1. Definitions
For purposes of this Agreement, the following definitions apply:
Home Steward refers to the individual or business providing Home Stewardship Services under this Agreement.
Client refers to the individual submitting the booking request and entering into this Agreement. The Client represents that they have the legal authority to engage Home Stewardship Services for the Property.
Property refers to the residence and surrounding premises where Home Stewardship Services will be provided.
Companion Animal(s) refers to any pet or domesticated animal whose care is included in the approved Booking.
Home Stewardship Services refers to the specific services approved before Booking confirmation, including, where applicable, temporary home occupancy for the purpose of companion animal care, plant care, mail collection, and other mutually agreed household responsibilities.
Booking refers to the period beginning on the agreed arrival date and ending on the agreed departure date as confirmed in writing.
Home Stewardship Guide refers to the completed Home Information Guide submitted by the Client before the Booking.
Companion Stewardship Guide refers to the completed Companion Information Guide submitted by the Client before the Booking.
Agreement refers collectively to these Terms of Stewardship, the Home Stewardship Guide, the Companion Stewardship Guide, the Payment, Cancellation & Refund Policy, the Privacy Policy, and any written modifications agreed upon by both parties.
2. Scope of Services
The Home Steward agrees to provide only the Home Stewardship Services selected, quoted, and approved before Booking confirmation.
Services may include temporary in-home stewardship, Companion Animal care, plant care, mail collection, and other mutually agreed household responsibilities.
Only the services specifically agreed upon before Booking are included. Requests involving additional services, specialized care, unusually time-intensive responsibilities, or other work outside the approved scope may require a revised quote or a Custom Stewardship arrangement.
3. Authority to Book Services
The individual submitting the Booking represents that they are the homeowner, lawful occupant, property manager, authorized representative, or otherwise possess the legal authority to engage Home Stewardship Services and grant access to the Property.
The Home Steward may reasonably rely upon these representations.
Any misrepresentation regarding authority to engage services or grant access to the Property shall not relieve the Client of their payment obligations under this Agreement.
4. Booking Approval
Submitting a Booking request does not guarantee acceptance.
A Booking is confirmed only after:
- all required forms have been completed;
- the Home Stewardship Guide and Companion Stewardship Guide have been submitted;
- requested photographs have been provided;
- the Booking has been reviewed and approved;
- pricing, including any applicable travel costs or custom services, has been finalized; and
- payment has been received.
5. Client Responsibilities
The Client agrees to:
- provide complete, truthful, and accurate information regarding the Property, Companion Animals, and requested services;
- promptly disclose any material changes before or during the Booking;
- provide access to all agreed areas of the Property;
- provide a clean, safe, secure, private, and reasonably habitable living environment;
- provide all supplies reasonably necessary to perform the agreed services;
- provide accurate emergency contacts and access instructions;
- disclose any person expected to enter the Property during the Booking, including family members, cleaners, contractors, landscapers, maintenance personnel, or other service providers; and
- promptly notify the Home Steward of any changes regarding expected access to the Property.
6. Companion Owner Responsibilities
The Client remains the legal owner and primary decision-maker for all Companion Animals.
The Home Steward provides care according to the approved Companion Stewardship Guide but does not assume ownership or ongoing financial responsibility for any Companion Animal.
The Client agrees to disclose all known medical conditions, medications, behavioral concerns, allergies, dietary requirements, routines, environmental risks, emergency veterinary instructions, and any other information reasonably necessary to provide safe care.
7. Communication
The Standard Stewardship Package includes:
- daily written updates with photographs during the first week of the Booking; and
- updates approximately every four days thereafter.
Photographs may include individual photographs and/or photo collages at the Home Steward’s discretion.
Enhanced Communication Packages or custom communication schedules may be selected before Booking confirmation.
If a significant concern, unexpected event, or emergency affecting the Property or Companion Animals arises during the Booking, the Home Steward will make reasonable efforts to notify the Client as soon as reasonably practicable using the contact information provided by the Client.
