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Live-In Caregiver Employer/Employee Contract

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LIVE-IN CAREGIVER EMPLOYER/EMPLOYEE CONTRACT

All information and clauses set out in this employment contract template must be addressed in all Live-in Caregiver Employer/Employee contracts to enable Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)/Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to assess whether the employment is likely to have a neutral or positive effect on the labour market in Canada.

EMPLOYER #1

Last name: Given name(s):

Relationship with the person(s) receiving care:

Street address:

City: Province/Territory:

Postal Code: Telephone (home): Telephone (work):

Email:

EMPLOYER #2 (if applicable)

Last name: Given name(s):

Relationship with the person(s) receiving care:

Street address:

City: Province/Territory:

Postal Code: Telephone (home): Telephone (work):

Email:

EMPLOYEE - Job Offer of Employment - Live-in Caregiver

Last name: Given name(s):

Date of birth: Street address:

City: Province/Territory:

Country: Postal Code:

Telephone (home): Telephone (work):

Email:

1. EMPLOYEE'S PLACE OF WORK

Will the EMPLOYEE work at EMPLOYER's residence in Canada as indicated above?

If no, provide the details of where the EMPLOYEE will work and reside (must be in the residence in Canada of the person receiving care):

Street address:

City: Province/Territory:

Postal Code: Telephone (home): Telephone (work):

Email:

Description of the house and the household where care will be provided

Total number of rooms: Total number of bedrooms:

Details of all household members (ALL adults and minors residing in the house):

Surname Given name(s) Age
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

If more space is required, add an annex to this contract and cross-reference.

The PARTIES agree as follows:

2. Duration of contract

This contract shall have a duration of months from the date the EMPLOYEE assumes his/her functions.

Anticipated start date

3. Work permit

Both parties agree that this contract is conditional upon the EMPLOYEE obtaining a valid work permit pursuant to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and its Regulations, and his/her entry into Canada under the Live-in Caregiver Program.

4. Job description

The EMPLOYEE agrees to provide services as a live-in caregiver and carry out the following tasks in the home of the person requiring care.

Details of person(s) requiring care:

Last Name Given name Age Type of care (child, elderly or disabled)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Describe care responsibilities/duties (specify if there will be meal preparation, shopping, driving, housekeeping, pet care, etc.):

5. Work schedule and wages

1. The EMPLOYEE shall work hours per week.

2. The EMPLOYEE's workday shall begin at and end at , or if the schedule varies by day, specify work hours:

3. The EMPLOYEE shall be entitled to minutes for each meal break.

4. The EMPLOYEE shall be entitled to number of health breaks of minutes.

5. The EMPLOYEE shall be entitled to day(s) off per week, on .

6. The EMPLOYEE shall be entitled to days of paid vacation per year. The schedule shall be confirmed by the EMPLOYER and the EMPLOYEE at least weeks in advance of the proposed date.

7. The EMPLOYEE shall be entitled to days of sick leave per year.

8. The EMPLOYEE shall be entitled to all applicable provincial, territorial and national statutory and public holidays with pay.

The parties agree to abide by provincial/territorial labour/employment standards regarding wages and leave.

9. The EMPLOYER agrees to pay the EMPLOYEE for his/her work by cheque or alternate means if mutually agreed and with documentation and receipts, the gross wages before deductions in the amount of: $ per hour worked. Equivalent to $ per week.

10. The EMPLOYER agrees to pay the wages on the following basis:

6. Recruitment Fees

The EMPLOYER shall not recoup from the EMPLOYEE, through payroll deductions or any other means, the fees they have paid to a third party recruiter or recruitment agency, or their authorized representative(s) for services related to hiring and retaining the EMPLOYEE.

7. Accommodation

1. The EMPLOYER agrees to ensure that reasonable and proper accommodation is available for the EMPLOYEE, and shall provide the EMPLOYEE with suitable furnished accommodation.

2. The EMPLOYER will recoup the costs of the room at an amount of $ per through payroll deductions.

3. The EMPLOYER will recoup the costs of meals at an amount of $ per through payroll deductions.

4. The EMPLOYER agrees to provide the EMPLOYEE with meals, where applicable, and an adequate, properly heated and ventilated room. The door of the room shall be equipped with a lock and a safety bolt from within the room and the EMPLOYEE will be provided with the corresponding key.

5. The EMPLOYER shall provide the EMPLOYEE with independent access to the residence (for example, house keys, security code) where the EMPLOYEE resides.

6. The EMPLOYER agrees to provide the employee with (check if applicable):

(charge of $ per month or , except for long-distance calls)

Other, specify:

Description of EMPLOYEE's room and furnishings:

8. Transportation costs

Use the appropriate clause according to the situation. Strike out the clause which does not apply.

