How to hire a housekeeper safely in France: check ID and references, insist on a contract, and declare via CESU.

Is It Safe to Hire a Housekeeper in France? (2026)

The habits that keep hiring a housekeeper safe in France: identity, references, contract and declaration.

Quick answer: to avoid scams, check ID and references, never pay money up front, insist on a written contract and declare the job via CESU. Be wary of deals that look too good, requests to pay off-platform, and profiles with no verifiable history.

The vast majority of housekeepers are trustworthy. A few simple habits are enough to rule out the rare bad surprise.

Check before you hire

  • Verify an ID document and, if needed, the right to work.
  • Ask for 2–3 references and call them.
  • Prefer a profile with verifiable history and reviews.

Red flags

  • An unusually low rate or a "too perfect" instant availability.
  • A request for up-front payment or payment off-platform.
  • Refusal of a written contract or of CESU declaration.

Protect yourself over time

Declare via CESU (undeclared work exposes you legally), sign a contract and pay by traceable transfer. Using a platform that verifies profiles reduces the risk further.

Official sources

Conclusion

Check, contract, declare: three habits that protect your household and set up a trusting relationship from day one.

See also

FAQ

How do I vet a housekeeper?

Check their ID, call previous employers, run an interview, and prefer identity-verified profiles.

Why avoid undeclared work?

It's illegal, denies the worker social protection, and loses you the 50% tax credit reserved for declared employment.

How many references should I ask for?

Two to three, always verifiable. Cross-check them with reviews and, ideally, a first paid trial before committing.

Can I leave the housekeeper alone in my home?

It's very common. Check references, build trust gradually, and put valuables away at first. Many families hand over a key or code after the first few weeks.

Can I install cameras?

Only in common areas, and only if you inform the worker beforehand, preferably in writing. Never in private areas (bathrooms) or to monitor their work continuously: France's CNIL strictly regulates video surveillance of a household employee.