My question is a little different in that the HO is not asking me for anything. They have been generous and gracious. But I am guessing their electric bill for the month I am here is going to be more than they are used to. Coming from a very dry climate I have been running the AC quite a bit to cut down the humidity, especially at night since my CPAP drives me nuts when it is humid. Any suggestions on how to address this without offending them.
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@mam1996t you sound very considerate. I would address it exactly as you have written above ….
“I have had a lovely stay in your home . Just to let you know that I have been running the AC quite a bit to cut down the humidity, especially at night since my CPAP drives me nuts when it is humid. You have been very generous, but I do not want to take advantage of your generosity, therefore please do let me know if your electricity bill is more than usual this month, and I will be happy to reimburse you for the excess .”
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sounds perfect thanks
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@mam1996t that is so very considerate of you to even address the situation and @Silversitters has given great advice on how to approach the HO. I am hoping the HO feels you deserve the ac since you are taking such great care of their furballs.
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@Silversitters you’re writeup is awesome! You’re better than Chtgpt
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Thank you @IHeartAnimals 
that’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said about me 
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Considering the cost of kennels it is quite reasonable for home owners to have an increase in some bills. They are still far better off financially. If they begrudge people keeping warm or cool they are not suited to using house-sitting.
We once had a home owner send us a written contract which included (among other ridiculous things) charging us for ‘excess’ use of wood or electricity. Obiously we cancelled our application. Other than that, in over 100 sits it has not been an issue (though we are pretty careful not to waste electricity).
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I agree 100% and would never accept a sit where this was expected. I know the OP wasn’t asked to cover anything and it’s certainly kind to offer, but I’m not sure I would offer given the cost of kennels.
What does the cost of kennels have to do with anything? They could just as easily say you should pay because of the cost of Airbnb. starting to do price comparisons just makes everyone a loser in the end.
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Agree that referring to costs is a nonstarter. I would avoid those hosts. And if you wanted to discuss costs, consider that having someone secure your home and care for your home would cost in addition to pet care.
Exactly! This reasoning could work both ways. But it really doesn’t work at all. If a sitter wants to monetize, they can can do paid sitting; if an HO wants to monetize, they can put their home in Airbnb.
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I wasn’t suggesting discussing costs with anyone. However in my mind, the homeowner getting free pet sitting and house sitting shouldn’t expect the sitter to pay for utilities. I wouldn’t accept a sit that requires that.
The point is, when you start putting ‘x is getting y for free’ as any part of a THS sit then that is a slippery slope. Because they could just as easily say you’re getting a free place to stay so you SHOULD have to pay.
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