Au Pair Contract
Contract and agreement pages rank well because families want a written agreement before the placement starts. This page covers the core clauses competitors talk about: duties, rights, conditions, time off, and termination.
Focus
Written agreement and schedule
Common check
Notice period and termination
Template link
Use the legal agreement template for the full form
What should be in an au pair contract?
A good contract should list the weekly schedule, duties, pocket money or stipend, board and lodging, time off, language course time, house rules, and what happens if either side wants to end the placement early.
- Weekly schedule and maximum hours
- Duties and any housework limits
- Pocket money, transport, and vacation
- Notice period, termination, and rematch steps
Why the written agreement matters
Without a written agreement, small misunderstandings turn into major problems quickly. A clear contract protects both sides, makes the working hours visible, and helps the family or au pair prove what was agreed if there is a dispute.
Template vs. contract
The template is the reusable document; the contract is the signed, placement-specific version. Use both: read the template first, then fill in the local rules, the weekly schedule, and the real duties for the placement you are negotiating.
Frequently asked questions
- Is a written au pair contract mandatory?
- In many countries it is required or strongly recommended. Even where the law is looser, a written agreement is the safest way to define duties and hours.
- Should the contract mention notice period?
- Yes. Notice period and termination terms are some of the most important clauses because they control what happens when the placement changes.
- Should the weekly schedule be written down?
- Absolutely. A written weekly schedule makes the hours, days off, and babysitting expectations much easier to manage.
Need the ready-to-use form?
Open the agreement template