Key Takeaways

  • Perfecting your services and building a compelling company profile are essential first steps when pursuing apartment cleaning contracts.
  • Marketing visibility — both online and offline — dramatically increases your chances of getting noticed by property managers.
  • Submitting customized, value-focused proposals and providing excellent service are key to winning and retaining contracts.
  • Networking with property managers, joining bidding platforms, and responding to RFPs (Requests for Proposals) can help you find cleaning contract opportunities.
  • Offering specialized services, showcasing certifications, and using technology to streamline operations will set your business apart from competitors.

If you want to know how to get cleaning contracts with apartments, follow these steps:

  1. Perfect your services.
  2. Create a compelling profile for your business.
  3. Make your company visible.
  4. Create an online presence.
  5. Draw up a list of potential clients.
  6. Submit solid business proposals to potential clients.
  7. Go above and beyond with your service.

How to Land Commercial Cleaning Contracts With Apartments: First Steps

Your cleaning services need to be as perfect as you can make them. There are numerous options for cleaning services, and your business needs to stand out from the competition.

Work on your service until it's impeccable. See what your competitors are doing, and try to do more. Clients want to know they're getting a great value for their money. It's your job to show them your services are worth the cost.

You need a compelling profile for your business if you want to get commercial cleaning contracts. When potential clients consider various bids for their business, one of the first steps they take is to screen the companies looking to secure a contract with them. You may want to hire an expert to create a strong profile for your cleaning company to showcase what makes you unique.

A compelling profile may highlight the following:

  • Your qualifications and your employees' qualifications
  • Your current customers
  • Past satisfied customers
  • Any awards and commendations your company has received

Identify and Target the Right Apartment Complexes

Before you start applying for cleaning jobs, focus your efforts on the right prospects. Start by identifying apartment buildings, property management companies, and real estate investment groups that regularly outsource cleaning services. Research local and regional property management associations — many maintain directories of buildings and their contact details.

Here’s how to get started:

  • Map your service area: Identify high-density residential areas, newly built complexes, or older properties that often require frequent cleaning.
  • Leverage property management networks: Contact local real estate associations, attend trade shows, and join LinkedIn groups where property managers are active.
  • Subscribe to bid platforms: Many cleaning contracts are posted on government and private-sector bidding sites. Subscribing to these services can alert you to open opportunities.
  • Create a prospect list: Build a spreadsheet with contact details, property size, and estimated cleaning needs. Prioritize leads based on potential revenue and ease of entry.

Marketing and Visibility

You want your commercial cleaning business to be as visible as possible. When clients see your proposal, they'll think about how familiar they are with your company and whether they've ever seen your company name in ads or on billboards.

You must make your business visible to make an impact in your marketplace, and there are numerous ways to go about it, such as the following:

  • Advertise on large billboards.
  • Brand your company vehicles.
  • Rent an office space.
  • Have employee uniforms.
  • Join cleaning associations.
  • Attend stakeholders' meetings.

Today, most people go online when they hear about a company to check it out. They want information like what the business is about, where it's located, and other useful tips.

To land commercial cleaning contracts, you need a strong online presence, and an official website is a good place to start. People generally go online and look for businesses that are nearby. Make sure you have detailed contact and location information on your company website.

Think of who your potential clients will be when taking the next step of showing them what you can do. Draw up a list of any potential customers, such as apartment buildings in your city or county. Think about anyone who needs cleaning services.

Explore Online Platforms and Bid Portals

If you’re wondering how to get cleaning contracts more efficiently, digital platforms and bid portals are invaluable tools. Many apartment cleaning opportunities are posted online, and knowing where to look gives you a significant advantage.

