What is a cleaning contract?
A cleaning contract is an agreement for regular cleaning at a home or business. It sets out what you clean, how often, what it costs, and the rules for keys, cancellations and breakage. It protects you from scope creep and last-minute cancellations, and it tells the client exactly what they're paying for.
How to make a cleaning contract
- Pick residential or commercial. Commercial contracts usually add a site contact, lock-up and alarm steps, and invoice payment terms.
- List areas and tasks. Room by room, or zone by zone for an office. Say what's not included, such as inside ovens or windows.
- Set the schedule. Frequency, day and time window.
- Set the price. Per visit or per month, and when payment is due.
- Say who supplies what. Products and equipment.
- Write down access. Keys, door codes, lockboxes and alarms.
- Cover cancellations, lockouts and breakage.
- Set the term and how it ends.
Residential vs commercial cleaning contract
| Residential | Commercial | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical price | Per visit | Per month |
| Payment | On the day | Invoice, 15 or 30 days |
| Access | Key or code from the homeowner | Keys, alarm codes, building rules |
| Term | Ongoing | Often a fixed term, such as 12 months |
| Extras | Valuables put away | Site contact, lock-up, proof of insurance |
Commercial cleaning contract terms
Switch the form to commercial and the contract adds a client contact, lock-up and alarm duties, and an independent contractor clause. Many businesses will ask for a certificate of insurance before you start, and some will want you on their own contract. If so, use this one as a checklist to make sure their contract covers your cancellations, lockouts and payment terms.
Cancellation, lockout and breakage fees
A late cancellation fee covers a slot you could have filled. A lockout fee covers a trip where you couldn't get in. Set both at amounts you'd actually charge, and say how much notice the client must give. For breakage, ask clients to report damage within a set time, and say what you're not responsible for, such as items already damaged.
Non-solicitation of staff
A non-solicitation clause stops a client from hiring your cleaners directly. It's optional. Some states limit these clauses or how long they can last, so check your state before you rely on one.
Price the job first
Work out your price with the cleaning estimate template, then put it in the contract. Review the price once a year, and give the notice the contract asks for before you change it.
Questions
What should a cleaning contract include?
Both parties' details, the service address, areas and tasks, frequency, price and payment terms, who supplies products, access and keys, cancellation and lockout fees, breakage, the term, and signatures.
Do I need a contract for residential cleaning clients?
It isn't always required, but a short written agreement makes the scope, price and cancellation rules clear before there's a disagreement.
How long should a commercial cleaning contract be?
Many run 12 months with a notice period to end early. This template lets you choose ongoing or a fixed number of months.
Can I charge a lockout fee?
If the contract says so and the client signs it. Set the amount in the form and it appears in the cancellations clause.