Frequently Asked Questions

By: HouseMinders Pty Ltd

Why should I choose HouseMinders?

HouseMinders is unique as we will do most of the hard work for you and give you a list of 2 / 3 candidates whom we have already discussed your situation with. This will save you screening those who are seeking information and those who simply are not suitable. Why go to the bother when we can do this for you?

 

What references do your minders have?

It is a condition of registration that all minders have references. Homeowners are recommended to contact the referees to discuss the particular minder.

 

Do your minders have a police check?

Although not all our minders have a police check it is highly recommended. Some may have also had a police check completed but do not have the certificate as it was completed by an employer (a good example of this is a teacher). However most minders are happy to give you a contact who can confirm that they do indeed have a police check and it’s clear.

 

Do I need a written agreement between the owners and the minders?

For the security and convenience of both parties, it is strongly recommended that both homeowner and houseminder sign a written agreement setting out the arrangements. E.g. start & finish dates, bond, pet responsibilities, house duties, bill payments etc. We can supply you with a pro forma Houseminding Agreement, at no charge. Please note that HouseMinders is not party to this agreement – the agreement is between the homeowner (or resident) and the houseminder.

 

Who chooses the minder?

Houseminder’s role is one of an introduction agency. The choice of houseminder(s) is solely that of the homeowner or resident. HouseMinders accepts no responsibility and makes no endorsement, warranty or representation as to the bona fides, qualifications or credentials of any house minder registering with us.

 

Does the houseminder pay a bond?

It is sensible and prudent to negotiate the payment of a bond by the house minder. This should be enough to cover you against any accidental breakage and the use of phone and other utilities. When a suitable bond is negotiated we recommend the following arrangements be made:

 

• A valid receipt should be produced
• Homeowner & houseminder should agree who will hold the funds (usually the owner/resident or a third party such as a solicitor).
• Homeowner and houseminder should agree under what circumstances the funds will be returned. The terms of the return of bond should be set out in the Agreement.
• Both parties should agree whether utility bills are to be separately paid, or subtracted from the bond.

 

I have pets, will this matter?

We have many houseminders who particularly request assignments with pets or are happy to look after pets during their stay. Be assured, if you are a dog, cat or any animal, we’ll have someone ideal to care for your pet. Just make sure you give us the details about your pets on the Registration form.
 

There are other companies offering pet services. Why use HouseMinders?

Our company offers these important benefits:

 

• Pets remain in their own environment.
• Live in services (someone lives in your house).
• Wide choice of minders.
• We deliver a number of pet lovers that meet your requirements, but you get to select the pet lover of your choice.
• A secure home and convenience come at no extra charge to homeowners wanting a pet minder.
• Unlike boarding kennels and catteries, your pets are not locked in a cage, to be released periodically.
• No mandatory inoculations (shots/injections).
• Boarding kennels and catteries insist that your pets be up-to-date in their immunisation shots. This is not a Houseminders requirement.
• The diet for your pets is controlled by your houseminder and can be maintained.
• Boarding kennels and catteries can charge from $15 to $100 per day. For all but the shortest of trips, Houseminders is a far cheaper proposition.

 

What advantages does Houseminders have over casual pet services?

There are several advantages:

 

• Using a casual service is often a sign that your home is unattended (the vans and cars used are a give away).
• With HouseMinders the minder is concerned only with your pet(s) and is with your pet all night.
• If your pet becomes ill, your houseminder can care for your animal and take it to the vet if needed.

 

Can we request a minder with a love of gardens?

We have many “green thumbs” – minders who particularly request assignments with a garden. Just make sure you specify that your ideal minder should be a “keen gardener” when you complete the registration form. Any special requests are best to discuss with us but we should be able to cater for most.

 

Will my insurance be valid while I am away?

Most insurance companies will void your Home Contents Policy if you leave your home unattended for a particular amount of time. This situation can usually be averted if you place a houseminder in your home. However, check with your insurance company and check your policy.

 

Does my Home Buildings Policy cover us against injury of the houseminder?

Again, most home and contents insurance should cover you for this but check with your insurance company as to your specific level of cover.
 

Does the houseminder remain in the house all or most of the time?

Most minders have jobs and will come and go as you would. If you prefer someone who will be around much of the time, you should nominate your preference for a “homebody”. Examples of minders who spend a greater amount of their time at home: students or lecturers, retirees, writers and couples /families with a non-working spouse.

 

Does HouseMinders provide minders for absences of any duration?

We have a comprehensive database of registered minders that allows us to cater for homeowners and residents who are away from their homes for one to two weeks through to one or two years.

 

Who pays for the utilities?

The general rule that most of our owners follow is that the longer you are away the more the minder has to pay. Gas and electricity can be difficult to measure exact usage for a shorter period. Telephone is one aspect that all minders are willing to pay. This is something that you can negotiate with the individual minders.

 

Do houseminders bring their own belongings?

Most minders expect that the home will be furnished and will bring only what is required such as clothing, personal hygiene and maybe a computer or laptop.

 

Do houseminders have their own pets?

There are minders who will want to bring along their pets. Owners can decide if you want to allow them or not.

 

Do minders wish to bring their own laptop computer to an assignment?

Many minders have laptop computers and many require email / internet facilities. You can discuss with your minder if you are willing to let them use your internet.

 

What arrangements do we make for repairs etc?

In any situation something can go wrong. Washing machines can break down, plumbing can fail. It is strongly recommended that the minder comes to an agreement with the owner regarding the following:

 

• The minder is left a list of preferred tradesman.
• How any work done is billed and who pays for it.
• If a contingency fund is left for this specific reason with a neighbour or friend.
• Emergency contact numbers to contact the owner while they are away.

Is it common to mark a part of the home off limits?

Some owners choose to lock away certain items in a spare bedroom, or part of the garage, leaving the rest of the home to be used by the houseminder.

 

Can the minder leave in the middle of an assignment?

No. The houseminder that you select contracts through the signed agreement to complete the assignment. Any minder who abandons an assignment (this has never happened) would be barred from future assignments.

 

Where an emergency – such as chronic illness – might prevent a minder completing the assignment we offer a contingency replacement plan.

 

The Houseminder Replacement Plan in Emergencies.

The facility operates as follows:

 

• The owner nominates (in writing) a proxy to select the replacement minder.
• HouseMinders exercises its best endeavours to find you a shortlist of replacement minders (at no charge except for disbursements such as phone and fax costs).
• The proxy selects your replacement minder.
• Can the owner terminate the arrangement prior to the expiry of the arrangement?
• No. The homeowner/resident also contracts through a signed agreement to allow the minder to stay for the time specified in the agreement.