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AIBU?

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Original poster

Would you charge a friend for a defrosted freezer?

88 replies

christmastreewithhairyfairy · 09/08/2025 09:32

A friend looked after our pets (paid) while we were on holiday. We came home to find the freezer fully defrosted, she owned up to opening it and it clearly didn't close properly. Not sure exactly how much was lost but probably over £100. She's offering to pay but given she is a friend and it was an accident I'm leaning towards saying no. If it was a professional I'd probably think differently. I'm curious to know what others would do.
YABU = take the money
YANBU = let it go

OP posts:
ShodAndShadySenators · 09/08/2025 09:55

I would let it go, it was an accident.

However a bit late for this time, but I recommend those freezer alarms that sound if the door's left open for however long. We got one after DS had left the door open a couple of times (I think he did close it but too quickly and firmly and it bounced back). They are worth it for the peace of mind, never mind the financial loss and inconvenience of having to bin and replace defrosted items.

Original poster
christmastreewithhairyfairy · 09/08/2025 09:54

Pippa12 · 09/08/2025 09:50

I wouldn’t taint a solid friendship for £100. We have home insurance that covers accidental defrosted freezers.

That is a good shout, we will check!

OP posts:
Original poster
christmastreewithhairyfairy · 09/08/2025 09:53

burnoutbabe · 09/08/2025 09:41

I’d take half what they offered (assuming they can afford it) and give them their usual present for pet sitting (chocolates or flowers or wine) Then move on.

Present? Is payment not considered enough?

OP posts:
ScrambledEggs12 · 09/08/2025 09:51

Check your electricity usage. I accidentally left our chest freezer open for a couple of days. Thankfully and miraculously nothing defrosted, but it cost a bit in electricity!

Pippa12 · 09/08/2025 09:50

I wouldn’t taint a solid friendship for £100. We have home insurance that covers accidental defrosted freezers.

feathermucker · 09/08/2025 09:48

I’d let it go.

Katflapkit · 09/08/2025 09:47

If you are worried about the friendship then clearly it is worth MORE than a £100. Reassure your friend, that you know it was an accident and accidents happen. It was a kind gesture to offer the £100 but as appreciative as you are you cannot accept. Let's put it behind us - we'll laugh about it one day.

GoodVibesHere · 09/08/2025 09:45

Why did she open the freezer? Was she staying overnight at your house?

MidnightPatrol · 09/08/2025 09:44

No I wouldn’t. It was an accident.

burnoutbabe · 09/08/2025 09:41

I’d take half what they offered (assuming they can afford it) and give them their usual present for pet sitting (chocolates or flowers or wine) Then move on.

Original poster
christmastreewithhairyfairy · 09/08/2025 09:37

QuarkQuarkPoshDuck · 09/08/2025 09:34

I'd let it go.

Good pet sitters are like gold dust!

Usually I'd agree, but right now I have other pet sitters. I'm more concerned about the friendship!

OP posts:
ToKittyornottoKitty · 09/08/2025 09:35

let it go

QuarkQuarkPoshDuck · 09/08/2025 09:34

I'd let it go.

Good pet sitters are like gold dust!