain independent legal advice.