Is it permissible to remain in the house while the maid is present, provided that one stays in an isolated room with an external door separate from the rest of the house?

It is impermissible for a man and a non-mahram woman to be in seclusion (khalwa) together, due to the Prophet’s (peace and blessings be upon him) prohibition of it, and because Satan becomes the third party between them. Scholars have unanimously agreed on the impermissibility of such seclusion.

If the maid is in the house, and the man occupies a separate room with a door closed to the outside and another door closed off from the rest of the house, then there is no harm, and it is not considered seclusion, because it becomes like two adjacent dwellings.

If the man is a student and enjoys reading, and spends his time in a public library, this is good and commendable, and he must watch himself and fear temptation.