Hiring a maid is a big decision. You’re not just hiring someone to clean or cook — you’re allowing a person into your personal space, your daily routine, and sometimes around your children or elderly parents.
I’ve personally gone through the process of hiring maid services in Delhi NCR, and I’ve seen both good and bad experiences. What I’ve learned is simple: asking the right questions before hiring a maid service can save you from stress, money loss, and unnecessary problems later.
This guide is written to help real people — working couples, families with kids, senior citizens, and first-time maid hirers — make a safe and informed decision.
Why It’s Important to Ask Questions Before Hiring a Maid
In India, maid services don’t work in a fixed or standard way. Some maids come directly, some through agents, and some through professional agencies. The quality, safety, and support can vary a lot.
I’ve personally seen cases where:
- The maid stopped coming after a few days
- The agency stopped answering calls after payment
- No police verification was done
- Skills promised were very different from reality
Most of these issues happen because people trust too quickly and don’t ask basic questions upfront.
Questions to Ask About the Maid Service Agency
Before discussing the maid, first understand who is providing the service.
Is your maid service registered and legally operating?
Ask if the agency is registered, how long they’ve been working, and whether they operate legally in Delhi NCR. Genuine agencies will answer confidently.
Do you have a physical office in Delhi NCR?
Many so-called agencies operate only through WhatsApp and phone calls. A physical office adds accountability and trust.
How do you source your maids?
Ask whether maids are recruited directly or through third parties. Also ask if they come from local areas or other states, and how the agency verifies them.
Questions About Maid Verification and Safety
Safety should never be compromised, especially if children or elders are at home.
Is police verification done for the maid?
Ask clearly whether police verification is completed and request a copy. In many Delhi NCR societies, this is mandatory.
Do you collect ID proof and address proof?
Confirm whether the agency keeps Aadhaar card, voter ID, and permanent address details.
What happens if there is a safety concern later?
Ask how the agency handles discomfort, complaints, or emergencies. A responsible agency will have a clear answer.
Questions About Maid Experience and Skills
Not every maid can do every type of work.
What type of work is the maid experienced in?
Be clear about whether you need cleaning, cooking, baby care, elderly care, or all household work.
How much experience does the maid have?
Ask where the maid has worked earlier and what kind of homes she has experience in.
Can the maid handle emergencies calmly?
This is important for homes with kids or elders. You’re not looking for perfection, just basic awareness and calm behaviour.
Questions About Working Hours and Availability
Clear expectations avoid daily conflicts.
What are the working hours?
Confirm start time, end time, weekly off, and festival leaves.
Is the maid flexible with timings if needed?
Occasional flexibility helps during guests, illness, or emergencies.
For live-in maids, what are the living arrangements?
Ask about sleeping space, food, rest time, and privacy. A well-treated maid stays longer and works better.
Questions About Salary, Fees, and Payments
Money clarity avoids misunderstandings later.
What is the maid’s monthly salary?
Confirm whether the salary is fixed and what work it includes.
What is the agency fee and what does it cover?
Ask if the fee is one-time or yearly, and what services are included.
What is your replacement policy?
Ask how many replacements are allowed, how quickly they are provided, and whether they are free.
Questions About Trial Period and Adjustment
Even good maids need time to settle.
Is there a trial period?
Ask if you can observe the maid for a few days before confirming.
What if the maid does not match our expectations?
Ask who to contact and how fast the agency will act.
Questions About Communication and Support
Support after placement matters a lot.
Who will be my point of contact after hiring?
Make sure you have a manager or support number.
How do you handle complaints or feedback?
A professional agency will listen calmly and offer solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring a Maid Service
From personal experience, hiring through a verified agency is safer in Delhi NCR. Agencies provide background checks, replacements, and support.
Part-time maids usually take 2–5 days. Full-time or live-in maids may take 5–10 days, depending on requirements.
Yes. It adds safety and peace of mind, especially in societies and gated communities.
Keep ID proof, police verification copy, and agency payment receipt.
This is why a clear replacement policy is important. Always confirm this before paying.
A good agency will allow replacement during the initial period.
Yes, most agencies guide you based on experience, work type, and local rates.
Absolutely. A genuine maid service will respect you more for being careful.
Final Honest Advice
Hiring a maid is not just a service decision — it’s about trust, safety, and daily peace at home. Never rush. Ask questions even if it feels uncomfortable.
A good maid service will answer patiently. A bad one will try to hurry you.
Take your time. Your home deserves comfort, not confusion.