In August 2025, a Singaporean woman and a domestic helper were fined more than S$20,000 for illegal part-time cleaning. The helper had been working outside her contract, taking on short cleaning jobs once or twice a month.
For her work, she was paid S$375 to S$450 a month, which worked out to S$125 – S$450 per session. More than what licensed home service companies charge.
The case shows an important truth: illegal part-time cleaning isn’t just risky, it isn’t necessarily cheaper either.
The Hidden Risks of Illegal Help
Hiring illegal part-time cleaners or engaging domestic helpers outside their contracts might look convenient, but here’s what you’re really taking on:
- Heavy penalties: Employers can be fined up to S$30,000 or even jailed. Workers risk losing their work permits and can face fines or imprisonment.
- No protection: If something goes wrong — an accident or damage at home — there’s no insurance, and the liability falls on you.
- Unfair to workers: Helpers who moonlight do so without proper safeguards, leaving them vulnerable to underpayment and unsafe working conditions.
- Not better value: As the CNA case shows, illegal help can cost more per session than licensed services.
Why Licensed Companies Are the Safer Choice
When you book through a licensed home services company, you avoid those risks. Licensed providers give you:
- Compliance with MOM rules, so you stay on the right side of the law.
- Insurance and accountability, so you’re not personally liable if issues arise.
- Trained and supervised crews, ensuring consistency and reliability.
- Fair treatment of workers, which supports better service and peace of mind.
- Transparent pricing, with official rates and no hidden cash deals.
How Nimbus Homes Makes It Even Easier
Licensed home services are already the safer, smarter choice. Nimbus Homes takes it further by offering:
- Affordable pricing: With slots available from as low as $36 for 2 hours, coupled with ongoing regular discounts and promotions.
- Flexible booking durations: Choose 2, 3, 4, or 5 hours depending on your home’s needs.
- Greater crew availability: A wide pool of trained cleaners means better chances of getting the timing and crew that fit your schedule.
- Clear service quality: Professionally trained crew with defined expertise.
- Convenience: Simple booking through the Nimbus Homes app or website.
- Commitment to people: Fair pay and structured support for staff, ensuring reliability and professionalism.
The Bottom Line
Illegal part-time arrangements may appear convenient, but they expose households to legal risk, financial liability, and ethical concerns. They also fail to guarantee savings.
Licensed home services companies provide compliance, accountability, and protection, safeguarding both customers and workers.
With Nimbus Homes, you get all the benefits of a licensed provider plus flexibility in booking, more crew availability, and transparent pricing that works for every household.
Book with Nimbus Homes today and enjoy a safer, smarter, and more flexible clean.
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