Household Management Service Agreement

What a good one includes

• A detailed list of specific daily, weekly, and seasonal responsibilities, ranging from pet care and errand running to managing third-party home vendors.
• A clear breakdown of core working hours, expectation for overtime or on-call availability, and how schedule changes will be communicated.
• Explicit terms regarding hourly pay, overtime rates, paid time off, and the exact process for managing household expenses or using a family credit card.
• A strict non-disclosure agreement preventing the sharing of family photos, schedules, financial details, or personal information online or with third parties.
• Clear guidelines on how either party can end the agreement, including required notice periods and grounds for immediate termination.
• Protocols for using a family vehicle or the manager's personal car, including mileage reimbursement rates and insurance coverage requirements.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Leaving the scope of work open-ended often leads to "scope creep," causing burnout for the manager and frustration for the family.
• Treating a regular household manager as an independent contractor rather than an employee can result in severe legal and tax penalties.
• Omitting a clear approval process for household purchases leads to budget disputes and awkward conversations over receipts.
• Forgetting to specify rules about guests, overnight stays, or sharing family life on personal social media accounts can compromise your household's security and peace of mind.

Frequently asked questions