Two years ago, we slept over night at a few of the hosts’ homes and we didn’t like it. They were nice and kind but it was weird. Interestingly these last 12 months have been different. We’ve had three hosts who had early morning flights and after meeting us for the handover in the afternoons, they go sleep in hotels and then fly out in the morning. Yay!! Maybe these days I’m giving off a different vibe
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Short answer: 0 days. You’re committed to stay ZERO days beyond the listed dates. Those dates should reflect the host’s actual departure and return—not some extended fantasy timeline.
As others have said: Yikes. Run. Sticky. Major red flag. Shared accommodation violates the core terms. This isn’t a co-living experiment.
My first housesit was also with a new host— who deliberately squeezed in four extra days before and after the actual trip. The host came home dead sick with COVID while I was still there, thanks to those “bonus” days. International sit. Not ideal.
Reminder; this is your free time too. You didn’t sign up for dorm life.
“..I’m an adult—I don’t do slumber parties anymore..,” or “..I’d rather not get sick from strangers on my holiday..” is more than enough and very valid reasons.
Personally, I’m a sleepwalker… and a bit of a weirdo—not quite Stepbrothers level, but certainly an interesting combo.
That’s my go-to excuse if this nonsense ever comes up again. And if it does… I just might ask the host to sign a waiver—full legal liability if they plan on sleeping there too.
“It’s at your own risk—I take zero responsibility..” 
(Only happened in the UK, for what it’s worth.)
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I stayed on a week as a reward for great service, in the guest bedroom, once the grateful Home owners were back. That was offered and I readily accepted as it was a special week ( Semana Santa ) and I really liked the hosts who I clicked with. It wasn’t agreed at the start of the sit but evolved. I thoroughly enjoyed my time. I hardly saw the Home Owners they had family nearby to visit and were night birds. I was up early and out a lot as processions etc were early and in the evenings. It was a favourite sit. I’m welcome back anytime.
I’d have gone a week early if they had wanted too! I don’t mind a long handover.. better than being handed the baby with no welcome guide in place!
I’m not juggling work, I’m experienced.. maybe these factors make a difference too.
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I’ve been invited back to stay with some hosts, even without them traveling. Or to stay longer, after their return, if I wanted to hang around and sightsee. If my timing and interest worked out, all of my hosts so far have seemed like nice enough people that I wouldn’t mind that, and I also wouldn’t mind having them stay with us during a visit, not to sit our pet or home.
I have invited remote coworkers from abroad, whom I’ve never met in person, to stay with us, if they wanted to visit the U.S. Have also hosted people on fellowships, coming from abroad, or exchange students I’d never met before.
My parents were always friendly that way — when we were kids, they’d invite new acquaintances to stay with us, for instance. Once, there was a typhoon that grounded flights and my mom invited a lady she’d met on the plane home to stay with us for a few days, till flights resumed and she could complete her travel homeward. We showed her all around town and otherwise entertained her.
I think we were lucky, because we learned to have high comfort around people and build rapport easily. For my siblings and me, that’s benefited us in various ways as adults.
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Sounds wonderful 
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Honestly, this is giving red flags and I would potentially ask them to fully list their expectations. If there’s suddenly things they didn’t disclose at the interview when you accepted, you may have a justifying reason not to go ahead. A one week lead in is very entitled like you have nothing else to do but spend time with them for free. The fact that they couldn’t work that out for themselves is problematic. Communicate politely but remember your rights.
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My parents were in the pastoral service; my Dad a vicar, my Mum a nurse. Big vicarages meant spare rooms and beds and we filled them with needy folk, passing through. I remember announcing I was engaged whilst we had the visiting Bishop for lunch!
When I married and set up home we had the need for lodgers to get by as a young married couple with growing children and dwindling resources. As someone who started my travels at 18 months to South America I invited foreign students to stay and taught them English and showed them UK at its best. It was the next best thing to travelling myself. Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, African all came through the door.
Housesitting was a natural progression having cared for family pets and pets belonging to friends. I was promoted to Housemaster, working alongside with my wife, we enjoyed supporting the work of caring for boarding and day pupils and living in the school. We did this exhausting but rewarding work for ten years.
Caring for children and caring for pets have lots of similarities. People trust you and that speaks volumes. I never betrayed that trust.
I’ve travelled with my family to the ends of the Earth and relied on the kindness of strangers and love the opportunities to pay it forward.
Trusted Housesitters isn’t for everyone. It’s made my world bigger and warmer and I’m grateful. I’ve continued my travels and love of pets and yes love of people too. This is a microcosm of how I wish the wide world to become. Giving and sharing and making things easier for folks and being a good substitute for parents and Home Owners albeit on a temporary basis.
This voluntary work has felt enriching and very worthwhile to date. Long may that continue!
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