Domestic Workers in New York City
Nannies, housekeepers, home attendants, and caregivers power New York homes. The NYC Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights guarantees overtime thresholds, paid days off after a year, notice of termination in many cases, and protection from harassment and discrimination—even when you are paid in cash.
File Your ClaimThe Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights (NYC)
New York City law sets baseline rights for domestic workers employed directly by households. Combined with state wage law, these rules cover minimum wage, overtime after set weekly hours, rest days, and written terms in many situations.
Who is covered
Full-time nannies, live-in aides, house cleaners hired by families, and many caregivers fall under domestic-worker protections when the legal tests are met.
Paid time off
After one year of service for the same employer, domestic workers are entitled to at least three paid days off per year under the city law, in addition to other leave programs you may qualify for.
Overtime, Harassment & Off-the-Books Pay
Overtime thresholds
Live-out domestic employees generally earn overtime after 40 hours in a week. Live-in workers often have a 44-hour weekly threshold before overtime under New York rules. Mislabeling you as “salary” does not erase overtime if you are non-exempt.
NYCHRL in private homes
The New York City Human Rights Law covers many domestic employers. Harassment, discrimination, and retaliation based on protected categories can create civil claims even when the workplace is an apartment or house.
Paid off the books
Cash pay without payroll taxes does not remove your right to minimum wage, overtime, or the city’s domestic-worker protections. Employers remain responsible for lawful compensation.
Common Violations
- •Paying flat daily rates with no overtime after 40/44 hours
- •Denying the three paid days off after one year
- •Sexual harassment or discrimination with no HR department to report to
- •Deducting rent or expenses without agreement, dropping pay below minimum wage
- •Firing a worker who asks for legal pay or rest days
Your Rights
- •Minimum wage, overtime, and paid days off under the NYC Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights when it applies
- •A workplace free from unlawful harassment and discrimination under NYCHRL
- •Written notice of wages and, in many cases, termination notice under city law
- •Protection from retaliation for asserting wage or civil rights
Working in Someone’s Home?
Domestic work is real work. If your hours, pay, or treatment do not match the law, you can explore a confidential consultation.
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