Resident Caretaker Wanted – Southsea Home with Cat

We are looking for a reliable, cat-loving person to live in our two-bedroom house in Southsea while we are abroad. This is not a standard rental – it’s a unique arrangement where you’ll enjoy low-cost accommodation in return for helping care for our home, our cat, and occasionally welcoming visiting lodgers (usually Chinese scholars from the University of Portsmouth).

The role includes:
• Caring for our cat, Paddy Max: feeding, play, companionship, vet visits and healthcare as needed.
• Looking after the house and garden: keeping it tidy, watering plants, managing bamboo, putting bins out, and ensuring security.
• Coordinating with tradespeople for any repairs or maintenance.
• Keeping the house stocked with shared essentials (washing powder, toilet paper, soap, etc.).
• Managing post and communications on our behalf.
• Welcoming lodgers, showing them the ropes, and passing on any issues to us.

In return, you’ll receive:
• A comfortable furnished room in a well-kept Southsea home.
• Rent of just £400 per month (all bills included; including council tax, gas, electricity, broadband, TV licence, council tax etc...) – far below the local average.
• Long-term security and stability.
• A friendly cat for company.
• A welcoming, international household atmosphere connected to the University of Portsmouth.

About you:
• Responsible, trustworthy, and organised.
• Happy to live with and care for a cat.
• Comfortable with light household management and liaising with lodgers.
• Ideally suited to a postgraduate student, early-career academic, or professional seeking affordable long-term accommodation in Portsmouth.

If this sounds like you, please get in touch telling us a bit about yourself, your background, and why you’d be interested in the role.

References will be requested.

No benefits or social security.

Council Tax Band B.