This is an interesting proposal

[explorer]

Nice Cheeky comments above. Certainly a reversal of the traditional HOUSESITTING model, eh?

Even most HOTELS don't charge a different room rate for two people vs. one. That is a very distrubing and newly noticed "trend" to charge based upon the number of occupants. It's BS gouging. Set a damn price and stick to it without games....

I think it's equally in line with PT Barnum's "sucker born every minute" approach.

[redmondjp]

explorer,

I'm not saying I disagree with you on this one, but if the landlord is paying for utilities, there is some justification for setting price based upon the number of occupants. In this case, however, I can't see a $300/mo. difference between two people and one.

[explorer]

I can see your point, although I would rather KNOW what the utilites actually cost, vs. trusting it to a fixed amount that high. Does ONE extra adult (regardless of gender or age), really cost an extra $200 per MONTH over what is already factored in? This is City Light power, right, Not PSE?

It seems doubtful, unless this is a really energy-INefficient house. Why make such a huge cost assumption up front? I know utilities costs are rising, but I would think there would be more incentive to conserve and save $$ if the actual costs were billed in this case.

[rose-colored-coolaid]