To object to being paid like this

I think the payment envelope is a good idea - but make sure you check it before you leave.

In the long run I'd look for a new client to replace him.

10 minutes before you leave I’d interrupt him tl
say - advance warning I’ll be leaving in ten - so please bring money through…
make him find you.
alternatively 30 minutes advance warning ‘incase you need the cash machine…and so I’m not disturbing you just leave it on the table….

Yep, he's definitely trying to put you in (what he stupidly thinks is) your place. He's trying to make you grateful for being paid the money, whilst being too thick to understand the very basic fact that he has had the cleaning to that value - so it's absolutely not a gift or handout in any way.

Does he have a female partner, do you know? I'd be very interested (and probably deeply saddened) to see how he treats her.

He just sounds like a misogynist in general to me. I highly doubt he would try these silly games with a male cleaner.

Why would you hold your hand out and wait for it? Just be packing away or be on your phone when he gets his wallet out. Don't give him the opportunity. Can't you just take a bank transfer for the whole amount though? I do a standing order for my cleaner.

What a wanker. Sounds like my old boss.

On another note, I used to put the money in an envelope for my cleaner. I’d either give the envelope to her directly or leave it in the kitchen if I was out. She actually thanked me for doing it that way and I was a bit confused at the time. Now I wonder if she was comparing me to a creepy note counter.

It's a power play and he's a demeaning asshole. I would dump him as a client.

Tell him your policy has changed and you now require payment by bank transfer in advance.

3rd possibility: "oh you're £5 short again Mr Douche. Best start having the full £30 ready in an envelope for me when I come next week or I'll have to start charging you a late fee!"

I have no advice but what a dick. Why go out of your way to make things longer for people. Just have the £30 on the side and have done with it! I hate that he gives you the notes one by one too, it’s as if he gets off on you saying ‘thank you’ after each note has been placed in your hand

My friend had this with her cleaning - well something similar, the son of the lady she cleaned for moved and took over the paying. He was creepy and always needed reminding which she hated as it meant she had to spend ages chatting to him, so she introduced payment envelopes which she gave to him when she arrived so she could grab and go. Also giving him that when you arrive gives him time to the cash point for that last tenner...cheeky git.

He’s on a power trip. Keep looking for another client and replace him asap. In the meantime either ask for standing order or ask for pay before clean and then only do what he’s paid for.

I agree with others he’s not worth the hassle - its very unattractive behaviour, ditch home once you have a replacement lined up.

Actually I've changed my mind. Tell him your prices are going up by £10 as of next week. Your time is important to you so this is Douchebag tax.

Text him the day before and ask that he has £30 cash ready for you.

suggest he sets up a standing order.

If there's ever a week you have to cancel & repay him, count the notes out of your wallet very very slowly.
Failing that - or even in preference to that, find another client & ditch him.

Sounds like he’s on a deliberate power trip I agree. I think if you can find another client to replace him with that would be good.

Sorry. Realised I didn't answer your question. I would ignore the counting out of the notes and just roll your eyes mentally when he does it. However, I would tell him that he has been late paying you every week and that he needs to have the full amount to hand in future.

I'd look for a new client and dump him. It sounds like he's on a power trip and is trying to ensure you know he's superior to you.

Superior only in his mind obviously. Anyone who behaves like that is superior to nobody.