Oops! Dealing With Breakages

House sitting can be a wonderful way to enjoy new environments and take care of someone’s cherished home and pets. However, accidents can happen, and breaking something – especially if it’s valuable or, worse, irreplaceable — can be a nightmare for both the house sitter and the homeowner. Here’s a quick guide on how to handle such situations responsibly and professionally.

1. Stay Calm And Assess The Damage

First of all, panicking won’t help. Take a deep breath and calmly evaluate the situation. Is the item broken beyond repair, or can it be fixed? Understanding the extent of the damage will help you decide on the next steps. If it is a minor and mass-produced item that is easily replaceable then there is no need to stress out. Simply buy another one. There’s no need to notify the homeowners and disturb their holiday. Yes, it will be a few dollars coming out of your own pocket but that’s part of house sitting.

2. Contacting The Home Owner

If the broken article is expensive or one-of-a-kind, then transparency is key. As soon as you discover the breakage, contact the homeowner to explain what happened. Be honest and apologetic without being defensive. For example, you could say: “I’m so sorry, but I accidentally knocked over your Ming vase in the living room. I want to ensure this is handled properly. Could you let me know how you’d like me to proceed?” This approach shows accountability and respect for their belongings.

3. Offer To Replace Or Repair The Item

If the expensive item is replaceable, offer to purchase a replacement. Be proactive in finding the same or a similar item, but always check with the homeowner before making a purchase. For repairable items, research reputable repair services and offer to cover the costs. In some cases, the home owner could very well waive your need to replace it.

4. Discuss Compensation For Irreplaceable Items

When the broken item has sentimental or historical value, replacement or repair may not be possible. In these cases, offer financial compensation. The homeowner may also appreciate your effort to make amends, such as sending flowers or a heartfelt note.

5. Document The Incident

Take photos of the damaged item and write down the details of how the accident happened. This documentation may be needed if the homeowner decides to file an insurance claim or if you need to involve your liability insurance.

6. Liability Insurance

One of the most responsible steps you can take as a house sitter is to invest in liability insurance before starting any house sitting assignments. This type of insurance can cover accidental damages and protect you financially. Here’s why it’s important:

Peace of Mind: Knowing you’re covered allows you to focus on your responsibilities.

Professionalism: Having insurance demonstrates your commitment to being a trustworthy and reliable house sitter.

Financial Protection: It can save you from bearing the entire cost of expensive or unexpected damages.

Shop around and speak to providers about liability insurance policies tailored for house sitters, ensuring it covers accidental damages to a homeowner’s property. Many contents insurance policies will include liability cover. I have contents insurance with the AA and my policy also includes liability cover to the tune of $2 million. In all of my years of house sitting I have never had to use it, but it’s there for peace of mind and ‘just in case’.

7. Learn And Prevent Future Accidents

We try to avoid them at all costs, but accidents can and do happen, and they can also be valuable learning experiences. Reflect on how the breakage occurred and consider ways to prevent similar incidents in the future. Simple steps like ensuring pets are not near fragile items, avoiding cluttered spaces, or temporarily storing valuable items in safe areas can reduce the risk. One of the first things I do when starting a new house sit is identify items that could be prone to accidental breakage (such as fragile ornaments near the edge of a side table) and put them away in a spare room where they will be safe.

8. Maintain Open Communication

Even after the incident has been resolved, maintain clear and open communication with the homeowner. Reassure them of your continued care and diligence for the rest of the house sitting period.

Final Thoughts

Breaking something valuable or irreplaceable while house sitting can be a deeply uncomfortable situation, but how you handle it defines your professionalism and character. By staying calm, being honest, and taking responsibility, you can navigate the situation effectively and maintain a good relationship with the homeowner.

And above all, remember: liability insurance is not just a safeguard — it’s an essential part of being a responsible house sitter. Investing in a good policy will protect you and provide peace of mind, ensuring you can house sit with confidence. And it could save you thousands in the repairing or replacing of an expensive broken item.

By taking these steps, you’ll demonstrate integrity and professionalism, building trust and securing glowing recommendations for future house sitting opportunities.