Private Household Employment Agreement
 
Establish clear expectations. Protect both parties. Build successful long-term employment relationships.
 
Hiring household staff involves much more than agreeing on a salary. A professionally written employment agreement helps establish expectations from day one, minimizes misunderstandings, and provides both the Employer and Employee with a clear framework for a successful working relationship.
 
The House Managers Network Private Household Employment Agreement has been developed specifically for the private service industry and is suitable for a wide range of household positions, including nannies, newborn care specialists, family assistants, housekeepers, executive housekeepers, household managers, estate managers, personal assistants, private chefs, companions, drivers, domestic couples, and other private household professionals.
 
Unlike generic employment contracts, this comprehensive agreement addresses many of the unique situations encountered within private residences and estates, helping both parties establish professional boundaries while maintaining flexibility to customize the agreement to the household's specific needs.
 
This Employment Agreement Includes:
Employment terms and position designation
Work schedules and guaranteed hours
Live-in and live-out employment provisions
Meal and rest break policies
On-call and availability expectations
Compensation, payroll, overtime, and tax classifications
Payroll methods and pay schedules
Late payment protections
Severance provisions (optional)
Inclement weather and emergency policies
Expense reimbursement procedures
Performance reviews
Travel and overnight compensation
Driving and transportation requirements
Professional scope of duties and workplace boundaries ("Leave It As You Found It")
Work-from-home expectations
Child illness and health notification policies
Emergency medical procedures
Additional children and visiting children policies
Household supplies and work materials
Professional conduct, mutual respect, and workplace communication
Vacation, sick leave, and medical stipend provisions
Paid holidays and bereavement leave
At-will employment and notice requirements
Immediate termination provisions
Role modifications and changes in responsibilities
Confidentiality and privacy agreements
Social media policy
Recording devices and camera disclosure
Education reimbursement and professional development (optional)
Continued employment agreements following employer-paid education (optional)
Additional customizable terms
Legal guidance and best-practice recommendations
 
Fully Customizable
This agreement contains numerous optional provisions and check-box selections, allowing Employers and Employees to tailor the agreement to their unique household, work environment, and expectations. Whether hiring a nanny, estate manager, executive housekeeper, or other household professional, the agreement can be adapted to fit virtually any private service position.
Designed Specifically for the Private Service Industry
 
Created by House Managers Network and HMN-Academy, this agreement reflects real-world household employment practices developed through years of experience placing and managing private household professionals. It addresses many of the issues commonly overlooked in standard employment contracts, providing both parties with greater clarity, professionalism, and peace of mind.
 
Disclaimer: This document is provided as a professional resource and template and does not constitute legal advice. Both Employers and Employees are encouraged to consult qualified legal counsel to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws before executing any employment agreement.