Question 1

What is the difference between a housekeeper and a cleaner?

Accepted Answer

While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, a housekeeper (commercial) typically has broader responsibilities including room preparation, restocking amenities and basic maintenance reporting in commercial settings like hotels and aged care facilities. Under the Cleaning Services Award 2020, classifications are based on duties and skill level.

Question 2

What award covers housekeepers in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Commercial housekeepers are typically covered by the Cleaning Services Award 2020 (MA000022). This award applies to employees performing cleaning work in various settings including hotels, motels, serviced apartments, aged care facilities and commercial buildings. Always verify which award applies to your specific business.

Question 3

What classification level should I use for a housekeeper?

Accepted Answer

Under the Cleaning Services Award, housekeepers are classified based on their duties and skills. Entry-level housekeepers typically start at Level 1 or 2, while those with additional responsibilities, experience or supervisory duties may be classified at higher levels. See our Cleaning Services Award pay rates guide for current rates.

Question 4

Should I include pay rates in a housekeeper job description?

Accepted Answer

While not legally required, including indicative pay rates helps attract suitable candidates and sets clear expectations. You can reference the applicable award rate or use phrases like 'Award rates apply' or 'Competitive hourly rate.' Check the current Cleaning Services Award rates for guidance.

Question 5

What qualifications do housekeepers need?

Accepted Answer

Most commercial housekeeping positions do not require formal qualifications, though a Certificate II or III in Cleaning Operations can be advantageous. Employers typically provide on-the-job training covering cleaning procedures, product use, safety protocols and customer service. Prior housekeeping or cleaning experience is often preferred.

Question 6

Do housekeepers need any certificates?

Accepted Answer

A National Police Check is common for housekeepers working in hotels, hospitals, aged care or other sensitive environments. First Aid certification may be preferred. Specific training in chemical safety, infection control and manual handling is typically provided by the employer. A Working with Children Check may be required for family-oriented accommodation.

Question 7

What experience should I look for in a housekeeper?

Accepted Answer

For entry-level positions, a willingness to learn and strong work ethic are most important. For experienced roles, look for previous housekeeping or cleaning experience in commercial settings, understanding of cleaning products and equipment, ability to work independently and proven reliability. Experience in hospitality or aged care housekeeping is highly valued.

Question 8

Can I hire housekeepers as trainees?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can hire trainees who are enrolled in Certificate II or III in Cleaning Operations. Trainees can develop skills while earning and contributing to your business. This pathway works well for entry-level positions where comprehensive on-the-job training is provided. Trainees must be supervised and complete their qualification within the specified timeframe.

Question 9

Should I hire casual or permanent housekeepers?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your occupancy patterns and cleaning needs. Permanent staff provide consistency and familiarity with your facilities, while casuals offer flexibility for peak periods and seasonal variations. Many businesses use a mix — permanent housekeepers for core shifts and casuals for additional coverage during busy periods. See our guide on casual vs permanent employment trends.

Question 10

What penalty rates apply to housekeepers?

Accepted Answer

Under the Cleaning Services Award, penalty rates apply for: Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays and overtime. Many housekeeping roles involve early morning or weekend work, so understanding penalty rates is crucial for payroll accuracy. Casual employees receive a 25% loading instead of leave entitlements. Use award interpretation software to calculate rates accurately.

Question 11

What are the minimum shift lengths for housekeepers?

Accepted Answer

Under the Cleaning Services Award, the minimum engagement for casual employees is typically 2 hours per shift. Part-time employees also have minimum shift requirements. This ensures employees receive reasonable compensation for attending work. Check the award for specific requirements applicable to your business type.

Question 12

What should I include in a housekeeper employment contract?

Accepted Answer

Key elements include: position title and classification level, employment type (casual/part-time/full-time), hourly rate or salary, applicable award, reporting structure, main duties, work location, shift patterns including weekend work if applicable, uniform requirements and any specific conditions like working alone. Use our digital employment contracts to simplify this process.

Question 13

How far in advance must I provide rosters to housekeepers?

Accepted Answer

Under the Cleaning Services Award, rosters must be provided with reasonable notice — typically at least 7 days in advance. Changes within this period require employee agreement unless due to unforeseen circumstances. Using rostering software helps support compliance and gives staff visibility of their upcoming shifts, particularly important for managing early morning and weekend housekeeping schedules.

Question 14

Can I require housekeepers to work weekends?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but weekend work requirements should be clearly communicated in the job description and during recruitment. Under the award, employees are entitled to penalty rates for Saturday and Sunday work. Many hospitality and accommodation businesses require weekend housekeeping coverage. Be clear about weekend expectations during hiring.

Question 15

What breaks are housekeepers entitled to?

Accepted Answer

Under the Cleaning Services Award, employees working more than 5 hours are entitled to an unpaid meal break. Paid rest breaks also apply based on shift length. Breaks should be taken at appropriate intervals during the shift. Use break planning tools to support compliance while maintaining cleaning coverage.

Question 16

How do I manage housekeeper schedules for check-out times?

Accepted Answer

Schedule housekeepers to start early enough to handle peak check-out periods, typically between 10am-2pm. Build in buffer time for inspections and priority rooms. Use rostering software to coordinate teams, track room completion and adjust schedules based on occupancy. Many businesses stagger start times to maintain coverage throughout the day.

Commercial housekeeper job description