My housekeeper lied to me about why she didn't show up this week - she went to another client! Advice please?

Question

My neighbor introduced my housekeeper to me, and it seems she always gets top priority. When Leonore is at my house, Vickie will call -- "Leonore," come iron my sheets! Come vacuum my floors! Now that I'm home, I've told Leo "no, not on my time!" We went on vacation last week, and I told Vickie we'd be gone 2 weeks. Leo comes Weds at 9 a.m. This week, our dogsitter came at 2 -- Leo's usual end-time. At that time, at our vaca house, I get a frantic call from Leo saying that the key she's used for 3 years suddenly doesn't work. My guess? She went to Vickie's and worked, and saw the dogsitter and realized I would know she hadn't come in. She told me our front door was broken, so I cut our vaca one week short and rushed back. Front door fine - it's how we got in ourselves. The thing is, Leo expects pay for this week! I have no way to prove my suspicion about Vickie, but am sure my house is not cleaned. I want to fire Leo -- would you do the same?

Answer 1

Ask your housecleaner straight out what hours she worked for you on Wednesday and where she was at 2pm.  If she hems or haws, tell her she's on her free ride.  Next time it happens she's history.  I'm guessing you either like her price or her work.  Take that into consideration as well.

Answer 2

I would let her go. You really  have to trust someone if they are going to work for you and be in your house unsupervised.

Answer 3

yes I would...in a heartbeat!

And, I wouldn't pay for work not done!

You had to cut your vacation short by a week because of a lie.

I would be IRATE!

Answer 4

Put a time logger on your door that moniters time of arrival and leaving ...we use it for staff doing night office cleans

Answer 5

If the house keeper didn't come and do the job, don't pay the house keeper.  i would fire Leo and find a new house keeper that actually does the job and comes when asked.  Only pay the house keeper if the job is done.  good luck.

Answer 6

i would fire her if she cant prove she did the work