What Should A Cleaning Contract Include?
What Should A Cleaning Contract Include? A Comprehensive Guide
A professional cleaning contract must clearly define the scope of work, payment terms, schedule, and legal protections for both the cleaning service provider and the client. Without these essential elements, both parties face confusion, disputes, and potential financial liability.
Below is a detailed breakdown of every critical component your cleaning contract should include.
1. Contact Information and Parties Involved
The contract must identify both parties with full legal details:
This ensures both parties can be reached for notices, payments, or emergencies.
2. Scope of Work (Services Provided)
This is the most critical section. It must explicitly detail what will and will not be cleaned:
Essential elements:
Specific areas/rooms to be cleaned (e.g., offices, bathrooms, kitchens, common areas)
Detailed tasks for each visit:
Dusting, vacuuming, mopping
Bathroom cleaning (sinks, toilets, showers)
Trash removal
Window cleaning
Disinfecting high-touch surfaces
Frequency after each service (daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly)
Occasional/add-on services (e.g., deep cleaning, post-construction cleaning, carpet cleaning) with separate pricing
Service restrictions: Rooms or items the cleaner should NOT enter or touch
Cleaning products and equipment: Specify whether the cleaner uses their own or the client's supplies
Tip for commercial cleaning: Itemize services clearly and state how often each is performed. Include quality check procedures if applicable
3. Schedule and Access
Clearly define when cleaning occurs and how the cleaner accesses the property:
Work schedule: Specific dates, times, and days of service
Property access: Key policies, lockbox codes, advance notice requirements for changes
Working hours: Expected start/end times, especially for commercial sites
Cancellation policy: Notice required for skipping a scheduled cleaning
4. Compensation and Payment Terms
This section prevents payment disputes and ensures timely:
5. Contract Duration and Termination
Define how long the agreement lasts and how to end it:
Start date: Effective date when services begin
End date: Contract expiration (if fixed-term)
Renewal options: Whether the contract auto-renews or requires renewal
Termination notice: Required days of written notice (e.g., 2 weeks, 30 days)
Termination method: Written letter, email, or other specified format
Termination for cause: Conditions allowing immediate termination (e.g., breach of contract, damages)
6. Insurance, Bonding, and Licensing
Protect both parties from liability:
Insurance requirements: Cleaner must maintain liability insurance covering property damage or theft
Bonding: Whether the cleaner is bonded for theft protection
Licensing: Confirmation that the cleaner holds required local/state permits
Background checks: Some clients require personnel to undergo background checks for security
7. Liability, Damage, and Indemnification
Address what happens if something goes wrong:
Liability limits: Provisions limiting the cleaner's liability for certain damages
Damage reporting: Process for reporting and remedying property damage
Indemnification clauses: Protect the cleaner from liability for certain incidents
Remedy provisions: What happens if either party is unsatisfied (e.g., free re-clean, discount)
8. Confidentiality and Conduct
Maintain professionalism and protect sensitive information:
Confidentiality clause: Cleaner cannot reveal confidential client information (indefinitely or until contract ends)
Conduct standards: Behavioral expectations (e.g., no smoking, professional attire, no personal device use)
Independent contractor status: Clear statement that the cleaner is not an employee, responsible for their own taxes
9. Dispute Resolution
Prevent litigation by establishing a resolution process:
Primary contact: Who the client should contact for issues
Resolution method: Mediation, arbitration, or other specified process
Satisfaction reporting period: Timeframe for reporting problems and receiving fixes
10. Personnel Requirements (Commercial Contracts)
For commercial/janitorial services:
Number of staff: How many cleaning personnel will be on-site
Training requirements: Specific training or certifications needed
Supervision: Whether a supervisor will be present
11. Signatures
Both parties must sign to make the contract legally effective:
Signature lines for client and cleaner/company representative
Date of signing
Quick Checklist: 15 Must-Have Contract Elements
✓ Names and contact information for both parties
✓ License number (for cleaning business)
✓ Detailed scope of work with specific tasks
✓ Frequency of each service
✓ Work schedule (dates, times, days)
✓ Property access details
✓ Compensation amount and rate structure
✓ Payment schedule and methods
✓ Deposit requirements (if applicable)
✓ Late payment fees
✓ Contract start and end dates
✓ Termination notice period and method
✓ Insurance and bonding requirements
✓ Confidentiality clause
✓ Signatures from both parties
Special Considerations for Commercial Cleaning Contracts
Since you work in commercial janitorial services, your contracts should emphasize:
Response time metrics: Specify how quickly your team responds to urgent cleaning needs
Quality assurance: Include quality check procedures and satisfaction reporting
Personnel background checks: Many commercial clients require this for security
Specific equipment: List commercial cleaning equipment you'll use (e.g., Hoover, Bissell carpet cleaners)
Supply ownership: Clarify whether you provide paper goods and cleaning supplies
Final Tips
Review together: Walk through the contract with your client before signing
Be specific: Avoid vague language; detail every task and area
Update regularly: Revise contracts when services, pricing, or schedules change
Keep copies: Both parties should retain signed copies
A well-structured cleaning contract protects your business, sets clear expectations, and builds trust with clients. By including all these elements, you minimize disputes and create a professional foundation for your cleaning services relationship.