Interesting discussion…I suppose there can be rules and policies that are simply not enforced, right? If I worked for THS, enforcing the rules would not be my favorite job. I have seen “reminders” to members, but at some point, blatant disregard for the rules should result in members getting removed.
@CatLabatt1 Welcome to the forum and I can see that you are finding some helpful information from the community members.
Just to mention that the third-party rule is super important and something that all owners agree to in the Code of Conduct & T&Cs when joining. If you post a new listing that states you will be home with the sitter during the sit period then the approvals team will not be able to approve it and will reach out to you. For those of you that have seen listings like this before, they will be old listings or those that were edited after approval and you can always let the Membership Services team know.
Also, it is worth bearing in mind that the insurance covers the dates of the sit, but likely not if the owner is on-site at the same time. I would check the T&Cs and speak with Membership Services.
I think the best bet would be to publish the individual sit dates, so multiple dates in that four-month period and then state in your listing that you would prefer the same sitter for all of the dates. The in-between gaps could then be private arrangements - the sitter perhaps stays if they are happy to or travels during your return home.
This makes sure that the sitter is responsible for the home and pets and covered by insurance for the sit period when you and your husband would not be there.
I just wanted to make you aware so that if you sign up your listing is not rejected and you and your sitter are covered by insurance during your sit. Hopefully, that will make it a more smooth experience for you and your sitter 