Unfortunately, the risks associated with certain types of house cleaning services
are not generally known by the public. There is an enormous difference in hiring
a professional house cleaning company vs. hiring an individual. A professional cleaning
service offers the assurance that you are opening your home to a reliable company
that is responsible for any liability.
An individual who is hired under the table is a serious risk if they are hurt or
disabled on your property. Since they are not covered by insurance, there is a possibility
that they may sue you for lost wages, damages, or medical costs.
Technically, hiring an individual makes you an employer, which means you can be
held liable for injury claims, worker's compensation, insurance, and unemployment
insurance. It's imporant to review your home liability insurance to make sure it
covers service people in case of injury and to notify your insurer of the relationship.
If you hire an individual and they do not pay employment taxes, you, as the legal
employer, can be held liable for the taxes due to the IRS. Hiring a company that
pays taxes and has insurance protects you!