Hi there. I’m scheduled to do a sit soon. The owner messaged me that the Internet is down. I don’t mind waiting for the tech (the earliest available appointment is when she’s gone). But it’s apparently not unusual here for the contractor to require cash on the day of service? I’ll ask her now if she can find out how much it might be, and if she can leave the money in an envelope or with a trusted neighbor. I’m pretty sure she’ll pay me back. But she’s almost a complete stranger. Curious if this is actually against TH’s terms? As well as if I’d have any protection or reimbursement from TH should the owner fail to repay me the upfront cost?
I would expect the owner to leave cash in an envelope for me to pay the contractor. I would just tell them that would be the best thing to do - I wouldn’t even suggest a neighbour - they’re trusting you with their entire house and pets it would be odd if they didn’t trust you to pay a contractor with a bit of petty cash
This is in Malaysia. I texted a friend who’s a local, and she confirmed this is standard practice. But I like the idea of leaving the needed cash in an envelope beforehand. I’ll suggest that she could also leave the cash with a neighbor if she’s more comfortable with that. Thanks again.
THS terms actually say the sitter pays for repairs while sitting and that the owner should repay within 14 days of the end of sit. However they offer nothing further in terms of making sure that happens so you should definitely cover yourself.
I think having them leave enough money with you or a neighbour is the best option. If they aren’t willing t o leave money why should they expect you to pay and trust them to refund.
In any case the internet wouldn’t be fixed if you didn’t hand over the money they left and you will definitely want the internet fixed so I think they can be assured the money will be used for the internet.
And I almost never travel with cash and pay with card so I would be unlikely to have enough cash on me.
As a HO, I’d be mortified if I expected my sitter to pay up! I’d be leaving the cash and I don’t think it’s unreasonable to ask, that’s not your problem to sort and not right for the host (in my opinion) to expect that.
I didn’t realize that’s the expectation that the sitter would pay upfront. Kinda surprised. Good to know.
I feel more comfortable now asking her to leave the cash in an envelope beforehand. In fact, I’ve had owners tell me they left emergency cash just in case, but fortunately didn’t need it. Thanks everybody! Very grateful for your help.
It’s in the terms but it’s very much not the expectation
I think it’s there so that something gets fixed if the owner is unavailable or can’t pay or transfer funds from wherever they are. Definitely not how sitters would expect it to be and personally I would consider it a last option and I believe owners wouldn’t expect it as a first option and free line of credit.
It’s a contentious topic but the short answer is no-one should be surprised or offended if you politely suggest the owner leaves money.
Ask the owner if you have not already done so how she intends to cover it.
The answer may relieve you of any doubts and/or responsibility but as others have said and in my experience, online payment or cash made available.
Don’t offer any favors or services unless you feel comfortable.
Unlike this situation where the owner knows in advance, if the water heater or the gas line were to suddenly burst, it would be unforeseen. The sitter would be the one handling it, at least in terms of hands on the ground (& depending how reachable the owner was at the time for things like coordinating logistics with the gas company, etc)
Thanks. I’m unfortunately not in a situation to be able to lend a large amount. And I’ve heard you should never lend money unless prepared to make it a gift. So if she doesn’t want to leave the cash, I can cover a small amount, but it may be nowhere near what’s required. We may just have to wait until she’s back to get it repaired, worst case scenario. I’d rather be without Internet than stress about if I’ll get back money I can’t afford to lose.
@lovewaterbears She should leave the money to pay for it or make other arrangements with the contractor. You absolutely should not be expected to pay and hope for reimbursement. It’s not your expense, it’s the HOs and they already know about it. Just ask if they will be leaving cash to pay for it or making other arrangements.
I’m very confused by this. If it’s the internet, wouldn’t the person fixing it be from the internet provider? Wouldn’t the service charge – if any – be on the next invoice?
Also, if any repair was needed, even if I was on vacation I’d be reachable by phone and able to use venmo or zelle or whatever someone takes. Where is this happening? 1997?
