Cleaning Contract: What is it? What to Include
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What Is a Cleaning Contract?
A cleaning contract is a legal document between a housekeeper and employer or janitor and building management.
A commercial cleaning contract may be included in a property management agreement.
As a service contract, this document verifies that a person will exchange their cleaning services for a specified payment.
The cleaning contract outlines who will perform cleaning services and how they will do so, how often they will occur, what areas will be cleaned, and how the client will be charged.
Additional terms you might see this type of legal document referred to as include:
- Janitorial services agreement
- Maid service agreement
- Housekeeping agreement
- Cleaning services agreement or cleaning services contract
The contract is shared between an individual or company and the person requesting the services. This could be:
- A private homeowner
- An office manager
- A property manager
- A building management firm
You can learn more about what a contract does and what it entails in this article.
What’s Included in a Cleaning Contract?
A cleaning agreement includes all relevant details to an individual’s or company’s cleaning duties. In some cases, it may tie into a painting contract or even a renovation contract.
The cleaning contract may be between a housekeeper maintaining a home or a professional cleaning company servicing an office space.
If you are a housekeeper, janitor, or own a cleaning company, having a detailed contract between you and each client helps you manage your business more effectively while reducing liability risk.
It is important to include several key elements in the contract before receiving any cleaning services:
1. Scope of Work
The cleaning agreement should describe precisely what type of services and nature of cleaning someone should perform. This may include mopping, vacuuming, window cleaning, dusting furniture, removing and relining waste bins, washing laundry and linens, etc.
Make a list of the responsibilities to be performed and how often they should be done. For example, a janitor may clean the floors of a residential apartment building every day, mop the lobby once per week, and clean exterior windows monthly.
There should be a clearly defined scope of work in terms of both services and time. This sets expectations for the cleaning provider and ensures there are no misunderstandings before the onset of work.
If there are any time constraints, such as after-hours office cleaning, these should also be noted.
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2. Fees
The contract should clearly state how much the cleaning company or individual charges for their services. For example, is their rate hourly, weekly, or fixed for a set period of time, e.g., $2000 for four months?
You should also include the regularity of payments and payment methods, such as a wire bank transfer every week, Venmo or Paypal, or cash.
Suppose you are a professional offering services and charge down payments or deposits. In that case, these should also be factored into the contract and paid accordingly before performing any services.
3. Dates and Times of Service
The frequency and time period of all cleaning services should be provided. For example, you may wish to have a housekeeper service your home on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 9:00 a.m. and noon.
Businesses, residential properties, and commercial spaces should all provide clear timeframes for cleaning service providers to work with.
Additionally, you should specify the total duration of services. Contracts may be signed for a concurrent year. Renewals can occur after each period if a client wishes to continue to receive cleaning services.
4. Location of Service
The cleaning agreement should provide a complete outline of all areas to be cleaned. This can also be the ideal section to mention any areas not to be accessed or cleaned by the housekeeper or janitor.
You may also choose to specify exactly which services will be provided in each location, breaking down tasks by area to ensure a mutual agreement upon the cleaner’s responsibilities.
5. Contact Information and License Number (If Applicable)
A professional cleaning service, such as a business registered as an LLC, should include its contact information, address, and business license number. Not all cleaning providers have a license, in which case their legal name and appropriate contact information will suffice.
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6. Who Is Responsible for Providing Cleaning Equipment
The equipment used should all be itemized, and the provider of cleaning tools and supplies should be specified.
Suppose the cleaner or company provides all their own materials. In that case, they should state that they will only use their own equipment and cleaning products and not access materials in the client’s home or property.
Likewise, a client may choose to specify what type of cleaning products they would like used, whether they will provide them, and how they will be distributed.
7. Dispute Resolution Procedures
A cleaning contract should include procedures and protocols for resolving disputes or conflicts between the cleaning provider and the client.
According to the provider's policies, refunds, damage coverage, and additional fees or charges should be laid out.
A dispute clause can also ensure that the cleaning service provider can protect themselves in the event of non-payment.
8. Signatures
The cleaning provider(s) and clients responsible for payment should sign every cleaning agreement contract. A company owner may sign on behalf of their organization, including the housekeepers or janitors they will assign to a job site.
