How to hire a housekeeper?

Choosing to hire a housekeeper can significantly improve your quality of life. However, this process requires a good understanding of the legal aspects and the different options available. This article will guide you through the essential steps to hire a housekeeper at home, including the hiring formalities , the differences between direct recruitment and through a personal services company , as well as the selection criteria.

The first step is to define your service needs. Do you need someone for general home maintenance or for specific tasks? This initial thinking will help you find the right profile.

Next, start searching. You can post ads on specialized sites, use word of mouth, or go through a personal services agency. Once you have several potential candidates, organize interviews to assess their experience and skills.

To attract the right candidates, write a clear ad specifying the tasks, the hours and the proposed salary (or hourly rate for the cleaner you are looking for). Also mention whether you are looking for an occasional or regular cleaner.

Don't forget to include information about the work environment, such as the size of the accommodation and the amenities available.

Hiring a housekeeper at home involves legal obligations for the private employer . You must complete the hiring formalities which include in particular the declaration of the employee to URSSAF and the drafting of an employment contract . For those who are wondering about similar roles, it is useful to understand the differences between the roles of the housekeeper and the home help .

Using the universal employment service check (CESU) can simplify these administrative procedures . The CESU allows you to easily declare and pay your employee's salary and contributions .

Like any employer, you have duties towards your employee. Respect their rights to avoid any conflict situations. Make sure that paid leave is properly accounted for and that working conditions comply with current regulations.

There are two main ways to hire a housekeeper: directly, as a private employer, or through a personal services company . Each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

Direct hiring means that you are the private employer. This involves more administrative procedures, but also more flexibility in the organization of work and often a reduction in costs.

However, being responsible for all the administrative management can be restrictive for some people. Fortunately, the CESU makes these procedures much easier.

Going through a personal services company frees you from many administrative constraints. The company takes care of the employee's declaration, drafting the employment contract and even managing leave and possible replacements.
However, this option is generally more expensive because it includes the company's management costs. However, it offers the advantage of a service that is often more professional and responsive in the event of problems or absences.

Selecting the right housekeeper requires careful evaluation. In addition to experience and skills, other criteria can play a decisive role.

Always ask for references and check them carefully. A housekeeper with good recommendations and proven experience will usually be a better choice.

Ask specific questions during the interview to understand how she handles household chores and what her work methods are.

It is crucial to choose someone you feel comfortable with. A good professional relationship also relies on a certain personal compatibility and smooth communication.

Choosing between direct hiring and hiring through a company depends on your priorities and your ability to manage administrative procedures.

Direct hiring is mainly advantageous for its flexibility and reduced cost, but it requires an investment of time to manage all the hiring formalities and employee monitoring.

Hiring by company , on the other hand, offers serenity and professionalism at the price of a higher cost. It is ideal for those who prefer to delegate the administrative part entirely.

What are the costs associated with hiring a housekeeper?

Costs vary depending on the method chosen. With direct hiring, you only pay the salary and social security contributions, often through the CESU . Going through a company includes additional management costs, making this option more expensive.

You can use CESU to declare and pay your employee easily. Simply create an account on the dedicated website, enter the hours worked and the salary, then pay online. Social security contributions will be automatically calculated and collected.

As an employer, you must provide an employment contract , respect the agreed hours, pay the salary and social security contributions , and ensure decent working conditions. You must also provide paid leave to your employee.

Failure to properly declare a housekeeper exposes you to high financial penalties from the tax and social security authorities. In addition, in the event of an accident at work, you could be held personally liable, with all the legal and financial consequences that this entails.