So I have a couple petsitting. We adore this couple. I’ve turned off camera notifications because we trust them and I don’t need to be notified of every little thing. However, we’ve told them not to leave our retractable awning out in case of heavy winds and rain. It’s almost midnight, awning is still out and it’s supposed to rain. (Too much rain will make the canopy sag). How do I bring this up? I don’t want any possible damage.
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When you say, “I don’t want any possible damage”, do you mean damage to the canopy or damage to the relationship?
If they know about the cameras - and they should - you can simply tell the truth: I was worried about rain, I checked the camera, the awning is still out, please remember to retract it.
If they don’t know about the cameras, then your choice is to sacrifice the canopy, or sacrifice the relationship.
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They are aware of exterior cameras. I’m referring to damage to the canopy.
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It hasn’t been damaged yet, correct? Maybe just send them a text saying it’s going to rain so please remember to retract the awning if you haven’t already.
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No, not damaged yet. If it does rain, it probably won’t be damaged. However the forecast shows rain and thunderstorms this week and we’d prefer that it be kept closed.
Why don’t you message them and say “Just checked & the weather forecast looks grim, please remember to bring the canopy in if you haven’t already. Thanks so much.” Then it keeps things neutral as if you’re thinking ahead & not already in the know. #twistthetenses
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Just wondering why you’ve checked the cameras if you trust them and adore them?
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As a sitter I would appreciate this reminder worded in this way .
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Human nature.
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Just because I like and adore them, I’m supposed to ignore something that could possibly go wrong? Do I let worse case scenario happen? I’ve already turned off notifications. Am I supposed to turn off cameras too? Things happens that are not intentional. I’d hate for some thing to happen and they have to pay, if it could’ve been prevented. Just looking for wording on how to send a gentle reminder.
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As a sitter, I have no issue with homeowners checking disclosed exterior cameras, and I even appreciate it. Homeowners will notice things sitters won’t - something unusual in the yard, an odd stain on the siding, whatever. And as a homeowner myself I frequently use exterior cameras to check for package deliveries so I can notify a sitter to check the porch (I wish my security system would allow me to give “visitor access” to the cameras, but it does not).
The wording Cuttlefish gave you is perfect, and it was wise of you to reach out to the community to ask. We have so many cultures here and words do matter. I sometimes wonder if we should revive the art of the old-fashioned phone call, too? Tone and intent don’t come through well via text. It sounds like you are a kind human wanting to ensure the sitters do not feel uncomfortable.
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My thoughts too.
Just to make you aware because you said “I’d hate for something to happen and they have to pay”, standard & premium memberships include home & contents insurance but any claim would need to go through your own home insurance policy I believe in the first instance. Whilst I think lots of sitters would offer to repair or replace damaged goods, not all sitters will or can. Just giving you the heads up about insurance in case you thought that sitters must pay for damage.
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Just text and say just a reminder please make sure awning is up i see the weather forcast dont look to good. Thank you .