@idocsteve Background check is only compulsory for US sitters as mentioned by other members and optional for anyone else.
5 Likes
I think it’s so they can see an address, as the home owner only really knows the sitters name, if anything goes wrong then during the sit the home owner is in a better position if the police or courts have to get involved. We’ve provided our details on a couple of occasions, I think it reasures the home owner a bit.
2 Likes
This is interesting about the second check … I would be keen to do this but don’t think it’s optional for outside the US/it isn’t offered? I’m in the U.K.
currently on the sit - I offered the call and my own criminal record check, as well as mentioning my LinkedIn and Airbnb is also on the profile. They are new to the site and this is there first sit, so perhaps this was enough to help as they weren’t aware. Neither have been taken up and there wasn’t a direct response to me stating I’m uncomfortable sending it digitally.
I will making sure I keep the lines of communication open to ensure continued comfort for both of us 
5 Likes
I am a sitter in the UK and have not been ID checked by a third party as it states on my profile.
I provided a mobile number and email when I joined and when I wanted to advise THS of a change of address they didn’t want to know.
2 Likes
Well, that’s not very reassuring.
1 Like
I agree, I think that that statement gives hosts a false sense of security. I could change my email and phone number at any time if I was so inclined.
Sitters who joined more recently may have been checked by a third party (Evident). I just know I wasn’t.
2 Likes
Hopefully that’s it… you joined before ID verification was mandatory but it still doesn’t explain why sitters such as you who never went through the process have that badge on their profile.
Your experience seems to point towards the proverbial iceberg.
2 Likes
Many communities have these same very strict entrance requirements. My mother-in-law is now in assisted living, but for years when we’d visit her, we’d get stopped at the gate. My spouse would introduce himself as her son, they’d check his ID against what they had in the system before they would let him in. The rule was if you were in a car they only checked the driver.
It doesn’t sound like she’s paranoid which is a clinical condition where you suspect everyone is out to get you. It sounds like she is very cautious because she was a victim. I hope the two of you can work this out so that the sit doesn’t have to be cancelled at the last minute.
1 Like
I think there is a little crossover here from my original post and a subsequent one.
the request for ID wasn’t a deal breaker - for either of us, and we have managed to find a compromise that we are both comfortable with.
The sit is currently happening and all seems well! We chatted and they are happy with the checks by THS - as they are new I didn’t think they knew this happened.
6 Likes
Except ironically as a result of this thread, it’s been determined that ID checks aren’t always done even if a sitter’s profile has the “ID Verified” badge.
1 Like
When I joined in 2022 ID check and criminal background check (US) were both required. I think it may be that some sitters who’ve been members for long time and joined when the requirements were different may not have been checked.
2 Likes
Very much so!
It’s concerning that those that joined before the check still have the same verification tick as those that have actually been verified.
as far as I am concerned I have been, as I distinctly remember feeling uncomfortable about scanning my passport in 
2 Likes
Putting aside the sitters self-reporting here who have fallen through the cracks in the verification process, I can understand that sitters consider it as something serious. But let’s breakdown the ID check a bit The check tells THS that a sitter is verified to be 1) a real person, 2) with a valid ID that 3) matches to the real person. I see no direct benefit to sitters who probably already know they’re real, who they are and whether they have a shady background.
THS does receive direct benefits from the requirement. The ID verification and background checks are important to THS for liability reasons and in order to provide their insurance coverage plans. Insurance companies are almost certainly requiring these background checks and THS is marketing their compliance as a benefit to subscribers. I call that bit marketing fluff.
So what DIRECT benefit do hosts get from the ID verification? Nothing at all. THS does NOT require that a sitter’s profile use the real name Evident ID has verified and, as previously stated, getting a real name (much less their home address) is nigh on impossible for a host. Evident ID’s check lets the host know only that the real person who shows up to sit has a valid ID of some kind. But, unless the host sees that valid ID, the host has only the name given and no home address. None of that is any problem in the vast majority of sits but it can become a huge problem for a host if or when there is a problem.
Though likely another requirement imposed on THS by insurance companies, the criminal background checks are a nice reassurance that a US-based sitter was not a known sexual offender or had a public criminal record when they signed up on THS. Aside from obvious loopholes, it’s not clear and seems unlikely that THS subscribes to Evident ID’s continued monitoring of criminal records but my concern about potential criminal sitters is infinitesimal (nonexistent?) compared to my concerns about how do I deal with the consequences of sitter accidents that happen when they are staying in my home or driving my vehicle. At least I am forewarned that THS and Evident ID will be no help.
Hopefully, sitters at my place will understand my need to verify Evident ID’s identification verification.
1 Like
If my assertion is correct that THS only runs the ID and criminal checks because insurance companies require those checks on the covered individual (sitters), why would any insurance company require checks on potential future claimants (hosts)? That HOs are not required to undergo ID verification makes complete sense. The lack of the criminal background check on hosts is a bit of a head scratcher but I’m sure the THS liability insurer could explain.
1 Like
My hosts have my phone-number pre-confirmation because we do calls on WhatsApp, and usually my e-mail also. I offer my LinkedIn-profile, but I don’t give out copies of my ID. No one has ever asked for LinkedIn or ID in any form.
If ID is wanted it should be said at a much earlier stage, preferably before confirmation. If it is not mandatory because use of car/ insurance, issuing guest certificate or other, I would probably withdraw from the sit. Not because I can’t show my ID, but because the distrust or insecurity it shows on the hosts side could signal distrusting behaviour during sit. Cameras, people popping in», excessive messaging and so on. I just don’t want to put up with that. I’d rather pass on a sit that could turn out well than kick mysel f not having listened to my gut.
So make that choice, but then
we’re not a good match. Find another sitter.
I think many rely too much on background checks
After all, a clear background check only states that you are not yet convicted.
3 Likes
I joined in 2022 and my ID was checked and verified.
1 Like
They should use family or friends
1 Like
Back in 2015 when I joined, a sitter only had to provide a phone number and email address to THS. When the company decided to spend mega bucks (thanks to an investment) to break into the US market, verification requirements changed and Evident became the verifier. All members had to be ID verified (passport or driver licence)and there was a time limit on when that had to be completed by, otherwise sitters would not be eligible to accept sits. US sitters also had to be background checked.
2 Likes
This was a past sit long over. I think your comment was directed towards the OP.
1 Like
The private equity investment happened after background checks were required in the U.S. at least. I had to get one when I joined, before the Mayfair buyout.
2 Likes