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Live in domestic worker questions - Medellin

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DemiDad
  5/16/2022 19:42 EST

Quick prequal - I have been to Medellin about a dozen times, always staying in a rental condo rental. I am aware employing people is complicated (or simple if you don't follow the rules). These questions are based on wanting to follow the rules.

I am looking to purchase a large house in the hills looking over El Poblado that has 3 bedrooms, pool, etc. It also includes a "service room/bathroom" for a domestic worker. I will only be there 6-9 days a month so I want someone there to keep the place clean, care for the pool, take care of prepping fridge, etc before I arrive.

1) Legally, if I hire a "live in" domestic worker, can I prevent them from having any guests in the contract? Obviously I don't want them having a partys there while I'm gone. I don't care what they do outside of the property.

2) Legally, except for bedrooms/bathrooms, is there any law against having security cameras in the common areas of the home?

3) Legally, If I fire a "live in" domestic worker, do I have to go through the eviction process? Or are they not considered tenants and I can kick them out if I notice things "missing" and fire them.

4) Has anyone done this for a home they only visit intermittently and can give me some advice from your experiences?

Thanks!!

WhoaNellie
  5/17/2022 09:57 EST

If you have enough moolah, and can find the right person/family, and have enough space, consider building a little house for a mayordomo (a single man and perhaps a married man with family).

They would live there in return for watching over the place and doing upkeep labor. You can find some info on this here:

https://www.gerencie.com/como-se-da-vivienda-a-un-mayordomo-sin-que-esta-sea-considerada-salario.html

You still have to follow all the laws, of course. You could also try going through an employment agency but those employees would not have any "skin in the game" as would someone living on the property as their home.

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GeorgeDillon
  5/17/2022 11:05 EST

Paying Social Security for the worker could be a real pain.
Not the money, but the bureaucracy.

I know a family who diligently and honestly paid their empleada's retirement benefits for many years.
Now the lady is coming up for retirement and Colpensiones have no records of many of the payments.
It's a big mess, with threats that they will have to 'make up' the so-called short-fall.

SkyMan
  5/17/2022 11:35 EST

I've hear of countless stories of mega-problems concerning a live-n maid and the pension payments. Maybe just have a maid but not a live in. Buena Suerte !

jonsilvera
  5/19/2022 00:09 EST

Make your house smart and hire a company to do the cleaning and the restocking of the fridge, a day before your arrival. Smart locks with temporary codes that work on specific days, cameras, and an alarm system, etc.

SkarletR
  5/19/2022 10:30 EST

It would be a challenge, i believe, to find a person that you can fully trust to take care of your property while you are gone.

My understanding is that there are companies that are dedicated to manage properties...but you would have to sign a contract with them...however i think is "easier" to do this with a company that with a person.

Hope it helps

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GeorgeDillon
  5/19/2022 10:36 EST

It is a real issue, because using a visiting domestic help from an agency or whatever can bring its own problems as regards security.

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