Key Takeaways

  • A housekeeping contract defines services, payment, and expectations between a cleaner and client, helping prevent disputes.
  • These agreements may cover cleaning frequency, supplies, performance standards, confidentiality, and termination terms.
  • Including clear clauses for damages, safety, and insurance ensures both parties are protected.
  • Employers must comply with labor and wage laws when hiring housekeepers.
  • Written contracts provide clarity for both independent contractors and domestic employees.

What are Sample Cleaning Contracts?

Sample cleaning contracts can help you to craft a legally binding professional relationship. They can help clarify how the homeowner, office manager, renter, or company will pay the cleaning professional and what services they are expected to offer. This type of contract includes the terms of service and payment, and can be used for independent housekeepers or cleaning companies. Sometimes a cleaning contract is referred to as a housekeeping agreement, a janitorial services contract, or a maid service agreement. 

Understanding the Purpose of a Housekeeping Contract

A housekeeping contract is more than just a payment agreement—it’s a detailed document outlining the scope of work, expectations, and responsibilities between a homeowner or business and the cleaning professional. It ensures that both parties have a mutual understanding of cleaning duties, frequency, and performance standards.

A well-drafted housekeeping contract typically covers the type of services (deep cleaning, laundry, window washing, etc.), schedule (daily, weekly, or monthly), and payment terms (hourly or flat rate). It also specifies whether the housekeeper provides their own supplies or uses those provided by the client. Such agreements minimize confusion and create accountability for quality and timeliness.

How Are Sample Cleaning Contracts Written?

Sample cleaning contracts follow the same general structure as other types of business agreements. They establish a professional relationship between a client and a service provider, defining each party’s obligations in clear and specific terms. While these contracts can be as detailed as you prefer, they should always include the key elements necessary to protect both parties—such as payment details, duration, and dispute resolution terms.

How Should You Outline the Terms of a Cleaning Contract?

When drafting a cleaning contract, start by clearly outlining the tasks and areas that will be cleaned. Include important details such as frequency of service, required supplies, and quality standards. It’s also advisable to include a clause outlining how disputes will be handled—such as mediation or written notice—so both parties understand how to resolve issues if service expectations are not met.

What Clauses Should Be Included in a Cleaning Contract?

A cleaning contract should include all clauses relevant to the scope of work and applicable legal obligations. In addition to standard terms like payment and duration, it should address compliance with local, state, and federal laws, including OSHA safety standards, U.S. Department of Labor guidelines, and anti-discrimination laws. Cleaning companies, like all businesses, must adhere to employment and workplace safety regulations.

How Can You Set Boundaries for Cleaners in the Workplace?

If you’re hiring cleaners for an office, you can specify what conduct is acceptable through a prohibited conduct clause. This section allows you to define boundaries—for example, permitting cleaners to tidy desks but prohibiting them from moving papers or accessing confidential files. You can also restrict visitors or other off-limits activities to maintain security and privacy.

Are Cleaning Company Employees Covered by the Client’s Insurance?

Typically, cleaning company employees are not covered under the client’s insurance policy. Most cleaning businesses are required by law to carry their own liability and workers’ compensation insurance to protect their staff while working on-site. However, if an injury occurs due to a client’s negligence—such as an unsafe condition in the workspace—the cleaner may have grounds to file a claim under the client’s policy. In all other situations, the cleaning company’s insurance is responsible for covering incidents.

Key Clauses to Include in a Housekeeping Contract

Whether you are hiring an individual cleaner or a cleaning company, certain clauses are essential for a legally sound housekeeping contract. These include:

  • Scope of Work: Define what tasks will be performed—such as dusting, vacuuming, kitchen cleaning, or laundry—and what will not be included.
  • Schedule and Duration: Specify cleaning days, start and end times, and whether the arrangement renews automatically.
  • Supplies and Equipment: Identify who provides cleaning tools and materials.
  • Payment and Invoicing: Detail hourly rates, late payment fees, and acceptable payment methods.
  • Liability and Insurance: Require proof of general liability or worker’s compensation coverage to protect against damages or injuries.
  • Confidentiality: Especially relevant for private residences, this clause prevents housekeepers from disclosing personal or proprietary information.
  • Termination: Define the notice period and valid reasons for ending the contract, such as repeated tardiness or breach of conduct.

Adding these clauses ensures both the client and the cleaning professional are legally and financially protected throughout the arrangement.

Steps to Drafting a Cleaning Contract

There are a few steps you should follow when drafting a cleaning contract.

1. Think of what kind of cleaning tasks you expect your cleaning service to complete, including how detailed you want them to clean. 

  • This can be a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly service or a single service.
  • Consider how much can realistically be completed in a few hours.
  • Note the exact location of what needs to be cleaned to avoid misunderstandings.

2. When you write your contract, clearly articulate any deadlines, such as the sale of a home.

3. Write up a cleaning contract that includes:

  • Name of cleaning professional and homeowner
  • Payment details
  • Who provides cleaning supplies

4. Outline what will happen in the case of a dispute, such as early termination. 

5. Include the duration of the agreement and when it will end. 

6. Detail the steps that will be taken if property damage occurs.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Creating a Housekeeping Contract

Even well-intentioned agreements can fail if key details are overlooked. Common mistakes include:

  • Vague Descriptions: Failing to define tasks precisely can lead to unmet expectations.
  • No Termination Clause: Without clear termination terms, ending a poor working relationship can become complicated.
  • Ignoring Insurance Requirements: Not verifying coverage can leave homeowners liable for injuries or damage.
  • Omitting Confidentiality Terms: This is especially problematic in residential arrangements where privacy is crucial.
  • Not Updating the Contract: Long-term arrangements should be reviewed periodically to reflect changing service needs or payment adjustments.

Avoiding these pitfalls helps maintain a transparent, respectful, and professional working relationship.

Legal and Compliance Considerations for Housekeeping Contracts

When creating a housekeeping contract, compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws is critical. For instance, if the housekeeper is treated as an employee rather than an independent contractor, the employer may be required to withhold taxes, follow minimum wage laws, and comply with overtime pay regulations.

Additionally, homeowners should ensure the contract aligns with OSHA safety standards and state domestic worker protections. Many jurisdictions, including California and New York, have enacted Domestic Worker Bills of Rights, requiring rest breaks, overtime pay, and safe working conditions.

For business cleaning services, incorporating insurance verification and indemnity clauses can protect against liability claims for property damage or workplace injury. Consulting a lawyer before finalizing the contract ensures compliance with all relevant laws and minimizes risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between a housekeeping contract and a cleaning service agreement? A housekeeping contract typically involves ongoing residential work with personalized duties, while cleaning service agreements often apply to commercial or one-time jobs with standardized tasks.

2. Can I use a housekeeping contract for part-time domestic workers? Yes. The contract should simply outline the reduced hours, duties, and payment terms, ensuring compliance with local employment laws.

3. Should a housekeeper have insurance? Yes. Liability insurance protects against damage or injury claims. Independent contractors should carry their own coverage, while employees may be covered under the employer’s policy.

4. What happens if property is damaged during cleaning? The housekeeping contract should specify responsibility for accidental damage and detail how compensation will be handled—often through insurance claims or direct reimbursement.

5. Do I need a lawyer to draft a housekeeping contract? While templates are helpful, consulting an attorney ensures the agreement complies with local labor laws and fully protects both parties. You can find experienced attorneys through UpCounsel’s legal marketplace, which connects clients with top-rated lawyers from prestigious law schools.

If you need help with sample cleaning contracts, you can post your legal need on UpCounsel's marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.