Good to know
The tasks
of a housekeeper
The tasks allowed are set by the service-voucher rules, because the Region pays part of every hour. Your housekeeper is our employee: we are responsible for her safety, her insurance and for respecting these rules.
When a request falls outside that scope, she will politely decline. It is not unwillingness: outside these tasks she would no longer be insured, and we would put our approval at risk.
Yes
What your housekeeper
can do
Cleaning your home
- Vacuuming, floors and dusting
- Kitchen: worktops, appliances, fridge, oven and microwave
- Bathroom and toilets
- Washing-up, bins and everyday tidying
- Making beds, changing sheets
Windows
- Inside windows
- Outside windows that can be reached safely
- Frames, mirrors and glass doors
- No ladders, no work at height
Laundry
- Washing and hanging out
- Ironing at your home
- Folding and putting away
- Small mending on the ironing
Big cleans
- Cupboards and wardrobes
- Bedding and duvets
- Curtains (taken down at a safe height)
- Switching the wardrobe between seasons
Private outdoor areas
- Sweeping the balcony or terrace
- Cleaning garden furniture
- Private entrance and stairs
- No gardening
Small errands
- Bakery, pharmacy, post office
- Everyday shopping for the household
- Close to your home
No
What she cannot do
and why
These tasks are not covered by service vouchers, or would put your housekeeper at risk. She cannot accept them, even as a favour.
Gardening
Mowing, pruning, weeding and clearing snow are not household tasks under the service-voucher rules.
Childcare
She can work while your children are at home, but she is not responsible for them.
Personal care
Help with washing, medication, company: that is the role of a home carer or a nurse.
Pets
Walking the dog, feeding or caring for animals is not part of her job.
Repairs and DIY
Repairs, painting, wallpapering, moving house or shifting heavy furniture.
Post-building cleaning
Building dust, plaster, paint: you need a specialised cleaning company.
Work at height
Ladders, unreachable windows, gutters, chandeliers out of reach: too risky.
Non-private premises
Business premises, common areas of a building, a rented property (Airbnb, student room, B&B).
Washing the car
It is not upkeep of your home.
Meals and transport
The rules allow them, but we do not offer meal preparation or transporting people.
Frequently asked questions
Can my housekeeper clean my outside windows?
Yes, if they can be reached safely: from inside, from the ground or from a stable step stool. No ladders and no work at height.
Can she look after my dog or cat?
No. Walking, feeding or caring for an animal is not one of the tasks paid with service vouchers. She can of course clean your home if a pet lives there: just let us know it is there.
Can she look after my children while she works?
No. She can work while your children are at home, but she is not in charge of looking after or supervising them.
Can she clean a property I rent out (Airbnb, student room, holiday home)?
No. Service vouchers are for your private household only. A rented property, a practice or offices are business premises.
Can she clean after building work?
Not for post-construction cleaning (building dust, plaster, paint): call in a specialised company. Once the home is habitable again, your housekeeper resumes the usual upkeep.
What happens if I ask her to do a task that is not allowed?
She will politely decline and may tell us. Outside the allowed tasks she is no longer covered by the occupational accident insurance, and we would put our approval at risk. If in doubt, ask us.