House sitter turns alpaca into felt

Dear Amy: A friend returned from abroad. He is struggling to find a full-time job, so we let him stay at our place (rentfree) while we were away.

When we returned, we realized he had damaged a piece of furniture by using a homemade cleaning solution. He also turned an alpaca blanket into felt by washing it.

When I brought up the blanket, he only offered to pay for half of the cost.

I recognize that mistakes happen. I also realize I could have been clearer about how to care for these things, but am I in the wrong to be frustrated by his offer to only pay half ?

Since we returned, he’s traveled by plane to visit other cities, which leads me to believe he’s not cash strapped.

It rubs me the wrong way. — Annoyed Samaritan

Dear Annoyed: I would categorize these incidents as “mistakes,” and yes, frustration is a proportional response. Does your friend owe you the total cost? I don’t think so.

He was obviously very concerned about keeping your house and belongings clean (both of these mistakes are cleaning-related). I assume that other than these, your belongings were in acceptable condition upon your return.

I wonder if you have considered the value of having someone living in your house while you were away?

No one broke in, the pipes didn’t freeze and burst, and none of about a dozen possible catastrophes that can happen to unoccupied houses happened to yours.

This man was your guest. If you and your husband had been home when he did this, would you expect him to pay?

Protecting your more property from others’ mistakes is your responsibility.

I think you should accept your friend’s offer.