Yes, I think that’s something to take into account. But it’s quite interesting how different the attitudes can be. We have family in Eastern Europe which is amazed that people let us stay for free in their homes while in many countries in Western Europe (except maybe UK) people can’t understand that we’re taking care of someone’s animals for free. One HO also reminded us once that the flat that we were staying used to be rented out for over 100 EUR per night (which we felt was a bit awkward to say so directly and we didn’t remind him what the kennels would charge for his 3-4 animals + taking care of a very large property).
Personally I don’t think it’s appropriate for sitters to pay utilities unless they are literally just house sitting/ plants etc. They are looking after beloved pets and if you were home you would be paying for the utilities yourself.
It’s not about paying for utilities in general, but to prevent excessive use of energy costs, be it wood, electricity, gas, oil and water, which in certain areas I can understand.
It depends on where the sit is, what contracts the HO have and what they think is reasonable. There’s no rule about this and should be talked about beforehand and clearly stated in the listing. Like this it’s up to the sitters if they want to apply anyway.
Because of the Ukrainian-Russian war nobody here in Europe has yet any idea how much more will be charged at the end of the year and many people, us included, try to cut back on energy costs as much as possible. The last thing we need now are sitters, who don’t care about how expensive everything becomes and simply use energy without second thoughts. I know most sitters here on the forum are very conscious about this, but there are about 40.000 others and not all of them might act this way.
So even if we wouldn’t charge the sitters, we at least might make them aware of the situation.
Myself I am very frugal as in usage electrciy so am wondering what it’s going to be seeing the recent increase in energy prices. I think in my case a lot of sits would be cheaper out with what i don’t use during a sit. If they wanted me to pay then I would ask for proef of their and my usage and want to know where in could also check this offf - on a meter or something at the beginning and end of a sit.
I know in comparison to one of my regular sits i use nothing like a tenth of their usage. They have lights on all hours of the day even when not in rooms. When i visit them (they’re friends of mine - I’m the one who turns out lights in rooms as we leave to sit somewhere else)
And as I mentioned before they actually said to me why would we ask you for money as you provided pet care and feeding, trips to vet when necessary, 24 hr home care and protection. Postage pick-up and acceptance etc etc. Just think of what 24hr home security protection would cost in most countries
Exactly. “Here’s your bill for electricity, TV, water, gas,” “OK, here’s yours for pet care, home security, opening your mail and sending you photos, my travel costs, etc.”
There’s an earlier comment that I find offensive–the implication that sitters would brazenly overuse utilities just b/c they’re not paying directly. Many of us are highly energy- and climate-conscious.
I am perfectly aware of this fact, even if the point I was trying to make, doesn’t have anything to do with who started it. I guess everybody knows what I mean. I am sorry for not being as eloquent as a native English speaker, but next time I know not to use two words only, but a complete sentence.
A gentle reminder to not be over critical or judgmental please.
Be kind and courteous
We’re all in this space together to create a welcoming environment for both existing and potential members of TrustedHousesitters. We should treat each other with respect. Healthy debate is encouraged however kindness is required -
Who was being overly critical and/or judgmental?
yes agree on all points Katie. Thats precisely what my friends the home owners say. Also indeed if we travel abroad for a sit we will sometimes have high travel costs depending on type of travel & means of transport.
My friends the home owners actually keep pushing me to go on the paid sitters sites as there the sitters get paid and the amounts are sometimes i find a bit daft.I would actually feel bad taking those amounts for caring for the animals.
Hi @Katie simply a general reminder …
Wondering if it’s okay to ask a sitter to pay absolute minimal for utilities of the stay is longer than 4 mths?
Hi @Freesy and welcome to the forum. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you clearly outline the details in the listing. Sitters need to know your position on this (if you do decide to ask for a contribution) BEFORE they apply. This saves time for both the homeowner and the sitter. Sometimes it’s something that’s to be discussed, rather than specifics set out. Regardless, whatever you decide, please make sure it’s clear in your listing.
Francine,
Voluntary Forum Moderator
Hi @Freesy - Personally, I would only consider to pay anything towards utilities if the sit was for a home only with no pet(s) care responsibilities.
If I am looking after your pet(s), the longer the sit, then the more you are saving in kennel/cattery fees so can not understand the logic of expecting me to contribute anything.
This has been brought up before many times and the answers are usually pretty divided with some sitters being ok considering having to contribute to utilities and others that are not willing to consider.
Some things to think about - how would you decide on the amount? A certain amount specified at the beginning? Review the bill at the end and ask for it?
Look up how much it would cost you to board your pet(s) or hire a pet sitter for that long. It likely would be WAY more than the sitter’s cost of utilities, especially because you wouldn’t shut off your utilities for 4 months, so there is going to be some cost regardless.
Consider the cost of the full service a sitter is providing. They are there to look after your pets, but they are also there in the home to make sure it doesn’t sit empty for months at a time, collect your mail, look after your belongings, etc…
This is a reciprocity website. It isn’t “free” housing for the sitter. It is labor in exchange for temporary housing. If you pay for in home pet care it is well beyond the cost of your heating. A security presence in your home for long term sits is part of the value to you as well. Thanks to THS every sitter is ID verified & background checked. I wouldn’t pay for utilities unless your home was in a tropical paradise & had no pets. Hope that helps! 
We are on a 5 month house with no pets. We are happily contributing to the monthly utilities because it’s winter here and I like to be warm. 
It is as easy as that. However advice/input was asked for & therefore given.
Yes that makes sense! There’s barely any labor for you as there’s no pets. I would happily contribute as well! 
Also… if you paid for these sits ( I’ve done the math) most of them come out to an average of $150 per day. Before tax & tip ( in the US) That’s one pet. Something to consider. But yes, on long term sits a minimal contribution could be agreed upon if the value of the accomodation exceeds the value of the home & pet labor required.
You’re also in Queensland where it’s mainly warm all year