Just saw a listing where the HO states that they will give preference to applicants who agree to pay the utilities. I realise this is “kinda” within the rules but sheesh. The pets need light, heat, cool etc etc as well. Edit to add that the listing was re listed several times to capture more applications.
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Asking for payment towards utilities is permitted , as long as it’s disclosed in the listing . Which in this case it is clearly mentioned .
It’s up to sitters if they want to apply or not .
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I just recently saw a listing for a year that was in a beautiful house with all the amenities you would want, pool, spa, etc. They made it clear that they covered all costs, as it should be IMHO. Where I lived people would hire concierges to watch their property. They came three times a week for an hour or so and charged quite a bit. Then they boarded their dogs which was another hefty fee. You are watching their pets, plants and house which is work. Sorry, I think utilities should not be passed on to the sitter unless they abuse the situation and their utility cost far exceed what the PP typically pays. Then they should pay the difference.
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100%. What really raised my eyebrows was the following sentence in the listing
“ Since this is over a month, and sought after sit, I ask you to consider covering your own utilities. Not mandatory, but if I have multiple applications, it will make a decision easier for me.” Edit: and then they went on to relist the sit several times.
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Yes, I’d raise my eyebrows at that too and move on
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Their listing certainly would have made a decision easier for ME! The decision to move on…
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Unless it is a 3 month sit or longer…we would never agree to pay utilities. This is part of the process of having someone else stay in your house. We would however, always be conscientious of A/C heating use, try opening doors and windows to cooler fresh air, etc.
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@Oztravels saw it too. Amazed that she got so many applications!
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I wonder if those applicants are reading the entire listing before applying.
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‘Sought-after’ (doubt that)… sounds more like someone trying to split rent. Good ol’ real estater energy; A rare gem!..though relisted. Repeatedly😅
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That would tell me everything I need to know about the HO’s.
Next.
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Given that there are people who charge for house-sitting, and kennels are extremely expensive, I think it is petty and mean to expect us to pay for essential amenities. It would be a red flag for me that the house-owner hasn’t approached house-sitting with the right attitude and I’d be worried about what else they might do, or expect. I don’t think any money should be changing hands in normal circumstances. It’s a mutually beneficial barter system.
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where is the listing?
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Not sure even how it would work… would they send you the bill after the sit?? Is it a cash hungry meter that you have to keep feeding whilst there?? (Pun intended!)
Its meant to be a MUTUALLY beneficial arrangement! Im surprised its even permitted within THS rules.
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It’s be a big “not interested” for me.
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That’s a hard no and absurb. Every housesit I’ve been on for the past 9 motnhs, except 2, are not clean, and some are filthy. My hourly rate for consulting is $300-500, so if their home is worth $300-500 a night, that’s how much effort I put in to clean - 1 hour a day. I’d rather stay in a hotel then with no responsibilities PLUS get my room cleaned.
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Unless it were a very long sit, 6 months or longer, asking the sitter to pay the utilities is a red flag. What else would the HO be cheap skate about? I would never apply no matter how great the location.
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Completely agree, and im a HO
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Absurd!! Im a HO
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That kind of listing makes deciding much easier for sitters, too. 
Because we have multiple choices as well.
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