Live-in vs Live-out Housekeeper in the UK: Which Option?
Comparing a live-in and live-out housekeeper in the UK: costs, obligations and use cases.
Quick answer: a live-in housekeeper is provided accommodation, with the accommodation offset counting toward minimum-wage pay under set rules; a live-out one lives at home on a standard wage. The choice depends on your needs (childcare, presence, budget).
Live-in or live-out, each option has advantages and obligations. Here's how to decide.
The live-in housekeeper
- Accommodation can count toward pay via the accommodation offset (a capped daily amount).
- Useful for a regular presence or childcare.
- Set out accommodation terms, hours and rest in the contract.
The live-out housekeeper
- The most common setup: an hourly gross wage via PAYE.
- More flexibility for hours spread across the week.
Impact on cost and pay
The accommodation offset affects how the minimum wage is met. Cost each option with the cost calculator and put the choice in the contract.
Official sources
Conclusion
Choose based on your need for presence and your budget, then write the accommodation terms into the contract precisely.
See also
- Employee rights — pay, holiday, pension, notice.
- How much it costs — compare the options.
FAQ
Does accommodation reduce the wage?
For minimum-wage checks you can apply the £75/week accommodation offset, but the gross pay reported for tax and NI stays the same. Set it out clearly in the contract.
Which suits a few hours a week?
Live-out, paid hourly through payroll, is the simplest and most common arrangement for part-time help.