Cleaner broke and item then lied about it and I found out AIBU

[Whyismyhousealwaysmessy]

Hi

i have cleaners come once a week to help me try and be get the house to look semi decent and have used the same ones for a couple of years. Last week they came whilst I was out and my relatively new kitchen bin was broken (not particularly expensive, prob around £40/50, this is more about the principle) when I got back. I tried to fix it but it’s been snapped in a way the lid can’t be reattached back on.

I waited to see if they would mention it to which I would’ve said it doesn’t matter etc. But they didn’t.

I then spoke to the main lady who also came that day to ask if it was accidentally broken. She said she didn’t take the bins out but asked the other cleaner who did. Bin remover said she doesn’t know and hasn’t broken it.

I was a little perplexed as no one else had been to the house apart from them so was a bit about it. I decided (with little hope of seeing anything) to check if anything was caught on our outside cctv near the bins.

Low and behold it was all recorded on cameras, she had taken the entire bin outside (rather than just the bin bag), broken it and then spent a good while trying to fix it back on.

Now what do I do. I’m quite unhappy at being lied to, but don’t want her to lose her job or anything.

Ugh yeah that is disappointing and I wouldn’t like being lied to either. I am a soft touch, so I wouldn’t say anything to the company, as she probably is just worried about her job. But I would get new cleaners as well tbh.

If you are otherwise happy with them I'd let it go. They were possibly worried about the consequences, which led to them telling the lie.

I'm a bit of a soft touch though!

I think it depends on the type of person you are

I'm a bit of a soft touch wet lettuce as other posters have mentioned and would probably let it go as long as they aren't regularly dishonest and this remains a singular incident.

I know my DH would have no difficulty about getting new cleaners or even a new company, and many other people besides.

If you otherwise like the cleaners I'd let them off this time.

No sorry I'd definitely report this to her employer / main cleaning lady... Like The OP said I would have just left it had she been truthful about it / let you know but lying about it is something else entirely.

I wouldn’t be happy with this. I’m a cleaner and have broken a mop and a mop bucket. (Two separate clients) I replaced both immediately and informed client what had happened and what I had done to fix it. It’s called being an adult, never mind a professional. They aren’t naughty children, they should have been decent enough to tell you what happened.

Yes I do need new ones as this is the second time something like this has happened, it’s just the headache of finding new ones and being without whilst I do. I work and have 3 little ones and just cant keep on top of the house even though DH is really helpful too.

Last year our shower head which we just installed (cost £700 for it, was horrified when DH said he paid that much for it) was quite badly scratched up by a cleaner (looks like a brillo pad was used to clean it) who denied doing anything (same company, but this cleaner doesn’t clean for us now). I let that slide as didn’t want to cause a fuss, though it looks pretty awful. I’m just wondering if this cleaner is lying to us about something so small and inconsequential she might be about other things in other houses too.

I think you really need youecleaners to be honest, as they have access to your home and belongings.

So I’m afraid i would send the video to the company.

She is dishonest. Not a good trait in anybody, never mind someone alone in your house. I'd dismiss her.

Until a few weeks ago I would have said report. Then my friend told me that her cleaner broke something (but admitted it) so my friend contacted her employer to claim. The employer told her that it would have to come out of the cleaners pocket! Wtf is public liability insurance for then My friend was outraged and let it go. It could be the cleaner could be terrified as it's the same situation and can't afford to pay. Still, I'd have had to own up. It's a tricky one.

Send them a picture of the security footage. Lying is absolutely not on - I work in people’s homes, if I break something I admit it and offer to replace it.

Question about the CCTV?

Do you have clear signage up about it? If so you can use it and claim the money back form them.

If not then get signage up and explain you know who broke the bin as video evidence clearly shows who did it and any more incidents and they will be reported.

Damage to goods happens - lying means potential theft and covering up the fact.

I would have a word with the agency/main cleaner and say I didn’t want that cleaner back

I sacked my last cleaner based on something similar - I wasn't bothered about what they broke but the saying nothing and then lying when it was bloody obvious was dreadful.

Current cleaner has broken a couple of things - always leaves a note to apologise and has offered to replace things. I've always refused to accept any money but I really appreciate her honesty.

I can't be doing with cleaners that lie.

Janey yes they know as the lady who’s company dropped the front door key once in the drive and we both looked at the cctv to see if we could see where it dropped.

God I really do need to change them.

I have my key back now after last week as wasn’t no sure what to do.

Gryffen: cctv there isn’t signage up but will definitely get it up now.

Trust gone, I’m aftaid you need to fire her xx

I would get rid of the company. It sounds like their staff either aren't encouraged, or don't feel able, to spea to their employers about issues.

I agree you need to replace them, purely for the lying. Perhaps she is worried she can’t afford to replace it, but she’d be much better just saying so. I used to work as a nanny, and if ever I broke or damaged anything, i would tell the parents as soon as they got home.

I wouldn’t be happy with this. I’m a cleaner and have broken a mop and a mop bucket. (Two separate clients) I replaced both immediately and informed client what had happened

Most people could stretch to afford a new buck not everyone could afford a 50 pound bin.

OP if they are otherwise great I'd let it go and assume they were worried about their job.

That's annoying! Problem is if they will lie about a broken bin what else will they lie about. I'd tell her why you are changing and send her the video.

I had an issue recently with mine - came back home unexpectedly whilst they were here. They had made their lunch from the contents of my fridge. However, they said the food was theirs, not mine! I knew it was mine as I had Waitrose olives, Dried tomatoes in oil from the local deli market and local Cornish cheese (i.e. bought in Cornwall!) with M&S Seeded bread. With that wide collection of things I was in no doubt it was mine and I could see it was gone from the fridge!

They should have insurance to cover breakages, so there is no excuse for lying. I wouldn't want that person in my house for sure.

I would replace them.
Not for breaking the bin, but for lying.

Because now you will feel a niggle of doubt and distrust.
I couldn't have someone I didn't trust with a key to my house.

If you're happy to employ a dishonest cleaner say nothing otherwise you need to speak up.

If it's a brabantia bin you can get a replacement lid, FOC if it's under 10 years old.

This happened to our dyson, cleaning company manager said the girls didn't drop it down the stairs, luckily our dyson was still under the 5 year warranty so had it fixed.

You won't be able to trust them again. I'd stop using them and be clear about why ie the lying not the breakage