If the owner of an LLC signs on behalf of their employees, they must state that they legally represent and sign on behalf of their employees to adhere to all agreed-upon terms and conditions within the agreement.
Before this, any employees or contractors within the company must also sign contracts that illustrate their consent to work according to its procedures.
Why Are Commercial Cleaning Contracts Important?
Commercial cleaning contracts are important because they establish clear expectations and protect the cleaning provider and client.
A business can effectively manage its clients and protect its assets by always having a clear framework for services outlined in a contract.
Clients can ensure they get specified services by first establishing an agreement with their cleaning provider.
You can learn more about hiring a commercial cleaning company in this guide.
Why Do I Need a Cleaning Service Agreement?
A solid contract protects you and your business. For example, if you hire a cleaning company or housekeeper and wish to draw up your own contract, then having a legally binding document ensures you get the quality you deserve.
Cleaning agreements ensure that the profitability and reputation of your business are well protected.
Consult this article to learn more about writing a sound cleaning service agreement. Likewise, you may look for business lawyers who handle these contracts regularly.
Suppose you are the owner of a small cleaning company. In that case, you might want to consult a small business lawyer who can ensure your livelihood is protected with solid legal contracts.
Common Cleaning Contract Mistakes
There are some mistakes to avoid when writing your cleaning service agreement, as with any contract. Be mindful to:
- Use a template. Avoid writing each contract from scratch. Instead, use a legally sound, editable cleaning contract template you can tailor to each client.
- Consult a lawyer. Consult with a lawyer to ensure that all of the terms and conditions in your cleaning contract are legally enforceable.
- Keep copies. Keep double copies of signed contracts, either on a cloud service provider or on file with your attorney.
- Include clear terms. Include transparent, clear terms and pricing in your contract, so there is no misunderstanding, hidden fees, or other unaccounted charges.
This article offers tips on choosing the right business lawyer for your company.
Get Help with a Cleaning Contract at ContractsCounsel
Cleaning contracts are an important part of running a successful cleaning business. Likewise, they can help homeowners or business managers set expectations and establish transparent pricing with their cleaning providers.
If you are looking for a business lawyer to help draw your cleaning agreement, ContractsCounsel can help. Post a project today to start receiving bids from local lawyers eager to help.
ContractsCounsel is not a law firm, and this post should not be considered and does not contain legal advice. To ensure the information and advice in this post are correct, sufficient, and appropriate for your situation, please consult a licensed attorney. Also, using or accessing ContractsCounsel's site does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and ContractsCounsel.
Meet some of our Cleaning Contract Lawyers
Brianna N.
Brianna is a well-respected New York licensed attorney with a Juris Doctorate degree in law from Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law School and bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Dowling College. Since becoming an attorney, she has practiced in various areas including business law, corporate law, residential real estate, commercial real estate, criminal law, traffic law, employment law, landlord tenant law, estate planning, and has represented intermediaries in procurement and the personal protective equipment industry. Brianna has broad and extensive business experience; She is an entrepreneur and co-owner of a microtechnology manufacturing company that was built by her and her partner, where she also served as the Chief Legal Officer and Human Resource Manager for the company. While building the manufacturing business, she created a brokerage firm for business transactions and has managed several other businesses which she has ownership interest in. Brianna’s involvement in these various businesses over the past 15 years provides a unique skillset to her clients; Not only does she understand contractual principals and obligations from a legal perspective while drafting and negotiating agreements, but she also has the foresight, experience, and ability to ensure the agreement reflects the practical aspects of the business. Based on the client’s needs and desired outcome, she has the forethought to cover different angles that would be overlooked from a legal standpoint, and as a result she is able to help prevent unforeseen business ramifications. She conducts extensive risk assessments on behalf of her clients and minimizes exposure to potential liability without “over lawyering” agreements. One of Brianna’s main areas of focus is drafting and negotiating agreements. Negotiation is a passion of hers which was applied in law school while she was a member of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Society, notably winning Touro Law School’s intraschool negotiation competition. In her more recent years, Brianna has removed herself from her various business interests to focus on her law practice. Brianna has a strong moral compass and believes in quality over quantity. She treats every client as a top