At a Glance
- Your helper gets 1 rest day a week; at least 1 a month cannot be compensated away (MOM, since 1 Jan 2023).
- Her phone is her personal property; MOM says she should have access to it.
- Employers must not keep her passport or Work Permit card.
- You must provide 3 meals a day (MOM).
- She may only do household chores at your declared address; illegal deployment can cost you up to S$10,000.
- Best house rules are written, short, and explained in week one.
Friends,
A new helper walks into your home knowing nothing about how you live.
Where the rubbish goes. Which towel is for the dog. Why Ah Ma's cup is sacred.
House rules save both of you a lot of guessing... and a lot of sulking.
What house rules should I set for my new maid?
Swipe left or right to see the full table on mobile.
| Area | Sample rule | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Daily routine | A written daily and weekly chore list, with start time and a fixed rest break | She knows when work ends, you know what gets done |
| Rest day | Agree the day together; please tell us roughly when you will be back | Safety and planning, without controlling her free time |
| Phone | No phone while cooking, bathing kids or crossing roads with them; free use on breaks and after work | Safety-based limits are easy to accept |
| Money | Marketing money comes with a receipt; change goes back in the same envelope | Nobody has to wonder where $3 went |
| Security | Lock the gate when going out; do not open the door to strangers; emergency numbers on the fridge | She knows exactly what to do when you are not home |
| Windows | Never clean outside windows unless grilles are locked and an adult of the household is present | Matches MOM's window-cleaning safety conditions |
| Food | Say which food is hers to take freely, and ask about dietary needs on day one | Avoids the awkward "who ate the yogurt" talk |
| Health | Tell us when you feel unwell; we will bring you to see a doctor | Small problems get treated early |
Which maid house rules are against MOM rules?
Taking away her phone
MOM's Ask Jaya column says her mobile phone is her personal property and she should have access to it. Limit use during specific tasks instead.
Keeping her passport or Work Permit
MOM says employers should not keep passports and must not keep Work Permit cards. Give her a lockable drawer or locker.
"No rest day" or chores on her rest day
She is entitled to 1 rest day a week, and at least 1 a month cannot be compensated. If she chooses to rest at home, MOM asks employers to give her uninterrupted rest without chores.
Helping out at a relative's home or your shop
She can only do household chores at your declared address. Illegal deployment carries a fine of up to S$10,000.
What about a rest-day curfew?
- Her rest day is her own time; MOM leaves the arrangement to mutual agreement.
- A "let us know when you are back" or an agreed return time for safety is reasonable when you agree it together.
- A rule that she must stay home on rest days, or who she may meet, will feel like control and break trust fast.
- One thing you can ask firmly: no part-time work on rest days. MOM reminds employers that this is illegal.
How do I introduce house rules to a new helper?
1
Write it down
One page, simple English. Translate key lines if needed. Stick it inside a cabinet door.
2
Walk through it
Show each appliance and each room in week one. Explain the reason behind each rule.
3
Review after a month
Ask what is unclear or too much. Drop rules nobody needs.
Common house questions employers ask
I have an iRobot. Does she still need to mop?
Let the robot do daily surface dirt. She handles stains, corners, under furniture and anything the robot cannot reach. Teach her to empty and clean the robot too.
Dishwasher or hand-wash?
Use both. Full loads go in the machine. Non-stick pans, wooden utensils and delicate items get hand-washed. Tell her which is which.
The vacuum cleaner broke (again)
Often it is unfamiliar tech or a tired machine. Give a hands-on demo, buy sturdy models, and make it safe for her to say "it is acting funny" early.
The flat smells of fried food
Have a friendly chat. Suggest the air fryer, oven or steaming for some dishes, hood fan on, kitchen door closed while frying.
Dinner is always late
If she is also minding a young child, simplify the menu. Prep vegetables and marinate in the morning, use one-pot or slow-cooker meals, cook during nap time.
Can she cook for her rest-day outing?
Many employers allow it. Agree who buys the ingredients, how much gas and kitchen time is fine, and that the kitchen is left clean.
Should she mop twice a day?
It depends on kids, pets, allergies and floor type. Once a day plus spot-mopping works for many homes, and saves her energy for other work.
Toilet paper is running out fast
One more person at home all day uses more. Many people back home rinse with water, so a bidet spray or water dipper may suit her better. Ask kindly; budget a few extra rolls.
Sources (checked 15 Oct 2026): MOM rest days and well-being, mandatory monthly rest day, MDW rest days reply, Ask Jaya: phone access, passport FAQ, employment rules.
Looking for the right helper first?
Browse maid listings from over 200 Singapore-registered maid agencies.
Browse SearchmaidP.S. The shortest house rule I know works best: "If you are not sure, just ask." Pin it above the whole list. Ah Ma's cup will thank you.
