Key Takeaways

  • Commercial cleaning contracts outline services, pricing, schedules, and liabilities.
  • Clear contract language can help avoid misunderstandings and legal disputes.
  • Contracts should be customized for different types of clients (offices, retail, property managers).
  • Including insurance, licensing, and safety policies in contracts increases trust and professionalism.
  • There are several effective strategies to secure commercial cleaning contracts, including online marketing, networking, and government bidding portals.
  • A well-structured contract can protect both cleaners and clients and help cleaning businesses grow sustainably.

Sample commercial cleaning contracts are agreements that bind a homeowner, real estate agent, office manager, or building management firm and an individual or business that carries out commercial cleaning. These contracts set out the rules and guidelines of the contract between the individual and the cleaning business. One example of a commercial cleaning contract is an office cleaning agreement. These contracts are enforceable by the courts. 

Other Terms for a Cleaning Services Agreement

A cleaning services agreement can also be referred to by the following terms:

  • Cleaning services contract
  • Maid service agreement
  • Janitorial service agreement
  • Custodian agreement
  • Office cleaning contract
  • Housekeeping agreement
  • Residential cleaning services contract
  • Janitorial services contract

The Importance of a Cleaning Services Agreement

Having a cleaning services agreement is very useful for housekeepers and caretakers who work independently. If signed before working with a new client, having a service agreement means that the individual is only required to carry out the tasks stated in the contract. Also, as per the legal requirements, both parties must work according to the terms of the contract. If the terms are not fulfilled by one party, they will be held liable. 

What to Expect From an Office Cleaning Company

If you hire office cleaners, you can expect the following services:

  • Cleaning tables, cupboards, shelving units, and desks
  • Putting out the trash, vacuuming floors, and cleaning bathrooms
  • Mopping up any spills

When to Use a Janitorial Contract 

You should use a janitorial contract if either of the following applies:

  • You offer caretaker services on an agreement basis.
  • You want to employ the cleaning services of a caretaker.

Why Should I Use a Cleaning Services Agreement?

  • A cleaning services agreement is important because it makes professional relationships more secure.
  • A cleaning contract enables your client to outline their cleaning requirements and the particulars they expect in relation to the service. For instance, if your client lives by themselves, they might only require vacuuming once a fortnight. However, if they have pets, they might need much more frequent cleaning. Also, some furniture may need to be cleaned using particular techniques or products.
  • You can also use a cleaning services agreement to organize an ongoing house cleaning service, whether it's weekly, monthly, or annually. Generally, a maid service is paid for according to an hourly fee. For this reason, ask your client to clearly set out their needs regarding which cleaning services they require.
  • In addition, you can agree on which times of day are best for cleaning. For example, a house that is up for sale may require cleaning at a specific time.

Benefits of Using a Cleaning Services Agreement

If you run a small enterprise, a janitorial services contract may be useful. You can use it to employ one or more caretakers to clean your workplace after normal business hours. Typical cleaning duties include emptying trash cans and cleaning bathrooms. 

On the other hand, if you work as a freelance cleaner or janitor, a cleaning services agreement is useful for organizing your clients and maintaining work records. Providing a correctly prepared legal document shows your client your professionalism and means that you are safeguarded in the event of a payment dispute. 

An agreement sets out the rules of the cleaning arrangement between the client and the service provider. It also establishes the standard for how you work with clients.

How to Secure Commercial Cleaning Contracts

Winning commercial cleaning contracts often requires a proactive and strategic approach. Here are some effective methods:

  1. Build a Professional Brand: Maintain a professional website, create business cards, and register your company with Google Business and local directories.
  2. Network Locally: Attend local business events and join chambers of commerce to connect with property managers and business owners.
  3. Leverage Online Platforms: Use platforms like Thumbtack, TaskRabbit, or Janitorial Bid to find leads.
  4. Respond to Government RFPs: Register with the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) to access public sector cleaning bids.
  5. Offer Free Consultations or Trial Cleanings: This allows potential clients to assess your services without commitment.
  6. Request Referrals and Testimonials: Satisfied clients can help bring in new business through word-of-mouth and online reviews.
  7. Optimize Your Pricing: Offer competitive but sustainable pricing. Include optional service tiers (basic, deep clean, specialized add-ons).

What to Include in a Contract

When drawing up an agreement, include the following information about you and the client:

  • Names of your business and the client
  • Addresses of your business and the client
  • Contact details, including email addresses and phone numbers
  • Details of the required services

The details relating to the services is the main part of the contract. The more information you include here, the better. That way, your client will know exactly what they're getting. For example, if you only offer interior cleaning, you should make this clear. Otherwise, your client might assume that they can ask for outdoor services — such as window cleaning. 

When a customer understands exactly which services they're getting, there will be fewer problems in the long run. If there is a lack of clarity, there is a higher chance that the client could sue. 

Types of Commercial Cleaning Clients

Tailoring your cleaning contract to the type of client you serve can improve clarity and service delivery. Common types of commercial cleaning clients include:

  • Office Buildings: May require evening or weekend cleaning, specific disinfecting procedures, and periodic deep cleans.
  • Retail Stores: High-traffic areas need frequent cleaning and may have unique needs like display cleaning or entryway floor care.
  • Healthcare Facilities: Require adherence to strict sanitation and cross-contamination protocols.
  • Educational Institutions: Often need daily cleaning with seasonal deep cleans during breaks.
  • Industrial Warehouses: Require cleaning for safety compliance, including dust control, floor maintenance, and waste management.

Additional Clauses to Consider in Commercial Cleaning Contracts

In addition to the basic elements of a cleaning services agreement, consider including the following clauses to ensure clarity and legal protection:

  • Service Schedule and Scope: Clearly define days, times, and frequency of cleaning, and specify the scope (e.g., floor mopping, bathroom sanitation, waste disposal).
  • Supplies and Equipment Responsibility: Identify whether the contractor or client will provide cleaning supplies and equipment.
  • Liability and Insurance: Indicate the type of insurance coverage (e.g., general liability, workers’ compensation) the cleaner must maintain.
  • Termination Clause: Outline conditions under which either party can terminate the agreement, with or without cause.
  • Payment Terms: Detail the payment method, frequency, and any late fee policies.
  • Access to Premises: Describe procedures for secure building access and use of keys or alarm codes.
  • Non-Solicitation or Non-Compete: Optional clauses to prevent clients from hiring cleaners directly or working with competitors post-contract.
  • Dispute Resolution: Specify how conflicts will be handled—through mediation, arbitration, or litigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. How can I get more commercial cleaning contracts?
    Network with local businesses, use online service platforms, and bid on government RFPs. Building a strong online presence also helps attract leads.
  2. What should be included in a commercial cleaning contract?
    Include details like scope of work, frequency, payment terms, liability coverage, and termination clauses.
  3. Can I customize cleaning contracts for different clients?
    Yes. Contracts should be tailored based on the client’s industry, facility size, and specific service needs.
  4. Do I need insurance for a commercial cleaning business?
    Yes. General liability and workers' compensation insurance are often required to protect against accidents or damages.
  5. How do I determine pricing for commercial cleaning contracts?
    Assess the square footage, frequency, type of facility, and labor/equipment costs. Offering service tiers can also help match different client budgets.

If you need help with creating sample commercial 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.