Nanny Work Agreements or Contracts the Law in Montgomery County (MD)

The Montgomery County (MD) Council has unanimously approved the 'Nanny Bill' today (7/15/2008) and County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) is expected to sign this measure into law. The bill requires household employers in Montgomery County to have a written work agreement that clearly states the job description, wages and benefits for their household employees. Employers of live-in domestic help are required to provide a private room with a lock and reasonable access to bathroom, kitchen and laundry facilities.

Montgomery County is the first in the nation to pass a bill designed to protect the household employee. It aims to protect nannies and other domestic workers against unfair wage practices, and insure overtime compensation. Other jurisdictions considering such legislation include San Francisco and New York City. Once the Montgomery County 'Nanny Bill' becomes a law, household employers will have six months to comply with the new rules or face up to a $1000 fine per violation.

Interestingly, according to IRS statistics, nanny tax compliance in Montgomery County MD is the highest in the nation at 1238% the national average filing rate (Tax Year 2003). Montgomery County includes the Washington DC suburbs of Potomac, Bethesda, Chevy Chase and Silver Spring.

HomeWork Solutions has long advocated that a written nanny work agreement is a best practice to protect both the worker and the employing family. It's article Ten Tips for Writing the Nanny Work Agreement is one of their more popular website downloads.