I did this successfully. I have seen numerous arrangements go badly. The most common problem is that the parents think their housing is worth a lot, and are expecting a fair amount of child care availability, and the nanny thinks the housing is worth very little and is expecting to work a few hours here and there.

What has made it successful for us?
1. have a contract to begin with, that agrees on the number of hours to be worked, and the rate to be paid, e.g. Larla agrees to work for the Smith's 10 hours a week, and will be paid $10 an hour, and receive room and board as additional compensation.
2. Specify the hours that are to be worked up front. e.g. Larla will work daily Mon-Fri from 7am-9am. You can agree on floating hours- but it be best to agree at least on a range up front- e.g. Larla will work 10 hours a week for the Smith's, Those hours will be between the hours of 9am-3pm, and will be agreed upon 2 weeks in advance. I tried floating hours once- it didn't work great- the fixed schedule works much better.
3. Specify a compensation rate for hours over the initial hours. e.g. To the extent additional childcare hours are needed, Larla will have the right of first refusal to work those hours at a rate of $20 an hour. Larla is under no obligation to work additional hours.
4. Specify how the arrangement can end. e.g. Larla understands that room and board are part of her compensation. If the childcare arrangement is terminated, her room and board are also terminated and she will have 2 weeks to vacate the premises...

Neighborhood listserve. Many people looking for temporary living arrangements in exchange for child/eldercare.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does you jurisdiction allow non-relations to live with you. The town of Vienna does not.

They do allow employees. Legally paid employees.

Yep, all jurisdictions let paid household employees live with you. That includes live-in elder care assistants and nannies.

It's amazing how many people try to be cheap when it comes to something as important as childcare. I wouldn't even leave my dogs with someone working for free.

You should still pay something to nanny OP. If 4-5 hours a day, still offer $10-$15/hr. So something like $200-$250 a week for 15-25 hours.

If you find a nanny looking for a live-in arrangement, make sure nanny has other means of supporting self financially. And please do not switch hours all over each week so that she doesn't have a difficult time scheduling stuff outside of caring for your kids.

Anonymous wrote:Does you jurisdiction allow non-relations to live with you. The town of Vienna does not.

They do allow employees. Legally paid employees.