People who work or employ cleaning services understand that well-constructed agreements form the foundation of their work relationship. 

A cleaning contract is an important foundation that supports the essential bond between clients and professional cleaning service providers. Learning about cleaning contracts will benefit tenants before moving out and commercial property managers and cleaners starting new businesses by reducing costs, saving time and minimising stress.

Early in my career, I learned this the hard way. A client once insisted we agree on cleaning their garage, something I had never even discussed. With no written contract to back me up, I had to choose between doing the extra work for free or risking losing the relationship. That experience taught me that clarity isn’t just helpful; it’s essential.

In this article, we’ll walk you through what cleaning contracts should include, common terms and conditions, how to spot hidden fees, legal implications, and even how to negotiate a fair deal.

What Should Be Included in a Cleaning Services Contract?

A solid cleaning contract depends on precise specifications. The document functions as directional guidance to maintain proper alignment between both parties.

1. Scope of Work

The core part of a contract exists within its details. The document needs to specify all cleaning duties which will be carried out. The cleaning tasks consist of vacuuming carpets, bathroom scrubbing and deep cleaning of appliances. Be specific. The contract specifies that kitchen cleaning requires staff to wipe all countertops while cleaning appliance surfaces and mopping every floor.

2. Service Location & Duration

The agreement should contain the building location and the duration of the arrangement. The agreement defines whether the cleaning service is limited to a single move-out cleanup or extends to ongoing weekly services. A three-bedroom apartment lease-cleaning contract includes weekly maintenance visits extended over six months.

3. Pricing & Payment Terms

The agreement should clearly state the expenses for service delivery. Do you plan to bill according to hours spent, or will the service have a fixed cost? What’s the billing frequency? 

The agreement should include payment deadlines and the accepted ways to make payments. My colleague lost $300 because he didn’t establish clear payment deadlines—this experience taught him a valuable lesson.

4. Supplies and Equipment

Clearly define who provides what. Your clients either want you to provide your equipment or make use of their existing supplies. The lack of a clear understanding between parties will lead to postponed work and angry clients.

5. Contact Information

Both parties need to provide full contact information, including emergency contacts, because these details become crucial during urgent schedule changes and unexpected situations.

Common Terms and Conditions in Cleaning Contracts

1. Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy

All cleaning personnel experience this anxiety-inducing phone call about unexpected family gatherings. Can you come next week?” The addition of a cancellation clause enables you to establish essential boundaries through specific notice requirements between 24 to 48 hours.

2. Liability and Insurance

Who bears responsibility when a cleaner damages valuable items on the property? The agreement needs to define who takes responsibility in case of an incident. Every professional working in the field requires public liability insurance to protect their operations.

3. Confidentiality Clauses

Corporate clients specifically require confirmation that their private areas remain under strict confidentiality protection. The inclusion of confidentiality terms elevates professionalism while creating trust with clients.

4. Performance Standards

Clear expectations become more effective through this approach. Your cleaning checklist should be included together with performance review dates in the contract.

My former client regularly gave feedback about my work performance every time I cleaned his property. Our written agreement established clear boundaries that protected both parties during challenging moments.

5. Termination Clause

If either party decides to terminate the agreement before its expiration date, what will be the procedure? This section clarifies the procedural requirements and timeframes for contracting termination.

How to Avoid Hidden Fees in Cleaning Contracts

Many contracts hide hidden fees through small print, which end up causing unexpected costs to customers.

1. Request Itemised Quotes

Ask for a breakdown of costs. Avoid any cleaning services that provide unclear pricing structures, such as “Deep Clean: $250.” You need to request detailed fee information about the costs of floor cleaning, window washing and kitchen maintenance to understand your total bill.

2. Request information on fees linked to travel distances or equipment usage and rush job services

Cleaners demand additional fees when they need to travel long distances or operate heavy cleaning tools. The service providers charge additional costs when customers need weekend or same-day cleaning services.

3. Review the terms and conditions for weekend or holiday cleaning services.

The cost of cleaning service during holidays typically doubles the regular rate. Your contract must explicitly address these additional fees to avoid unexpected price increases during holidays like Christmas Eve.

Legal Implications of Cleaning Contracts

1. Binding Agreement

The signing of a cleaning contract converts it into an official legal document. A binding agreement protects both customers and cleaning services from potential complications during service delivery.

2. Dispute Resolution

The inclusion of mediation clauses in contracts enables parties to solve disputes outside legal proceedings.

3. Compliance with Local Labour Laws

As a cleaner who hires others, ensure that your contracts follow local employment regulations. Being unaware of labour board complaints can put you at risk.

4. Implications of Breach of Contract

The client refuses payment, or you miss three appointments during the contract period. The agreement must define what actions constitute a breach of contract and outline the subsequent consequences, ranging from termination to fines or litigation.

How to Negotiate a Cleaning Contract

Here are steps to help you negotiate a cleaning contract better.

1. Do Your Research

You need to understand what rates service providers charge in your geographical area. For beginners who want to compare prices, they should call several competitors to obtain their rate information.

2. Know What You Want

Establish your absolute requirements before starting negotiations with the client. Is it bi-weekly cleanings? A flat rate? Flexibility with reschedules?

3. Be Clear on Budget Limits

Clients appreciate transparency. Reduce the service scope instead of reducing quality when the client budget falls below your rate.

4. You Should Never Be Timid About Asking Clarifying Questions

If you encounter unclear language in the terms or clauses, then ask the other party for clarification. A client included “special cleaning requests included” in their contract without giving any definition of “special.” Always clarify.

5. Put Everything in Writing

There is no value in verbal promises during disagreements between parties. Record all amendments which both parties agree upon in the written contract.

Tips for Cleaners: Creating Clear and Fair Contracts

• Use Simple Language: Avoid legalese. Make the contract easy to understand.

• Be Transparent with Pricing: Don’t hide costs. Clients prefer honesty over surprise charges.

• Offer Tiered Packages: Give options: basic, standard, premium. This makes upselling easier.

• Provide Clear Contact Options: Give more than one way for clients to reach you—email, phone, or even WhatsApp.

Tips for Clients: Reviewing and Signing a Cleaning Contract

1. Take Your Time to Read: Don’t rush. If you’re unsure, ask the cleaner to walk you through the terms.

1. Consult a Lawyer for Long-Term Agreements: Especially if the contract is over six months or involves commercial properties.

1. Compare with Two or More Contracts: Shopping around helps you understand what’s standard versus what’s extra.

Conclusion

A cleaning contract represents an essential partnership between parties that establishes mutual protection. I learned through experience in both client and cleaning roles that investing time in developing solid contracts will produce valuable results.

The written contract provides clear expectations which protect everyone from misunderstandings and establishes a professional business relationship.

The contract serves as a vital foundation when building your first client base or seeking consistent property management service, so it remains essential never to skip this step.

Review all contract content and ask necessary questions to guarantee mutual agreement between parties. You’ll thank yourself later.