How to Fire Your Housekeeper
When the cleaning staff is pulling you underwater instead of helping you swim, when should you cut the line?
I don't think a perfect housekeeper exists. They all have up-sides and down-sides. Some are great cleaners but horrible communicators; others are dependable about showing up but forgetful about tasks; some have great attention to detail but miss the obvious.
When to fire
Whether your patience has worn thin about the little annoyances that just keep adding up, a one time occurrence that leaves you hanging like your housekeeper doesn't show up at all or when something major happens like she's stealing from your home. You'll likely know when enough is enough.
I tend to be pretty tolerant of the little things because quite frankly finding another housekeeper is no walk in the park. But when you come to the conclusion that it's time to move on, you need to think about the logistics of switching housekeepers.
Your housekeeper likely has keys to your home, and many of your sheets, towels, bedding and maybe throw rugs, etc. in her possession. The trick is getting your belongings back from her before/when you fire her.
It's best to do the dirty deed when you are scheduled to be at your vacation home. This way you can handle any problems that may arise. However if you have an urgent situation occur, which forces you to fire your housekeeper on the spot, you many not be able to be there to do the dirty deed.
How to fire
Step one. If you know that your housekeeper's fate is eminent, hold back a payment or two before you pull the trigger. This way you'll have some leverage for getting your things back. “Give me my sheets and I'll give you your check.” There is a chance that this exchange will never happen so be prepared to buy new sheets and towels.
Step two. Line someone else up. Call many other housekeepers and do thorough reference checks.
Step three: Have your locks re-keyed and inventory everything in your home.
Step four. Tell your housekeeper you will not need her services any more.
Step five. Figure out a way to get all of your belongings back from your housekeeper.
Step six. After you have received everything back from your housekeeper, pay her any monies that you owe her. If you have a dispute, such as she didn't clean very well and you compensated the renters and wish to deduct this from her last payment, try to discuss and resolve any payment/billing disputes. Though it's awfully tempting to keep the money, it's just not fair.
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