[LA Bliss]

I just need someone for house cleaning 1x/week. It's not enough to hire a DH so what would be my options? Has anyone tried Sparkle Maids / Merry Maids?

I also read that you can set something up to "borrow" someone's DH once a week. How is this done? Is this permitted?

If so, anyone in Mid-levels wanting to part with their DH for a few hours a week?

[ontheroad]

The problem with Sparkle and Merry Maids is that if you don't give them your key, you have to be there every time to open and close your door for them, and also, quite often, they don't send the same cleaning lady, so she doesn't know where the products are, you have to explain every thing from the start. Sometimes you get a call (she couldn't come, they forgot to give her the key) etc. It's expensive and annoying.

Your best bet is to do what a lot of people who don't have full time helpers do, ask your neighbours' helpers if they would like to come and make some more money by cleaning your place. It's illegal, but tons of people do it. Quite often a helper who's bosses don't have children and who has a lot of free time will be super happy to make some money on the side. The usual salary is 60$ an hour.

[LA Bliss]

Thanks, Ontheroad! Yes, it would be preferable if I didn't have to be home.

Should I speak to my neighbors directly or ask the helpers first? Either way, I would need their employer's permission, right?

[ontheroad]

I asked the neighbours that I know well enough if one of their helpers would like to come and clean for me. They all said no because they have small kiddies (not many people have helpers in the building, and it's a small lowrise) so after searching for a while I found one from a friend of a friend- I don't know her bosses, but I know she's free to work where likes in her spare time. My friends who live in high-rises found much more easily, by asking around, asking their neighbours and asking the helpers directly.

[Katanga]

Just look at the notice boards at your local Welcome or Park N shop. There should be plenty of ads for part-time maids looking for something.

[sjticlg]

I am now a user of Sparkle Maids service. I only left the key at the management office for the maids. Everytime, the same maids come to my flat for cleaning and the service is excellent. 10% discount is also offered for the first time. I suggest you try it, at least for once.

[jayinhongkong]

Just so you guys know, if you're not a permanent resident of HK, illegally hiring a domestic helper is grounds for a fine/jail/deportation. If you do this kind of thing, it's probably not too wise to blab about it on a forum that I'm sure several members of Hong Kong's finest peruse regularly.

[PDLM]

And the PR bit only avoids the deportation...

[jimbo]

Originally Posted by PDLM

And the PR bit only avoids the deportation...

Unless you have RTL as opposed to ROA.

[jayinhongkong]

Originally Posted by PDLM

And the PR bit only avoids the deportation...

Right! I originally only mentioned the possibility of deportation, but I went back and added the fine/jail term bits and forgot to specify that PRs are still at risk of being fined or jailed for hiring illegal workers.