Room in exchange for work- legal?

[Anonymous]

To all those saying it's legal, no, it's likely not. If they require someone to live-in, then they cannot deduct for room and board. If it's optional, then they must pay at least minimum wage for all hours worked, and after taxes are done each week, they can then deduct minimal costs for room and any board used from the paycheck total. There are maximum amounts allowed. Again, if it's a requirement of the position to be live-in, then it's considered part of the role and nothing can be deducted.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:did you find more info on the legality?

Minimum wage is now $15/hour. I doubt anyone could rent a room for more than $1500/month, $18k/year. That works out to 1,200 hours per year, effectively 23 hours per week, if you don't want to pay the caregiver. You'd still be responsible for paying the employer portion of fica, caregiver pays not only their portion of fica, but also state and federal taxes. For the privilege of living in your house and working 23 hours per week? Get real.

Minimum wage just jumped in DC to $16.10/hr and no nanny would accept less than $20/hr to live in, even if they weren't aware that they should legally not have any deductions and could get their regular live out rate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:did you find more info on the legality?

Minimum wage is now $15/hour. I doubt anyone could rent a room for more than $1500/month, $18k/year. That works out to 1,200 hours per year, effectively 23 hours per week, if you don't want to pay the caregiver. You'd still be responsible for paying the employer portion of fica, caregiver pays not only their portion of fica, but also state and federal taxes. For the privilege of living in your house and working 23 hours per week? Get real.

Minimum wage just jumped in DC to $16.10/hr and no nanny would accept less than $20/hr to live in, even if they weren't aware that they should legally not have any deductions and could get their regular live out rate.

I've previously helped 3 people get their foot in the door as live-in nannies with no experience. All three were hired at about $15/hour. However, I didn't know DC minimum wage went up.

[Anonymous]

You just know that 10-month old baby is going to miss a lot of "school" and spend a lot of time at home due to typical baby illnesses/colds with the live-in nanny "on call." It's a job creep job.