Terms and Conditions for Care and Domestic Services

What a good one includes

• A detailed breakdown of the exact duties you will perform, alongside a list of tasks that fall outside your scope of work.
• Clear instructions on when payments are due, accepted payment methods, and the specific penalties or interest charged for late payments.
• A defined notice window—typically 24 to 48 hours—and the associated fees if a client cancels inside that timeframe.
• Explicit details on how you will access the home, whether through a key, security code, or concierge, and your responsibility for securing the property upon leaving.
• A clause outlining how accidental breakages or damages are handled, including your insurance coverage details and limits.
• The process and required notice period for either party to permanently end the ongoing service agreement.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Failing to define a clear cancellation window, which often causes independent providers to lose valuable income from last-minute schedule changes.
• Using overly complex legal jargon that intimidates clients and leads to misunderstandings that could have been avoided with simple, direct language.
• Neglecting to include a pet and safety clause, which can leave you exposed to unsafe working conditions or unpredictable animals.
• Not getting a signed acknowledgment, which makes your terms incredibly difficult to enforce if a payment or liability dispute arises.

Frequently asked questions