What to Ask Before Hiring a Housemaid for the Home

Hiring a housemaid in India can be a life-changing decision, especially for busy families, working professionals, or elderly residents who need daily support with household chores. A reliable housemaid can ease your workload and bring balance to your routine. But inviting someone into your personal space comes with responsibility and careful decision-making.

Before hiring a maid for your home, it's essential to ask the right questions during the interview and vetting process. This not only ensures you’re selecting a capable and trustworthy individual but also helps set clear expectations from the start.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the key questions to ask before hiring a housemaid and why each question matters.

What Is Your Previous Work Experience?

Experience matters. A maid who has worked with other families or in similar household settings will be better prepared for daily responsibilities. Ask:

• How many years of experience do you have?
• What type of households have you worked in before?
• What were your main duties?

If you're hiring through an agency, request references from previous employers and verify them. If hiring independently, consider a small trial period.

Can You Provide References or Contact Details of Previous Employers?

References offer a glimpse into the maid’s character, reliability, and work ethic. Ask for 1–2 contacts of past employers and speak to them directly.

Sample questions to ask the reference:

• Was she punctual and dependable?
• Did she respect privacy and boundaries?
• Were there any complaints or concerns?

What Tasks Are You Comfortable Performing?

Each household has different requirements. Discuss expectations in detail:

• Are you comfortable with deep cleaning?
• Can you cook North Indian/South Indian meals?
• Will you handle laundry and ironing?
• Are you open to childcare or eldercare duties?

What Are Your Work Timings and Weekly Off Preferences?

Clarify daily working hours, start and end times, and preferred weekly off. Ask:

• Are you comfortable working early mornings or late evenings?
• Will you be available on weekends or for occasional overtime?
• Do you require any specific festival holidays?

Are You Comfortable With CCTV or Supervision?

Let the maid know if your house has CCTV surveillance. Ask:

• Are you okay with cameras installed in common areas?
• Are you comfortable working under supervision?

Do You Have Any Medical Conditions or Allergies?

Knowing about the maid’s health condition is important. Ask:

• Do you have any medical issues that might affect your work?
• Are you on any regular medication?
• Do you have allergies to dust, pets, or cleaning products?

What Is Your Salary Expectation?

Discuss payment terms upfront. Ask:

• What is your expected monthly salary?
• Are you expecting yearly bonuses or Diwali gifts?
• Do you prefer cash or bank transfer?
• Are you comfortable signing a monthly payment record?

What Identification Proof Can You Provide?

Verification is essential for security. Ask for:

• Aadhaar Card
• Voter ID
• PAN Card

Also consider police verification for safety and compliance.

What Languages Can You Speak or Understand?

Make sure the maid speaks at least one common language. Ask:

• Which languages can you speak fluently?
• Can you understand instructions in English or Hindi?

What Is Your Notice Period if You Plan to Leave?

Agree on a notice period of 15 to 30 days. Ask:

• If you wish to leave, can you provide advance notice?
• Are you okay if we do the same?

Additional Tips Before Hiring

• Trial Period: Offer a 7-day or 15-day trial before confirming a long-term role.
• House Rules: Clearly explain rules – mobile usage, guests, food breaks, etc.
• Emergency Contact: Get a reliable family member’s contact.
• Contract Agreement: For full-time maids, consider a written contract.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a housemaid is not just about convenience – it’s about trust, communication, and mutual respect. By asking the right questions and verifying background details, you can ensure a safe, smooth, and stress-free experience for your household.

Whether you hire through a maid agency or directly, remember that treating your domestic help with dignity and respect fosters a positive environment and long-term working relationship.

Taking the time to conduct a thoughtful interview process is the first step to building that trust. So, the next time you’re ready to hire a housemaid, use this checklist of questions — and hire smarter, not harder!