Curious as to people’s thoughts on this one. I had a call with my new sit before I arrived and they asked if I could change the sheets of an Airbnb place they have next door. I semi-reluctantly agreed (I don’t really think their exterior business up-keep should be left to me). Have arrived at the sit tonight and it’s in fact a total of 6 beds to change over two days. I haven’t said anything and probably won’t, seeing as I already agreed. Thoughts?
THS policy states
“Please note that sitters are not expected to complete any tasks that are considered ‘work’. This may include helping a pet parent maintain any business they have …… it would be better for them to bring in paid employment to complete those tasks. “
That being said I have seen listings that state the host has an AirBnb and will not take bookings during the sit unless the sitter would be open to earning some money for the change over as a private arrangement outside of THS - So the sit goes ahead as a THS sit and the change over of the Airbnb is a separate arrangement where the host pays the sitter for those services . That seems fair when it is disclosed upfront in the listing ….
@Joannacurwood The Terms of Service state:
5.1.12. only use the Services for domestic and private use, and will not use the Services in connection with any business or other organisation or for any commercial purpose whatsoever;
Doing that work in their Airbnb falls under this. I would draw their attention to this. They should be paying you to do this or need to arrange someone else to do it. We do have to be assertive, otherwise hosts will continue to use sitters for purposes like this. They’re making money while relying on your goodwill.
My POV: Nope, nope, nope.
Your question: ‘when is it too much?’
The answer: it already is
A similar thing happened to me-- owner has an Airbnb, asked me to wash the sheets so they wouldn’t be mouldering for weeks. I agreed as they made it seem like it’d be one time, and a relatively small enough favor. And then I get there and it ended up be 5 sets of sheets needing 10 loads total! To add insult, the owner already had an Airbnb cleaner coming for the changeovers-- why would they ask me to do it except to take advantage? Like you, because I already said I’d do it I just went ahead and did it, but from now on it’ll be a firm “no.”
I would have ZERO issue pushing back on this as it’s obvious the Home Owner is pushing the envelope way past breaking point. They should spring for a change over cleaner.
In phychology this is called foot in the door technique, asking you for a seemingly small favour first and after you agreed expand the tasks, they assume you would feel guilty to say no at this point. The people asking just see the person they ask as a free tool which they can exploit. You gain nothing from it including respect. Say no, you will thank yourself later.
I guess the question a sitter needs to ask is…how many sheets need to be done? One set, ok, that’s fine. More than that, too much.
Sitters will say ok because we want to be helpful. You feel like you’re being unreasonable if you don’t say ok. However, there’s a point when a HO “asking a favor” becomes “taking advantage of”.
Now, if they offer some kind of compensation, then that would be reasonable, but still not something a sitter needs to accept.
In our housesits, we’ve come across a few surprises.
You seem to have somewhat agreed, prior to sit confirmation, to some form of above-normal responsibilities. That’s your choice. On some or our housesits, we have agreed to atypical responsibilities (as they were commensurate positive attributes). Give-and-take can be a curious conversation.
We tend to reflect on the intensity of the atypical ask and the duration of the housesit. If the atypical ask is materially beyond that outlined in the video call then we will seek to have a reasonable conversation with the pet parent. They may have other options.
Regardless, suggest include brief objective details in your review.
I understand this was a last minute ask, was that the case?
This sounds like they intentionally made it sound like just a small favour that came unexpectedly. I understand that you may feel a bit trapped because you agreed even though “semi-reluctantly” but the fact is that you agreed to do a small favour and they are taking advantage of the situation.
If you decide not to mention it now and just do it, please do mention it in the review.
I hope the won’t keep increasing their demands.
Not nice for the H.O. to ask, and you really couldn’t say no without backing out of the sit. The H.O. should throw you $100 at the end of the sit, but you shouldn’t ask for it. You better get a great review, and the H.O. is violating website policy and your review of them should mention this situation.
This also happened to me. The listing mentioned there was an Airbnb in the grounds but that I wouldn’t have to be involved. When I arrived at 7am just before the owners left I was asked to remove all the bedding in the Airbnb, wash them and put them out to dry. Then have them ready for someone to collect them and iron them. I did this but explained later it was not allowed and mentioned it in my review.
I think it stinks. They would have a cleaner coming in and it should be part of their duties. Using an Airbnb always comes with that attached cleaning fee. Hosts are taking advantage.
These are terrible people. I think they intentionally waited until the last minute to adke for ‘a small favor’ that turned out to be a big chore.
Even if you consider staying with the sit, please report them and/or review accordingly. It’s truly unfair for anyone in any circumstance to use this ‘bait and switch’ type approach.
This gets top billing in your review, I hope !
You’ve been stitched up! Breaks Ts and Cs and the last minute request was in the hope that you didn’t push back which has worked for them. Definitely goes in the review to warn other sitters. Cleaning fees for their guests should go to you. #stitchup
I would do it, but would negotiate a price before agreeing
I’m really sorry to hear this @Joannacurwood - as you can see from everyone’s replies - you shouldn’t be expected to help someone with their Airbnb.
Is this something that you’d want to discuss with Membership Services? I can drop you a DM if you want to chat about getting some support?
You’re also welcome to keep discussing here, if the advice from our lovely members is what you’re needing for the moment.
You can tell them: It’s against the Ts & Cs, provide the link @Silversitters shared, end of story.
Or.. - @Jenny is right here to help you!