Hmm… to me it is in the same range as “switch off the light in rooms you’re not using” - common sense area. Thanks for telling me, I’ll keep it in then 
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It is common sense to be fair but unfortunately, it’s not that common.
The same people though will use Aircon in their car and keep the windows closed so what’s the difference, they just don’t think.
In holiday apartments, the Aircon will usually not work unless the balcony door is closed, again, the same principle.
Some folks just can’t join the dots.
Keep it in your listing to help those who can’t think logically.
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I had a pet sit last year during a major heat wave. It was brutal. The apartment had window a/c units and they needed to be kept on high during the entire sit to keep it at the reasonably comfortable temperature that I prefer. I told the host after arriving that I would leave her cash towards her electric bill because I wanted to be able to keep it cool inside without restrictions. I asked her not to put that in her review because I didn’t think it was something that is typical or should be expected.
For me, I’d rather not melt, and I personally did not want to feel like I had to keep my use of a/c limited so the host wouldn’t be faced with a high electric bill after I left. I did a return sit there, but the temps were cooler so I didn’t leave any contribution.
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I would never have let you pay - why would I? Had I been home, I’d have run the AC myself anyway. You’re a guest, and it’s my obligation as a home owner to make sure you’re comfortable.
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It’s the only time I have contributed, and in this case, I felt it appropriate. She didn’t ask, and I doubt she would have, but for me, it was the right choice.
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After being here on THS for a year, I finally came across a sit where sitters are asked to contribute for utilities. As a H.O also, I think it is so rude to ask for money for heat or cooling when the pets I side the home need the exact same comfort as a human.
THS should really look into it.
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It’s so important to leave a message about the windows… We had a sitter unknowingly mess our central air because they would blast it with the windows open. You have reminded me to put a little note on my windows to remind sitters.
Hi all. As this site is still fairly new to us, I was not aware of issues regarding a request to contribute to Utility bills, for “Long Term Sits”. Especially in the Autumn and Winter months.
We “would like” couples where 1 or both work from or will be home most of the time.
Whoever disagrees with the HO asking the Sitter to contribute to the Utility BIlls during these harsh times, should stop and think how lucky they would be to be in a great house and in a great location, “Rent Free”.
Why should the HO be at risk of facing exorbitant Utility Bills for Long Term sits.
Fares fare, the sitters are still getting a great deal, having no other monetary commitments for 4 months.
This was also highlighted to me from a disgruntled sitter, because I messaged her after our video call and politely told her I had forgotten to mention this. She was aware I was new to using this site.
Made me wonder though, she also told me that she charges HO’s for Christmas Holiday sits. That’s a bit of the “Pot calling the a kettle black” and supposedly against the rules coming from a long time Sitter who should know better.
I say to the Sitters don’t be greedy.
Yes you are providing a service, but at least have some morals and contribute in Long Term Sits.
Not all HO’s are wealthy and need an some need an extra quid just like the Sitters.
If the request for a contribution to the Utility Bills is not allowed, then I will be looking at other sites.
And for those that felt they were getting hard done by with my listing and telling me they were reporting my listing, go ahead.
Sitters should be more appreciative in Long Term Sits.
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You are obviously one of the more considerate Sitters. Thanks for support.
That’s having Morals. Great sitter in my books.
I think it’s morally wrong to not chip in on Long Term Sits. This would then make the sitter a bit more responsible when using the Gas Heater and not have it running 24 /7 for 4 months during Winter.
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I don’t think it would have to do with «morals». In my own home the heating works on a set temperature all year round. Also when I’m away and petsitting. It is not necessarily economic to turn the heating in and off. The reason for this is that when you turn the heating off, not only the air would cool down, but also the building parts - walls, floor, etc. When you turn the heating on again it will need to warm up not only the air, but also the cold building parts.
Something as and maybe more severe: Temperature variations and inadequate temperature control contribute to increased moisture levels and mold growth. Temperature fluctuations can lead to condensation, further increasing moisture levels and promoting mold growth. Mold is cancer for a building. So the small savings could lead to major expenses.
So it can be very sensible and economical to keep the temperature up and stable.
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And yet you think that this couple of sitters should subsidise the heating of your property, whilst they are required to be stay home for most of the time?
Hosts are of course allowed to request payment towards utilities during a sit, but this must be clearly included in the listing and will doubtless impact on the number - and potential quality - of sitters who apply.
Having read your post, which includes:
it would be a hard “Pass!” from us.
If you can’t afford to heat the home for your pets during your absence in the winter months, you possibly should consider alternative care arrangements for them.
It seems you are completely missing the reciprocal benefit ethos of THS.
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I’m not a better person for doing this, every sit is different, even repeat ones. In the sit I contributed to, it was in the midst of an unusual heat wave, one for the record books. I wanted to meet my needs and be fair to the host. We all get to decide what we feel comfortable with.
It’s absolutely fine to ask for a contribution to utilities in your listing. You’ll find some sitters won’t apply and that’s fine. They are respecting their time and yours by not applying to something they don’t want. When a host forgets to mention something in their listing that is a negative for a sitter which is disclosed later, that omission may create a lack of trust. The forum is full of stories about surprises and disappointments. No one wants them.
I’ve had many sits through the winter months and have been asked to keep the temperature no higher than a certain number. The requests were reasonable for me and I was happy to do so. I am on a sit now where the hosts keep it much higher than I like, so I’ve turned it down for my comfort. Be sure to let a potential sitter know all your requirements in your listing. When they apply after it’s in your listing, then they already have a general comfort level with those things, and you can then both decide if you are a match after you have your video call.
Good luck with your search.
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We’re currently on a 3-month sit and our hosts have placed no restrictions on heating settings. Like @anon10466095 , we keep the heating on tickover (as set by the hosts) during the day, preferring to layer-up or go out for a walk if feeling a bit chilly. We only turn the heating up for a couple of hours in the evening, when we’re sitting down and relaxing.
I suspect that most sitters - and most hosts - are reasonable people, who don’t take advantage and work towards making this an equitable and happy exchange. Hosts who perceive sitters as ‘lucky’ to be invited to their sit are few and far between, and are best avoided, IMHO.
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It may be helpful to read some of the thousands of sitters reviews on THS. The majority are exceptional. I don’t think you’ll find that most would ever consider doing this.
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The place I’m staying now, the HOs keep it a lot warmer than I would. I haven’t even turned on the heat yet (in England) and haven’t had a fire since they left. My first night here (while they were still here) I was considering opening the window in my room because it was so warm - and that was with the heat in my room off. I also need to figure out how to turn down the hot water because it’s significantly warmer than I like and the mixer in the shower doesn’t work. I expect they’ll be happily surprised by the drop in their electric bill for the time I’m here.
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Definitely. I melted last night even with the temperature down. I will ask them today to reduce further for me.
Are you serious? You do know that sitters usually live somewhere and pay rent or utilities for their place when taking care of your pets? And you are aware of the fact, that often these people have full time jobs AND the job to take care of your pets 24 hours a day?
If you have no money to heat your house while you are away, how about to stay at home? Or have no pets and go on holiday worry-free that somebody uses your energy while looking after your pet and home FOR FREE.
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Please consult the host on the water. To prevent serious diseases like legionella the water should be at least 70 °C.