priority; thus, she will not take on many cases at a time because she wants to give each client the focus and attention they deserve. She has sharp attention to detail and is a forceful advocate for every client. Brianna has broad and extensive business experience; She is an entrepreneur and co-owner of a microtechnology manufacturing company that was built by her and her partner, where she also served as the Chief Legal Officer and Human Resource Manager for the company. While building the manufacturing business, she created a brokerage firm for business transactions and has managed several other businesses which she has ownership interest in. Brianna’s involvement in these various businesses over the past 15 years provides a unique skillset to her clients; Not only does she understand contractual principals and obligations from a legal perspective while drafting and negotiating agreements, but she also has the foresight, experience, and ability to ensure the agreement reflects the practical aspects of the business. Based on the client’s needs and desired outcome, she has the forethought to cover different angles that would be overlooked from a legal standpoint, and as a result she is able to help prevent unforeseen business ramifications. She conducts extensive risk assessments on behalf of her clients and minimizes exposure to potential liability without “over lawyering” agreements. Additionally, she specializes in drafting and negotiating agreements. Negotiation is a passion of hers which was applied in law school while she was a member of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Society, notably winning Touro Law School’s intraschool negotiation competition. In her more recent years, Brianna has removed herself from her various business interests to focus on her law practice. Brianna has a strong moral compass and believes in quality over quantity. She treats every client as a top priority; thus, she will not take on many cases at a time because she wants to give each client the focus and attention they deserve. She has sharp attention to detail and is a forceful advocate for every client.
"Brianna gave me a very reasonable quote compared to other bids, and she's super responsible and thorough with her job, an absolute delight to work with, highly recommended!"
Paul S.
I focus my practice on startups and small to mid-size businesses, because they have unique needs that mid-size and large law firms aren't well-equipped to service. In addition to practicing law, I have started and run other businesses, and have an MBA in marketing from Indiana University. I combine my business experience with my legal expertise, to provide practical advice to my clients. I am licensed in Ohio and California, and I leverage the latest in technology to provide top quality legal services to a nationwide client-base. This enables me to serve my clients in a cost-effective manner that doesn't skimp on personal service.
"Was my great pleasure working with Paul. He is very knowledgeable about startups/companies, professional, wise, and supportive. I would highly recommend him."
Curt L.
For over thirty five (35) years, Mr. Langley has developed a diverse general business and commercial litigation practice advising clients on day-to-day business and legal matters, as well as handling lawsuits and arbitrations across Texas and in various other states across the country. Mr. Langley has handled commercial matters including employment law, commercial collections, real estate matters, energy litigation, construction, general litigation, arbitrations, defamation actions, misappropriation of trade secrets, usury, consumer credit, commercial credit, lender liability, accounting malpractice, legal malpractice, and appellate practice in state and federal courts. (Online bio at www.curtmlangley.com).
Matthew S.
I am a 1984 graduate of the Benjamin N Cardozo School of Law (Yeshiva University) and have been licensed in New Jersey for over 35 years. I have extensive experience in negotiating real estate, business contracts, and loan agreements. Depending on your needs I can work remotely or face-to-face. I offer prompt and courteous service and can tailor a contract and process to meet your needs.
"Matthew was prompt and professional and satisfied all requirements of my request!"
Tim E.
Tim advises small businesses, entrepreneurs, and start-ups on a wide range of legal matters. He has experience with company formation and restructuring, capital and equity planning, tax planning and tax controversy, contract drafting, and employment law issues. His clients range from side gig sole proprietors to companies recognized by Inc. magazine.
"Tim was excellent! I gave him project details (liability waiver and rental agreement) and what I needed and he produced the day he said he would with ZERO revisions needed. Highly recommend."
January 16, 2021
Jessica K.
I assist individuals and businesses across the state of Florida with litigation, contract drafting, contract interpretation, and issues that may arise because of contract terms, including demands (cease-and-desist letters) and litigation. I have experience with non-compete agreements, privacy policies, website terms, settlement agreements, intellectual property disputes, and many other disputes. Please reach out if I can help you with a litigation- or contract-related project!
August 4, 2020
Christopher J.
Experienced attorney focusing on estate planning, probate administration, business formation and counseling, and consumer bankruptcy.
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