Domestic Aide

ASK: Are you insured? This means sufficient worker’s compensation insurance and liability insurance. Any reputable cleaning service should be able to provide you with a certificate of insurance.

ASK: How long they have been in business? We all have to start somewhere; but a cleaning company that’s been around for a while is more likely to be here tomorrow should you have any problems.

ASK: Do you comply with state and federal laws concerning payroll taxes? A legitimate cleaning service will take care of all the tax and social security payments that you would otherwise be responsible for.

ASK: Do you have references available? Any service that does good work should be proud to provide you with a solid list of references.

ASK: Who will provide the cleaning products?

ASK: Do you require contracts?

Ask: What the company's policies are should you need to cancel or change a scheduled cleaning.

ASK: What happens if something in my home is broken or damaged?

ASK: How do you train your employees? Do you have a formal training program?

ASK: Do you provide a satisfaction guarantee with your services?

Choose a service that is owner operated. Having the owner of the company involved increases accountability on the part of all employees

Make sure you are upfront and clear about all of your expectations. Ask about any service or task that you expect to be performed that are not mentioned during your initial conversation. Choosing a cleaning service without being crystal clear about your expectations and determining that the service is comprehensive enough to meet all your needs just doesn’t work.

What's the risk of hiring an individual to clean my home?

You may save a little money, but you leave yourself exposed to the very real risk of a lawsuit. An individual, hired “under the table” is a serious risk if they are hurt or even disabled on your property. They can sue for lost wages, damages and medical expenses. It's important to review your homeowners liability insurance to make sure it covers service people in case of injury, and notify your insurer of the relationship.

If you are not satisfied, you can fire the individual or take legal action. There is no recourse available if you are not satisfied, or if something is damaged, broken or missing.

If you hire an individual and they do not pay the taxes they owe on the money you pay them, YOU CAN BE HELD LIABLE FOR THE TAXES.

Hiring an individual makes you an employer, and you are legally required to file proper documents with the state and federal government. See IRS publication 926 Household Employer's Tax Guide for instructions.

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