- Unfortunately, some people will steal. Be aware at the beginning of a cleaner's employment but also some months later when some people think you have stopped being vigilant. Check regular things like money, jewelry, small objects of value, etc. Help yourself by minimizing temptation. If you suspect a cleaner of stealing, you should write down a list of the things that you think are missing and then contact the agency or the police. Confronting the cleaner directly might prove dangerous or unwise if the cleaner never returns again and your things are gone forever.
- If you use an agency, check to see that they are both bonded and insured--for your protection and the protection of the cleaner.
- If you find the TV channel changed, dust bunnies still piled up in corners and things left undone, you need to talk with your cleaner about what is happening.
- Make sure that you're not being too fussy before accusing your cleaner of bad work. Sometimes our own personal expectations are very high. Could it be something that you can meet the cleaner halfway with, such as she does a good job mostly but that final swish can be done by you to assuage your own neuroses? Or is the cleaner truly doing a rotten job? Ask other family members and friends before you go on the warpath to gauge their ideas and feelings about it.
- If you hire a cleaner directly, find out who is responsible if the cleaner has an injury in your home. In some cases, your homeowner's insurance policy will not cover the injuries of someone you have hired to work in your home, and independent cleaners may lack sufficient personal health insurance to cover all their expenses in case of an accident.
- If you hire a cleaner privately, and you use their services frequently, you may be responsible for employment taxes. Consult a tax professional if you plan to use an independent cleaner frequently to ensure that you will not be responsible for unanticipated expenses.
|
