Well, I find it uncomfortable to have a light following me around the house. Maybe I’m too much of a nature person for all sorts of unneccesary electrical equipment. Feels big brotherie to me.
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If this is a dealbreaker for you, best to address before accepting a sit.
The motion sensors aren’t following you — when you enter the path of one, you’re triggering it. It would be the same if an animal walked in front of it, or in some cases if a balloon drifted into its path, since motion detectors sense motion.
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I know that 
I didn’t mean it literally
There’s nothing following you when people have motion detectors… but agree that you should make the decision for yourself. Not something that can be shut off! ( apart from losing power! 
)
Yep. 
this 
Right, because motion detectors often are hardwired as part of alarm systems, a homeowner can’t turn them off. That’s why if they’re dealbreakers for any sitters, those sitters simply should not ever accept such sits. Otherwise, sitters who accept will just have to live with them.
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Yep. I’m all for self agency. But if someone doesn’t get how they work… and it’s not a thing like a camera or active “monitoring” of any sort- can’t control that or change beliefs. If a person doesn’t feel comfortable they should ask, and self select out.
I’m not planning to list motion dectectors in my listing. To me, it a bit like a night light that comes on when you walk into room! ( wouldn’t list a night light)
I have a nest smoke detector. It has no cameras and doesn’t monitor. It does light up when I walk underneath it - like a nightlight. But certainly not surveillance!
Other than hopefully detecting smoke when there’s fire!
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Technically it works the same but the idea behind it is very different don’t you think?
The first time we stayed in a home with one of these I did wonder what its purpose was as a yellow circle lights up when you turn off a light in the hallway or walk underneath. It was disconcerting at first but a quick internet search I found the answer , that it was not a camera .
Hosts who have these devices may not think to “explain” the purpose to sitters as they are so used to them being there they don’t even think about it . But it would be helpful if they did tell sitters at handover so that sitter knows what to expect .
I hear your point 
@Silversitters
Communication goes along way.
Yes, it’s a good idea to explain the presence of these devices, as we’re always happy to answer any questions a sitter may have. (None of our previous sitters have expressed any concerns.) I would recommend that you stay from the beginning, as it can be quite challenging to remember all the ubiquitous non-camera/monitoring devices that have sensors. Motion sensors are quite common in various places, such as when you enter a store like Costco, a hospital, or a mall, and the door automatically opens. You may also notice motion sensors when using Face ID to unlock your phone, washing your hands in a public washroom with a touchless tap, or drying your hands with a touchless paper towel.
Many TVs also turn off or display a pleasant picture when no one is in the room. These devices use motion and/or light sensors. Even my car has sensors for certain features, such as ambient lighting that turns on when you sit in the driver’s seat, speed warnings etc.
An argument was made also that these devices have different purposes, but I respectfully disagree. I think it’s about intent, and a little unfounded worry about monitoring or lack of understanding about passive sensors have no degree of malfeasance. If someone has beliefs about something, as a homeowner, I’m not gonna change that.
Just as a sitter wouldn’t want to be in a home with inappropriate, unidentified true monitoring devices (I certainly wouldn’t!), I don’t want a sitter who is overly worrying about routine things non surveillance like motion detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, smoke alarms, or an even an appropriately used permitted external door camera. This could create an uncomfortable environment for them no matter what I say, and therefore my place isn’t the right sit!
If a sitter feels uneasy about any automatic devices, it may be wise for them to choose to sit elsewhere, and before accepting a sit ask questions about passive sensors and things that are a concern, beyond prohibited cameras. As a homeowner, my responsibility is to strictly adhere to the terms and conditions of the sit.
However, I maintain it may be impossible to identify all the potential ‘sensors’ in a home, as they’re quite common and often go unnoticed. Somebody could have an old wired speaker on deck predating wireless, And based on past negative experiences, where cameras were inappropriately in a home that we’re not disclosed, I can see where that would inform a worry where people might think that those (motion sensors) are monitoring devices.
For instance, I don’t have a highly techy home; however, there are things that have sensors. I have a “smart TV,” motion detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors. It’s not like I have a smart fridge, smart lights, or anything similar. Many of those appliances can get complicated so yes, I can see how that would be frustrating or unnerving for a sitter unfamiliar. But increasingly COMMON. My car also has sensors that activate when it rains or when the sky gets dark. If someone gets worried about sensors for fear of monitoring, they’d be concerned every time they got in the car and the ambient light turned on. Moreover, my car would send me an alert if the car was being driven in excess of the set limit!
I fear that this part of the thread has gotten off topic, partly of my doing.
The OP @pumpkin was talking about excessive requests/check in of a home owner, from which the conversation exchange about motion detectors came up. I think it’s appropriate to let this get back on track…
I guess my point in this post is this, I hope that people don’t get into the weeds, worrying about mundane things. Absolutely hold all homeowners to the terms and conditions, just as I would for sitters as well. Good presit communication is the key. It creates a good partnership and working relationship. 
Gratitude to all the great sitters out there.
#toeachtheirown
#Askquestionspriortoacceptance
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