1. In the situation where the live-in caregiver resides abroad:

The EMPLOYER agrees to pay the EMPLOYEE's transportation costs for the one-way trip travel from his/her country of permanent residence or of current residence to the place of work in Canada, namely from to .

2. In the situation where the live-in caregiver resides in Canada:

If the EMPLOYEE is currently in Canada, the EMPLOYER agrees to pay the costs of transporting the EMPLOYEE from his/her current Canadian address to the new place of work in Canada, namely from and .

9. Health care insurance

1. The EMPLOYER agrees to provide health care insurance of equal coverage to that of the public provincial/territorial health insurance plan at no cost to the EMPLOYEE until such time as the EMPLOYEE is eligible for applicable provincial/territorial health insurance.

2. The employer agrees not to deduct money from the EMPLOYEE's wages for this purpose.

10. Workplace safety insurance (called Worker's Compensation)

1. The EMPLOYER agrees to register the EMPLOYEE under the relevant provincial/territorial government insurance plan where available.

2. The EMPLOYER agrees not to deduct money from the EMPLOYEE's wages for this purpose.

11. Notice of resignation

Should he/she wish to terminate the present contract, the EMPLOYEE agrees to give the EMPLOYER written notice thereof at least weeks in advance.

12. Notice of termination of employment

The EMPLOYER must give written notice before terminating the contract of the EMPLOYEE. This notice shall be given at least weeks in advance.

SIGNATURE OF ALL EMPLOYERS

Given name (print):

Surname (print):

EMPLOYER'S Signature:

Date:

Given name (print):

Surname (print):

EMPLOYER #2 Signature:

Date:

SIGNATURE OF EMPLOYEE

I have read and accepted all the terms and conditions stipulated in the present contract.

I declare that the information I have given in this employment contract is truthful, complete and correct and I will abide by the terms and conditions outlined therein.

I will abide by the terms and conditions of this employment contract and the employment and labour standards in my province/territory of residence.

Given name (print):

EMPLOYEE'S Signature:

Surname (print):

Date:

Enter text✕

What the Live-In Caregiver Employer/Employee Contract Is

A Live-In Caregiver Employer/Employee Contract is a written agreement that defines the working relationship between a household employer and a caregiver who resides in the employer's home. It sets employment terms such as duties, schedule, compensation, room and board, house rules, confidentiality, benefits, and termination procedures. The contract also clarifies payroll, tax withholding, workers' compensation, and recordkeeping expectations. Properly drafted, it reduces misunderstandings, supports compliance with wage-and-hour and tax rules, and creates a clear basis for dispute resolution if disagreements arise.

Why a Clear Live-In Caregiver Contract Matters

A written Live-In Caregiver Employer/Employee Contract protects both parties by defining duties, hours, compensation, and living arrangements, reducing disputes and enabling consistent payroll and tax treatment.

Why a Clear Live-In Caregiver Contract Matters

Who Typically Uses This Contract and Why

Employers and caregivers use this contract to document expectations and legal obligations before a live-in arrangement begins.

  • Private households employing a live-in caregiver who needs a documented work and living agreement for payroll and benefits clarity.
  • Home care agencies placing caregivers in private residences who require standardized contracts and proof of employer arrangements.
  • Family members or agents arranging in-home care who need clear rules for duties, guest access, and termination procedures.

A signed agreement supports payroll classification, tax reporting, compliance with labor rules, and practical household management.

Primary Signers and Their Roles

Employer / Principal

The household employer or authorized agent who hires the caregiver, specifies duties, and is responsible for payroll, tax withholding, and providing agreed room and board; must sign to accept contractual obligations and financial terms.

Employee / Caregiver

The live-in caregiver who accepts work and residency terms, provides personal care or household services as described, and signs to acknowledge duties, schedule, compensation, confidentiality, and grievance procedures.

Core Sections to Include in the Contract

A professional Live-In Caregiver Employer/Employee Contract is organized into clear sections that cover operational, financial, legal, and privacy items to reduce risk and support enforcement.

Term and Hours

Specify the start date, expected daily and weekly work hours, on-call expectations, sleep-time rules, and any probationary period to set mutual expectations.

Compensation

Detail base pay, overtime rate (if applicable), pay schedule, method of payment, reimbursement policies, and how room-and-board is valued or allocated.

Duties and Schedule

List primary caregiving and household tasks, shift patterns, private time, breaks, and any required documentation of care provided or medications administered.

Room and Board

Describe the private living space, utilities included, house rules, food provisions, guest policies, and any conditions for use of employer property.

Termination and Notice

Set notice periods, grounds for immediate termination, final pay rules, and procedures for returning keys, personal items, or employer property.

