10/16/2026
Would you hand a stranger the keys to your home?
Most of us would immediately say no.
Yet every day, homeowners give cleaners, housekeepers, contractors and other service providers access to their properties. Sometimes that means handing over a key. Other times, it means providing an alarm code or allowing someone to enter the home while nobody else is there.
A recent story published by Discover Airdrie is an important reminder of just how much trust is involved.
According to the report, a housekeeper who had previously faced theft-related charges is now facing additional charges following an RCMP investigation into the alleged theft of gold and silver from a Carstairs residence while the homeowners were away.
Police allege that the stolen items were pawned for approximately $87,000.
While these allegations have not been proven in court, the circumstances raise an important question for homeowners everywhere.
How much do you really know about the people you allow into your home?
At Acuity Advantage, we work with homeowners who travel frequently, maintain seasonal residences or simply have busy schedules that make managing every detail of their property difficult.
Our Home Watch services provide scheduled, in-person inspections while homeowners are away. Through our Lifestyle Management services, we can also help coordinate cleaners, maintenance contractors and other service providers.
We understand that inviting someone into your home requires trust, and that trust should be supported by experience, professionalism and accountability.
Before hiring someone, take the time to ask questions. Check references. Ask about insurance, professional qualifications and background screening. Understand who will have access to your home and how that access will be managed.
These are important conversations to have before something goes wrong, not after.
Learn more about how Acuity Advantage helps homeowners care for their properties:
Home Watch Services:
https://acuityadvantage.com/home-watch-services/
Lifestyle Management Services:
https://acuityadvantage.com/lifestyle-management-services/