What is Home Watch?
Home Watch is known by many names: house watch, house check, home concierge, caretaker, absentee home service, property watch, and so on. Regardless of the name, a Home Watch service performs scheduled inspections of unoccupied or vacant properties while the owner is away. The National Home Watch Association describes Home Watch as “a visual inspection of a home or property, looking for obvious issues.”
Should the inspector find an issue or potential problem, they will immediately notify the homeowner. From there, the homeowner will instruct the Home Watch service as to how they want to proceed. By removing junk mail and flyers and creating a presence in the home, Home Watch adds a level of security to the vacant home. Home Watch is the line of communication to the homeowner that provides peace of mind during their absence.
What a Home Watch Visit Typically Includes:
A walkthrough of the interior and exterior
Visual checks for signs of water leaks, mold, storm damage, or pest activity
Confirmation that HVAC systems, appliances, and plumbing are functioning as expected
Lookout for signs of forced entry or unauthorized access
Check that doors, windows, and key systems are secure
Mail/package collection or other homeowner-requested tasks
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Detailed home check report
Roof damage detected
Pest Activity
What Happens After a Visit?
Accredited professionals provide a detailed report to the homeowner, often with photos, timestamps, and notes. If anything is found, the report will highlight the concern so that the homeowner can take timely action or coordinate next steps with their local contacts or service providers.
What Happens After a Visit?
Accredited professionals provide a detailed report to the homeowner, often with photos, timestamps, and notes. If anything is found, the report will highlight the concern so that the homeowner can take timely action or coordinate next steps with their local contacts or service providers.
How NHWA-Accredited Home Watch Differs From Other Services
Feature | NHWA-Accredited Provider | Non-Accredited Company | Security Company |
|---|---|---|---|
Accreditation & Vetting | ✔️ Verified through insurance, background check, and ethics compliance | ❌ No formal review or oversight | ❌ Licensed for security, not Home Watch |
Scheduled Visual Inspections | ✔️ Routine interior & exterior checks with detailed reports | ⚠️May offer limited or inconsistent checks | ❌ Typically external perimeter checks only |
Home System Monitoring | ✔️ Checks HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and appliance function | ⚠️ Varies by provider; often not included | ❌ Not within their service scope |
Customizable Service Options | ✔️ Flexible visits & homeowner-directed task lists | ⚠️ Often lacks customization | ❌ Fixed patrol routes or response protocols |
Trained in Home Watch Protocols | ✔️Follows NHWA standards and training | ❌ No standardized training | ❌Trained in security, not home maintenance |
Peace of Mind Communication | ✔️Photo-documented reports and direct homeowner contact | ⚠️ Inconsistent updates | ⚠️ Alerts for emergencies only |
Industry Support & Ethics Code | ✔️ Bound by NHWA’s Code of Ethics and peer network | ❌ No affiliation with national standards | ❌ Governed by security regulations only |
Many people confuse Accreditation with Certification. — Here's the difference.
Understanding NHWA Accreditation vs. CHWP Certification
NHWA Accreditation (For Businesses)
A company/business attains accreditation.
Accreditation is a status earned by businesses that meet NHWA’s strict requirements. The process includes:
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A criminal background check on all company principals
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Consumer affairs and Better Business Bureau checks/inquiries
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Verification of all required business licenses in the state/province, county, and municipality where business will be conducted (must be acquired and maintained wherever possible)
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Proof of proper insurance and bonding, which must be maintained continuously
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Adherence to best practices and the NHWA Code of Ethics
NHWA-accredited companies are reaccredited annually after undergoing the full vetting process again.
CHWP: Certified Home Watch Professional
The CHWP designation is awarded to individuals — typically company principals or employees of accredited businesses — who meet NHWA’s high standards for professional training and hands-on experience.
To become CHWP certified, individuals must:
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Work for or own an NHWA-accredited company
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Meet practical experience requirements
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Complete core and regional training curriculum
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Pass the official NHWA online certification exam
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Recertify every 2 years with continuing education and a renewal exam
Certification = Personal expertise and field-tested knowledge.
Where peace of mind meets professional standards.
Why Choose an NHWA-Accredited Provider
Verified & Insured Professionals
Every NHWA-accredited business has passed a background check, carries active insurance, and meets strict eligibility requirements—so you know exactly who’s entering your home.
Code of Ethics You Can Trust
Members operate under a formal code that ensures transparency, integrity, and consistency—core values we require of all listed providers.
Clear, Documented Visit Reports
After every visit, you’ll receive a written report—often with photos—that outlines what was observed, so you’re always informed and in control.
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Resources & Seasonal Tips
Plan Ahead With NHWA Guides
Contact NHWA
Have questions about finding a service or understanding your options? We’re here to help.
How to Get Started
New to Home Watch? Here’s everything you need to know to make your first hire.
Why Accreditation Matters
Discover how NHWA accreditation ensures professionalism, ethics, and peace of mind.
Homeowner Tips & Guides
Explore seasonal checklists, vacation prep tips, and advice for absentee homeowners.
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Find a Local Provider
Search our national directory to connect with a verified NHWA-accredited business near you.
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What Is Home Watch?
Learn how a Home Watch service works and what it means to hire an accredited professional.
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What is a Home Watch service?A Home Watch service is designed to give you peace of mind while you are away from your home. The official definition of Home Watch is “A visual inspection of a home or property, looking for obvious issues.” So, your home is being inspected by professionals looking for potential problems. Most companies will design a checklist based on your individual needs and concerns. If a situation does arise, you will be notified so the problem can be dealt with in an efficient and cost-effective manner. For more information, visit our What is Home Watch? page.
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Why do I need a Home Watch service?Actually, the question is, how can you not have one? So many things can happen to your home in your absence: break-ins, water leaks, electrical problems, insects, mold, and storms, to name a few. Conversely, preventive measures such as storm preparation and proactive maintenance should prevent many situations from arising. Even if you have a trusted neighbor or relative nearby, having a professional acting on your behalf is a much better and more effective option.
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What if I have a situation at my home?The Home Watch professional’s experience and judgment will allow them to handle any situation with a calculated response. If the situation is an emergency, it will be handled in the fastest, safest, and most cost-effective way. In a non-emergency situation, you will be contacted to discuss and implement a course of action.
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Is a Home Watch service a security service?Not as a rule; however, having a visible presence in your empty home may act as a crime deterrent. Most Home Watch companies answer alarm calls and are familiar to local law enforcement.
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How does a Home Watch company qualify to become an Accredited Member of the National Home Watch Association?Not all companies qualify for membership in the National Home Watch Association. Our members have been carefully screened. References have been checked, and insurance, bonding and licenses (if applicable) have been verified. Each member has agreed to abide by our Code of Ethics and set of standards. Membership in the NHWA can be verified by visiting our NHWA Accredited Member Locations Page or by contacting the NHWA today.
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What other services does a Home Watch company offer?Each company is unique. Most offer a variety of services, such as lawn care, concierge, handyman–even pool services. If they don’t provide it, they can certainly arrange for any service that you might need, using their knowledge of local contractors.
