I would really be in favour of ditching the stars as well. It causes so much grief, for pet sitters and home owners. In most situations 4 stars would be considered really good but on this forum it’s something to fear. I have always had 5 stars (so far!) and I’ve always given 5 stars but I know I’m not perfect and there would have been things that I might have improved upon. If we were just asked to comment under the headings that are currently starred it could lead to a much more nuanced review and better matches. For example, I am not that bothered if the house isn’t sparkling when I get home so an ‘adequate’ review in this respect wouldn’t bother me. But for some people this would be a priority and that’s fair enough. I have posted before about the ridiculous star system but never thought of abandoning it altogether. But I think you are absolutely right! 
I see a lot of recommendations by seasoned sitters. Do TrustedHousesiitters ever take these on board and implement them?
@CRU - in a word no! Seasoned sitter for 11 years.
The only improvement I have experienced is the star rating review system. Everything else in my opinion has been a backward step (5 application limit, overlapping dates, search facility, messaging, in box etc etc).
I had my first star docked on cleaning recently, after about 15 sits and I was also a bit taken aback, but I guess everyone has different thresholds, and to be honest some people expect a professional level of cleaning.
I was particularly frustrated though, as I’d been quite gracious about them having a broken / dodgy hose tap but still wanting the garden watered frequently, also there being a cannabis plant they wanted watering and their cat was also a bit bitey, none of which was mentioned beforehand. I let it all slide though because I thought, they’re probably doing their best and just forgot to mention these details. It’s disheartening when you’re lenient with people though, and then you’re scrutinised more heavily.
Yes that’s what keeps happening which is why it’s a hot topic here, it’s a bit of a design flaw with the platform, welcome guide, etc. And yes, even the star ratings. As I said before they should be rating HS as a houseguest, not a housecleaner. In what other realm would you expect a houseguest or AirBnb guest to do any more than tidy up and maybe take out the trash? Even those are not always expected. And a HS is already minding the house and pets on top of it all. I don’t think any more should be expected of them except “tidying up”. Cleaning should be the responsibility of the HO, same as with AirBnb. Just my opinion.
I completely agree with you Diane. I don’t feel mopping and cleaning a dirty oven hob is above and beyond - part of basic house keeping and a courteous thing to do. I leave my home very clean and tidy for sitters and expect the same on my return. We’re both providing a service so why would a house less clean than you left it be ok?
I’ve carried out 13 sits so far, so I’ve definitely been more on the sitter side and always set aside the morning I leave to clean the house top to bottom. If I’m leaving early I do as much as possible the night before and do anything else that needs doing before I leave (even if that means getting up earlier). I also choose smaller sits when I’m alone (bigger sits when I’m with my husband/friend so I have help) so less to clean and keep tidy.
Me either :0
Nobody is leaving things a mess. But do you really need to mop a 2-3 story home if you’ve already vacuumed and there aren’t any messes? If you have the time and energy based on everything else going on in the sit and your life, great. But if not, you shouldn’t be penalized, as there isn’t any major mess left to clean up. Same with the stove, nobody is leaving a splattered and gross stove.
Are you saying that you didn’t rate and review to reflect their “bitey” cat?
You want THS to change expectations, but logically if hosts were open to such expectations, you shouldn’t have much trouble finding hosts who’ll accept them — cleanliness levels are at their discretion, not THS’s.
You can address that by discussing upfront with hosts whether they’d be OK with “tidying up” instead of cleaning if that’s your priority. If the hosts choose you, then you can follow up in writing with bullet points about what you’ll do.
Then if the sit goes ahead, you can also refer to those bullet points when you leave, as a check list. That can help for what you seem stressed about.
And if you think THS is creating unrealistic expectations, there are plenty of other ways to sit without THS. Many members have identified alternatives on various threads.
Personally, I figure I’ll get a weak review at some point if I happen to end up with a poorly matched host with unrealistic expectations, but that will be an aberration, which I expect rational hosts to take in context. Doesn’t worry me. I’m not a full-time sitter and can always stay home or travel otherwise, though.
Some folks choose to sit full time, but that’s not something that hosts or THS should have to make exceptions for. I’m not clear on why they would. How is that their responsibility?
Note: If you push that line of thought, you’re making the case for hosts to lean toward part-time sitters over full-time ones, because you’re saying that they should expect less from them.
Be honest!
Big multi story homes?! Must be nice. Sorry, but this sounds like a bit of complaining. I’m an HO and I do know how to rate and I do leave very very specific instructions about expectations for everything. Communication is key. I always either meet the sitter if they are local or do a FaceTime, etc. if a sitter walks into a beautiful home that is very clean and tidy, then the sitter should realize that is exactly how they should leave it. Some people may have high cleaning expectations which should be known to sitter. If not, I agree not fair to the sitter. Bottom line, it’s all about communication between HO and Sitter and all of us leaving an honest review without getting butt hurt! Out❤️
I don’t think you’ve read all the posts in this thread, or all the other threads “complaining” about this issue. Honestly I’m sort of ignoring these unsupportive replies 
They are not unsupportive - just a different viewpoint from your own.
I dont doubt it. I had a similar situation happen once and it was quite disconcerting. But its something we have to contend with when dealing with people. I think most kind and decent HOs are happy and grateful that you took good care of their pets and the state of the home, although normal expectations are understandable, comes second. But anyway, it comes with the territory I guess. Wishing you better experiences in the future.
Totally agree. Expectations for EVERYTHING should be discussed and agreed before the sit is confirmed. I sit (almost) full time but do not work full time. I arrange my work to coincide with less busy times when pet sitting. If I chose to look after pets in an immaculate home I know to leave the home the way I found it.
You are posting on a public forum where everyone’s opinion is valid.
My “opinion” is also valid. It’s not “complaining”. Nowhere in this thread am I shutting down anyone’s difficult experience. This is a SUPPORT forum. Thanks!
Yes, it is for support but also information for both sitters and hosts. People come here for all different reasons and as it has been pointed out so many times we are all individuals with different backgrounds, ideas, ways of life. The one thing that glues us all together is the love of animals and travel. Some see it as a way of life, others, it’s a break from their usual routine. With all these differences there is so many opinions. Some I may agree with and adopt others I will find unacceptable and walk away shaking my head but that doesn’t make that person wrong or a lesser person. It just means they do things differently to me.
All parties should agree all aspects of the sit before it is confirmed so misunderstandings don’t happen or expectations are not met. Communication is how this concept works.
Thank you. I completely agree.