A strong cleaning contract protects your business and sets expectations with clients. Here's exactly what to include — with plain-English explanations for every clause.
A handshake deal might feel friendly, but it's a liability for your cleaning business. Without a written contract, you have no legal recourse if a client:
→ Refuses to pay
→ Claims damage you didn't cause
→ Expands the scope without increasing the price
→ Cancels without notice
According to BSCAI, cleaning companies that use written contracts have 40% fewer payment disputes and significantly longer client retention. A professional contract also signals to clients that you're a real business — not a side hustle.
The contract below covers every clause a commercial cleaning company needs. Customize it for your business and have a local attorney review it once.
Every commercial cleaning contract should include these core sections:
1. Parties & Effective Date
Full legal names and addresses of your company (the Contractor) and the client (the Customer). Include the contract start date and term length.
2. Scope of Work
The most important section. List every task, every area, and every frequency. Be specific:
→ "Vacuum all carpeted areas in Suite 200 — 5x per week"
→ "Sanitize and disinfect all restroom fixtures (4 restrooms, 12 fixtures total) — 5x per week"
→ "High dust all surfaces above 6 feet — 1x per month"
Vague scope = scope creep. If it's not in the contract, it's not included.
3. Cleaning Schedule
Days of the week, time window (e.g., "After 6:00 PM, before 11:00 PM"), and whether holiday schedules apply.
4. Pricing & Payment Terms
Monthly fee, due date (Net 15 or Net 30), late payment penalty (typically 1.5% per month), and accepted payment methods.
5. Term & Renewal
Initial contract length (typically 12 months) and auto-renewal terms (e.g., "Automatically renews for 12-month periods unless either party gives 60 days' written notice").
These clauses protect your business from common disputes:
Insurance Requirements
"Contractor shall maintain General Liability insurance of no less than $1,000,000 per occurrence and Workers' Compensation insurance as required by state law. Certificate of Insurance will be provided upon request."
Limitation of Liability
"Contractor's total liability for any claim shall not exceed the total fees paid by Customer in the 3 months preceding the claim." This prevents a $2,000/month client from suing you for $100,000.
Scope Change Process
"Any changes to the Scope of Work must be documented in a written Change Order signed by both parties. Additional services will be billed at the rates specified in the Change Order." This prevents scope creep.
Termination Clause
"Either party may terminate this Agreement with 30 days' written notice. Customer shall pay for all services rendered through the termination date." Some contracts use 60 or 90 days.
Key & Access Provision
"Customer shall provide Contractor with keys, codes, or badges necessary for access. Contractor shall maintain a key log and return all access items upon contract termination."
Non-Solicitation
"Customer agrees not to hire Contractor's employees during the contract term and for 12 months following termination." This prevents clients from poaching your cleaners.
Mistake 1: No per-visit pricing breakdown
Always include the per-visit cost in addition to the monthly total. If a client reduces frequency, you can show exactly how the price adjusts.
Mistake 2: Vague scope of work
"General cleaning" means something different to you and the client. Be exhaustive in your task list.
Mistake 3: No price escalation clause
Wages go up, supply costs go up. Include an annual escalator: "Contractor reserves the right to adjust pricing by up to 3% annually with 60 days' notice."
Mistake 4: No inspection process
Define how quality is measured: "Contractor will conduct monthly inspections and provide photographic reports. Customer may request additional inspections with 48 hours' notice."
Mistake 5: Missing insurance requirements
Always list your coverage in the contract. It builds trust and protects you if something goes wrong.
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