Confidentiality and Privacy

Include confidentiality obligations for household information and patient data; address HIPAA concerns if the caregiver handles protected health information.

Essential Information to Collect in the Contract

Employer Name: Legal name
Employee Name: Legal name
Employment Address: Street, city, state
Start Date: MM/DD/YYYY
Compensation Terms: Pay rate and schedule
Contact Details: Phone and email

Step-by-Step: Complete the Contract

Follow these steps to draft, review, sign, and retain a valid Live-In Caregiver Employer/Employee Contract.

  • 01
    Draft the document: Populate duties, hours, and compensation.
  • 02
    Review with parties: Discuss house rules, privacy, and benefits.
  • 03
    Sign and date: Both parties sign in ink or electronically.
  • 04
    Retain copies: Provide signed copies to employer and caregiver.

How to Set Up This Contract for Online Completion

Configure an online workflow that supports fillable fields, signatures, authentication, and secure storage to streamline execution and recordkeeping.

Field Mapping Name | Address | Dates | Compensation
Signer Roles Employer | Caregiver
Authentication Email link | SMS code
Signature Fields Signature | Initials | Date
Storage Option Encrypted PDF | Audit trail

Where to Send and Store the Signed Contract

After signing, route copies to the parties and any internal teams that need the record, and ensure secure long-term storage for compliance.

  • Employer Copy: Primary record retained by household employer.
  • Employee Copy: Caregiver receives a signed copy for personal records.
  • Payroll/HR: Provide to payroll for tax and benefit setup.
  • Secure Archive: Store encrypted with access controls.

Technical Considerations for Digital Signing

Use a platform that supports legal e-signatures, audit trails, secure storage, and optional advanced authentication for sensitive records.

  • File Formats: PDF and DOCX supported
  • Authentication Options: Email, SMS, or KBA
  • Integrations: Payroll and cloud storage

Typical Deadlines and Time-Sensitive Items

Key dates and timing help ensure legal compliance and proper payroll setup for a live-in caregiver employment relationship.

Effective Date:

Agreement start date (MM/DD/YYYY) controls duties and pay.

Probation Period End:

Specify end date for any trial or evaluation period.

Notice Period:

Duration required for voluntary termination by either party.

Payroll Enrollment:

Complete tax forms before first paycheck.

I-9 Completion:

I-9 must be completed per 8 CFR §274a.2.

Key Milestones From Offer to Ongoing Employment

A milestone timeline helps employers track onboarding, compliance checks, and routine record reviews for a live-in caregiver.

01

Offer Accepted

Employer and caregiver agree on terms and sign the contract.

02

Onboarding Complete

I-9, tax forms, and payroll set up are finalized.

03

Probation Review

Evaluate performance and confirm ongoing employment.

04

Annual Review

Revisit duties, pay, and any health privacy compliance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Drafting This Contract

  • Vague duty descriptions that leave essential caregiving tasks undefined and create later disputes over responsibilities and hours.
  • Failing to state how room and board affects pay or whether housing constitutes taxable income under IRS rules.
  • Not completing tax and employment forms before the first paycheck, risking misclassification or withholding errors and potential penalties.
  • Omitting confidentiality or HIPAA language when the caregiver handles protected health information, increasing legal and privacy risk.

Penalties and Practical Risks of an Incomplete or Incorrect Contract

Tax Penalties: IRC §6721 penalties for incorrect forms
I-9 Violations: 8 CFR §274a.2 paperwork fines
Overtime Claims: FLSA wage-and-hour back pay risks
Misclassification: Independent contractor mislabeling fines
HIPAA Breach: 45 CFR §164.530(j) compliance risk
Contract Disputes: Costs for legal defense and settlement

Realistic Use Cases for the Contract

Practical examples show how employers and caregivers use the contract to manage expectations, taxes, and daily routines.

Private Household Placement

A family hires a live-in caregiver for elder support and documents daily care tasks and private room provisions

  • The agreement specifies 40 hours weekly, paid breaks, and one weekend off per month
  • Signed copies are provided to payroll, caregiver, and retained to demonstrate proper tax treatment if questioned.

Agency Placement

A home care agency places a caregiver in a client's home and uses a standardized contract template to ensure compliance

  • The template includes confidentiality and liability clauses
  • Agency keeps the signed contract on file and integrates details into its billing and payroll systems.

eSignature Pricing and Feature Comparison for Executing This Contract

Compare core pricing and capabilities across common eSignature vendors; signNow appears first for direct feature comparison with competitors.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Frequently Asked Questions About the Contract

Answers to common questions about drafting, signing, and enforcing a Live-In Caregiver Employer/Employee Contract.


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