Claire C.

What is The National Home Watch Association?

May 24, 2026
Introduction
The National Home Watch Association is a group of elite Home Watch services from across the U.S., Canada and Australia that have agreed to operate their businesses according to the highest set of standards and guidelines in the industry. These standards and guidelines ensure the clients of these Accredited Members that they are fully protected by proper insurance, bonding, and procedures provided by them. In addition, Accredited Members have agreed to uphold and abide by the Code of Ethics and Mission Statement of the NHWA.

As a Homeowner: What that means to me

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.

“One of the most common mistakes I see is people cutting their grass too short, especially in spring and summer. Leaving it just a little longer encourages deeper roots and protects it from heat stress. If you’re not adjusting your blade height with the seasons, you’re missing a key part of lawn care.”
Claire Cleverly
Author (Orem, UT)

What Is the National Home Watch Association?

The National Home Watch Association (NHWA) is the leading organization dedicated to protecting homeowners and setting professional standards within the home watch industry. Their mission is simple: provide accountability, education, and credibility for companies entrusted with caring for vacant homes.

For homeowners, especially seasonal residents and frequent travelers, working with an NHWA-accredited company provides an added layer of confidence knowing their property is being monitored by professionals who follow established best practices.

Pro Tips: When choosing a home watch company, look for membership with the National Home Watch Association. It’s a strong sign the company values professionalism, accountability, and industry-recognized standards for protecting your home while you’re away.

Why Accreditation Matters

Not all home watch services are created equal. The NHWA requires accredited members to meet strict standards, including background checks, proper insurance coverage, and a commitment to professionalism.

This matters because when your home sits vacant, even a small issue can quickly become a major problem. Water leaks, HVAC failures, pest issues, or storm damage often go unnoticed without regular professional visits.

Choosing a company connected to the NHWA means you are hiring a service that values consistency, communication, and accountability — not just someone casually checking on your property.

"The National Home Watch Association sets the standard for trust, professionalism, and peace of mind — because protecting a home should never be left to chance."
Claire Cleerly
Author (Orem, UT)

The Benefits for Seasonal & Absentee Homeowners

For seasonal homeowners, peace of mind is everything. Whether you are away for weeks or months at a time, knowing someone is proactively monitoring your home can make all the difference.

An NHWA-accredited home watch company provides:

  • Routine visual inspections
  • Detailed reporting after visits
  • Early detection of potential issues
  • Coordination with vendors or emergency services if needed
  • Professional oversight while you are away

Instead of relying on neighbors or friends, homeowners gain a trusted partner dedicated to protecting one of their largest investments.

Final Thoughts

Our Commitment to Professional Home Watch

At Return & Report, we believe professionalism and trust should always come first. That is why aligning with the standards set by the National Home Watch Association is so important to us.

Home watch is more than simply walking through a property — it is acting on behalf of homeowners with care, attention to detail, and consistent communication. Our goal is to provide dependable service that gives homeowners confidence every time they leave town.

When you choose a professional home watch company, you are choosing proactive protection, reliable oversight, and peace of mind for your home and estate.

Get in Touch

Ready to Get Some R&R?

Let our expert team handle the hard work while you enjoy a lush, beautiful yard. Get in touch today for a free quote!