8. Home Photographs
Before the Booking begins, the Client agrees to upload current photographs of all rooms and areas the Home Steward is expected to access, including any areas requiring regular care.
These photographs establish the general condition and layout of the Property before services begin.
9. Privacy, Security & Recording Devices
The Client agrees to disclose all known security cameras, recording devices, smart home devices capable of recording audio or video, alarm systems, and other monitoring equipment located on or around the Property.
The Home Steward expects reasonable privacy while occupying the Property for the purpose of providing Home Stewardship Services.
The Client agrees not to use undisclosed monitoring devices or recording equipment in areas where the Home Steward may reasonably expect privacy.
10. Temporary Occupancy
The Home Steward occupies the Property solely for the purpose of providing the agreed Home Stewardship Services.
This arrangement is temporary, service-based, and limited to the approved Booking dates.
Nothing in this Agreement is intended to create a landlord-tenant relationship, residential tenancy, leasehold interest, or other long-term occupancy arrangement.
11. Right to Decline or Discontinue Services
The Home Steward reserves the right to decline any Booking before acceptance.
After services begin, the Home Steward may suspend or discontinue services if:
- material information was omitted or misrepresented;
- the Property is materially different from what was disclosed;
- conditions become unsafe, threatening, unsanitary, or otherwise unsuitable;
- the Client or another individual creates a harassing, intimidating, abusive, discriminatory, or otherwise hostile environment;
- undisclosed persons repeatedly access the Property; or
- circumstances arise that make continued services unreasonable or unsafe.
Refund eligibility shall be governed by the Payment, Cancellation & Refund Policy.
12. Liability
The Home Steward agrees to exercise reasonable care while performing the agreed Home Stewardship Services.
The Client remains responsible for the condition of the Property, ownership and behavior of Companion Animals, household systems, and all pre-existing conditions unless damage results directly from the Home Steward’s negligence or intentional misconduct.
The Home Steward is not responsible for:
- undisclosed hazards;
- undisclosed behavioral concerns;
- inaccurate or incomplete information provided by the Client;
- ordinary wear and tear associated with normal occupancy;
- failure of household appliances, utilities, or building systems beyond the Home Steward’s control; or
- losses resulting from events beyond the Home Steward’s reasonable control.
13. Property Damage
The Home Steward agrees to promptly notify the Client of any accidental damage that occurs during the Booking.
The Client acknowledges that accidents may occur despite reasonable care.
Nothing in this Agreement shall require the Home Steward to assume responsibility for damage caused by undisclosed hazards, pre-existing defects, Companion Animals acting under normal circumstances, ordinary wear and tear, or circumstances outside the Home Steward’s reasonable control.
14. Emergencies
If an emergency affecting the Property or Companion Animals occurs, the Home Steward will make reasonable efforts to contact the Client using the information provided.
If the Client cannot be reached and immediate action is reasonably necessary to protect the health or safety of the Companion Animals or the Property, the Home Steward may act in good faith according to the Client’s previously authorized emergency instructions.
The Client remains financially responsible for emergency veterinary treatment, emergency repairs, emergency boarding, or other emergency expenses unless otherwise agreed in writing.
15. Force Majeure
Neither party shall be considered in breach of this Agreement when performance becomes impossible or substantially impracticable due to events beyond their reasonable control, including but not limited to severe weather, natural disasters, government actions, travel disruptions, widespread public emergencies, or serious illness.
Both parties agree to communicate promptly and make reasonable efforts to minimize disruption. Any refunds or financial adjustments shall be governed by the Payment, Cancellation & Refund Policy.
16. Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the state in which the Home Steward’s operating LLC is organized, unless otherwise required by applicable law.
17. Acceptance
By submitting a Booking request, completing the required acknowledgments, and proceeding with an approved Booking, the Client confirms that they have read, understood, and agree to this Agreement.