Some strategies include:

  • Government procurement sites: City or county websites often list cleaning contract RFPs for public housing or municipal apartment properties.
  • Commercial bid aggregators: Sites like BuildingConnected, BidNet, and GovWin aggregate open bids from multiple sources, making it easier to find apartment cleaning opportunities.
  • Private bid networks: Property management companies sometimes post cleaning needs on platforms like Property Management Insider or CRE forums.
  • Freelancer and service marketplaces: Websites like Thumbtack or Angi occasionally feature apartment cleaning contracts for smaller-scale work, which can lead to larger contracts later.

Always ensure your business profile on these platforms is complete, professional, and includes your qualifications, insurance, and past client testimonials.

Business Proposals and Customer Service

Next, create a solid business proposal and send it to everyone on your list. If your proposal catches someone's eye, it's likely they will call you to come in and do a presentation. Prepare yourself as much as possible beforehand.

With a solid presentation, you increase your chances of securing a contract. Remember: you're actively looking for business. This isn't the time to sit back and wait for apartment managers to call you. After you submit proposals, make follow-up phone calls at regular intervals to remind them of your business.

If you're fortunate enough to secure a commercial cleaning contract with an apartment company, one of the best things you can do to land more jobs is offer to do more. When you can deliver more than you promise, your clients will be very satisfied. They're more likely to refer you to businesses they know. Word-of-mouth can go a long way toward landing more business for you.

Sometimes, landing the first job is the hardest task. Once you secure your first contract, give your best service so that your clients are consistently happy with your work.

Above all, don't sit back and wait for work to come to you. You should actively market your business, but do so wisely. Advertise and make yourself visible in areas that make the most sense for your cleaning company. In time, you may have more than enough contracts to make your business successful.

Build Competitive Proposals and Pricing Strategies

A winning proposal is more than just a quote — it’s a persuasive sales document that shows why your cleaning company is the best choice. Include details that address the client’s pain points and demonstrate added value beyond basic cleaning services.

Key elements to include:

  • Customized service plans: Tailor your proposal to the property’s specific needs (e.g., common area cleaning, turnover cleaning between tenants, deep cleaning, or eco-friendly services).
  • Proof of reliability: Include references, case studies, or testimonials from satisfied clients to establish credibility.
  • Certifications and insurance: Highlight OSHA compliance, green cleaning certifications, or any specialized training that sets you apart.
  • Transparent pricing: Break down costs by service type, frequency, and scope. Offer package discounts or flexible contracts to appeal to different budget levels.

Finally, once you’ve submitted a proposal, follow up persistently but professionally. Many companies fail to land contracts simply because they don’t check back. A follow-up email or call a week later can move you to the top of the client’s shortlist.

Strengthen Retention With Exceptional Service and Technology

Winning the contract is only half the battle — retaining it is just as important. Property managers value consistency, communication, and continuous improvement.

  • Use cleaning management software: Automate scheduling, track tasks, and share reports with clients. This level of transparency builds trust and professionalism.
  • Solicit feedback regularly: After the first few months, request client feedback to address concerns proactively and improve service.
  • Offer add-on services: Window washing, carpet care, or move-in/move-out cleaning can help you become a one-stop solution and reduce the chance of losing contracts to competitors.
  • Maintain strong relationships: Regular check-ins, holiday greetings, or small client appreciation gestures go a long way toward building loyalty.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How do I find apartment cleaning contracts online?
    Search for open bids on government procurement websites, commercial bid portals, or private property management networks. Joining these platforms increases your visibility.
  2. What should I include in a cleaning service proposal?
    Include customized cleaning plans, pricing details, client testimonials, certifications, and clear contract terms tailored to the property’s needs.
  3. How can I stand out from competitors when bidding?
    Offer specialized services, demonstrate reliability with client references, and provide transparent pricing. Certifications and eco-friendly options also give you an edge.
  4. Is insurance necessary for apartment cleaning contracts?
    Yes. Most property managers require proof of liability insurance and worker’s compensation coverage before signing a cleaning contract.
  5. What are the best ways to retain cleaning contracts?
    Provide consistent service, use management software to improve communication, solicit feedback, and offer additional services to deepen client relationships.

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