Guaranteed Hours for Your Nanny: What California Law Requires

Guaranteed hours mean your nanny is paid for an agreed minimum number of hours per week regardless of whether you need them to work that many. In California, failing to pay for guaranteed hours is a wage violation, not a courtesy issue.

Why Guaranteed Hours Exist

Your nanny has organized their life around a fixed schedule and income. When families cancel days, leave town, or reduce hours without notice, the nanny loses income they counted on. California law treats domestic workers as employees, which means you cannot simply not pay for a scheduled workday because plans changed.

How Guaranteed Hours Work in Practice

If you agree to a 40-hour week and you only need 30 hours one week, you still owe 40 hours of pay. The nanny showed up or was available as agreed. The reduction in hours was your decision, not theirs.

This is commonly misunderstood by families who think they only pay for hours actually worked. For W-2 household employees in California, that is not how it works.

What to Include in Your Work Agreement

State the guaranteed minimum weekly hours explicitly. This protects both parties: the nanny knows their minimum income, and you have documented what you agreed to. Most LA placement agencies include a guaranteed hours clause as standard in their work agreement templates.

When You Travel or Take Extended Vacations

If you travel and do not need your nanny for two weeks, you generally owe their guaranteed pay for those weeks unless your agreement explicitly states otherwise. Some families negotiate a lower vacation rate (typically 50 to 100% of regular pay) for extended periods the nanny is not needed. This must be agreed upon in advance and in writing.

Reducing Hours Permanently

If your family's situation changes and you genuinely need fewer hours long-term, that is a change to the employment terms that requires proper notice. You cannot simply announce reduced hours starting Monday. Give reasonable notice (typically 2 weeks minimum) and put the new arrangement in writing.