A competent caretaker accepts responsibility for the house as if it were his or her own. The caretaker will have possession of keys to the property, which must be safeguarded from loss or theft. You must demonstrate dependability; if you will be unable to personally supervise the homes of your clients for any extended period of time, you will need to have a trustworthy substitute fill in for you. If you are contracted to oversee a property on Cape Cod, you can’t spend the winter on the beach in Florida without making arrangements that satisfy the needs of your client. It is also very important that you have a good relationship with your clients, a strong understanding of their needs, and an explicit contract that spells out your responsibilities and the authority granted to you by the owner. For example, if a pipe freezes in the winter, you should be able to hire a plumber and a cleanup crew without having to wait to speak with your client. Your client or you should notify neighbors that you will be acting as caretaker for the property so that they do not mistake you for an unauthorized visitor.
Leave your card with the neighbors; they may be able to serve as an extra pair of eyes, and they may end up hiring you to watch their homes. You have to discuss it with your attorney any prior legal problems you may have encountered and seek advice about whether they need to be disclosed to clients.