Domestic help arrangements that start without clear expectations tend to develop friction over time, even when both sides have good intentions, simply because assumptions were never made explicit. Before hiring, write out a specific list of expected duties, since "housekeeping" can mean very different things depending on household size, number of occupants, and standards around cleanliness. Discuss working hours, days off, and how overtime or additional tasks outside the agreed scope will be handled, ideally in writing rather than a verbal understanding. For live-in arrangements specifically, clarify living conditions, meal arrangements, and privacy expectations on both sides before the arrangement begins. References should always be checked directly, not just taken at face value from a written letter, since a short phone conversation with a previous employer reveals far more about reliability and character. Regular, low-pressure check-ins after the arrangement starts — asking how things are going from both sides — tend to catch small issues before they become larger ones.