This is a template for a homeowner in preparation for a house sitter. You can make up your own house rules or use this guide. You can download a template in PDF at the end of this article.
Our House Manual
Welcome to our home! We’re delighted to share it with you through Hombie. To ensure a smooth and respectful experience for everyone, please read and follow the house rules below.
As per our Hombie listing, smoking is not permitted inside or outside our home.
📍 Property Information
Address:
[Insert full address]
Lockbox Code:
[Insert code and location details]
WiFi:
Network: [Insert]
Password: [Insert]
📞 Contact Numbers
Primary Contact:
[Name – Mobile Number]
Secondary Contact:
[Name – Mobile Number]
🚨 Emergency Contact Numbers
Neighbour:
[Name – Mobile – House Number]
Family Close By:
[Name – Relationship – Mobile]
Power Supply Provider:
[Name – Phone Number]
Local Council:
[Council Name – Phone Number]
Police / Fire / Ambulance:
000
Unexpected Issues:
[Input your own directions here and delete the following] Please contact us directly. We’ll assist with troubleshooting or contacting local services if needed. For emergencies contact the service directly.
Our Pets
[Write as much as you can about your pets. Include their daily routine, likes, dislikes, quirks etc. The more information you can give your house sitter the better, as it is best for your pet that the house sitter keeps to your routine as much as they can]
🔑 Key and Access Notes
- Spare keys: [Where to find them]
- Garage remote: [Location and instructions]
- Please return all keys to the lockbox before departure.
📦 Mail & Deliveries
- Please accept/do not accept packages or deliveries.
- Please collect our mail for us.
🗑 Rubbish & Recycling
Bin Days: Place on kerb the night before
- General waste: [Day]
- Recycling: [Day]
- Green waste: [Day]
Please place bins on the kerb the night before.
Replacement bin liners are located [where].
🏠 Indoors
Solar Power
As we are on solar, power is best used during daylight hours. Please be mindful of consumption.
Dishwasher
[Instructions]
Washing Machine
[Instructions]
Other Appliances
[Instructions]
Cooker
[Instructions]
Oven
[Instructions]
Fireplace
[Instructions]
Air Conditioner
[Instructions]
TV & Streaming
[Which streaming services and instructions]
Security Code
[Instructions]
Code: [Insert Code]
Power Box
[Location]
Indoor Plants
[Instructions]
Bedroom Linen
All beds are freshly made. Extra pillows and blankets are stored in [location].
🌿 Outdoors
Pool / Sauna / Spa
- [Instructions]
Gates
[Instructions]
Lawns & Garden
[Instructions]
Watering System
[Instructions]
🚗 Vehicles or Boats (Use or Delete this section)
We’re happy to offer use of our [Vehicle/Boat Name] .
- Keys are in [Location]
- A user agreement must be signed by both parties and a copy forwarded to us.
- The vehicle should be returned clean and full of fuel.
- Only pre-approved drivers covered by our insurance may drive
- Any incidents must be reported immediately
🛍 Local Shops & Essentials
- Supermarket: [Name + Address]
- Pharmacy: [Name + Address]
- Bottle Shop / Bakery / ATM: [Names + Locations]
- Hospital / GP Clinic: [Optional]
🍴 Our Favourite Local Eateries, Cafes & Places to Visit
Let us help you enjoy the area like a local! Some of our favourites include:
- Best coffee: [Name – location]
- Casual dining: [Name – cuisine]
- Something special: [Name – fine dining or view]
- Family-friendly: [Parks, walks, activities]
- Markets / Day trips: [Suggestions nearby]
- Sightseeing: [Suggestions nearby]
🔒 Safety & Essentials
- Fire extinguisher: [Location]
- First aid kit: [Location]
🧼 Cleaning Supplies
- Vacuum, mop, broom: [Location][Instructions]
- Cleaning sprays, cloths: [Location]
👶 If Children Are Staying
- High chair and cot available (stored in [location])
- Toys and books in [location]
- Please supervise children near stairs and the pool or water.
🚪 Move-Out Day Checklist
We greatly appreciate you leaving the home ready for our return. Before you go, please:
Beds
Please wash all linen used and re make the beds.
Floors
Please vacuum and mop the floors [Instructions for timber floors etc]
Cleanliness
- Clean showers and toilets
- Wipe down kitchen benches
- Empty bins (instructions above)
- Empty dishwasher
- Please leave our home as clean as you found it
Security
- Lock all doors and windows
- Return keys to the lockbox [or other area]
- Set the alarm [if required]
Feedback
We’d love to hear about your stay! Leave us a constructive review via Hombie.
If you have any questions during your stay, feel free to contact us. We hope you enjoy our home and the local experience!
Warm regards,
[Your Names Here]
Disclaimer – Hombie Accepts No Liability for this Document
This House Manual Template is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. It should be adapted to suit your individual circumstances. By using this resource, you accept full responsibility for its application and agree that the website owner holds no liability for any loss, dispute, or outcome arising from its use. Seek professional advice if required.
By using this document, you acknowledge that Hombie makes no warranties, express or implied, and shall not be held liable for any claims, disputes, losses, damages, or legal proceedings arising out of or in connection with this document.
If agreeing to this disclaimer you can download a copy of the template as a guide here.
