Cleaning Services Agreement
A cleaning services agreement defines the terms for residential or commercial cleaning — scope of work, cleaning frequency, supplies responsibility, property access procedures, liability for damage, and cancellation policy.
When to Use a Cleaning Services Agreement
Use when engaging a cleaning company or individual cleaner for recurring or one-time residential or commercial cleaning services.
What Makes This Type Different
How a Cleaning Services Agreement differs from the standard Service Agreement.
- Detailed cleaning scope (rooms, tasks, frequency) included
- Key and access code policies for property access
- Liability cap for accidental damage to property
- Cancellation notice and rescheduling policy
Complete Guide: Cleaning Services Agreement
A cleaning service agreement establishes the terms under which a cleaning company or independent cleaning professional provides residential or commercial cleaning services to a client. Unlike many service agreements where deliverables are intangible, cleaning contracts deal with a physical, recurring service performed inside the client's home or business premises—creating distinct considerations around access and security, property liability, health and safety compliance, and the consistent quality standards that recurring service clients expect. A well-structured cleaning service agreement protects both the cleaning provider's right to receive payment for reliable service and the client's right to access their property safely and receive the agreed quality of cleaning.
Access and security arrangements are a foundational concern in cleaning service agreements, particularly for residential clients and commercial premises with sensitive areas. The agreement must address how the cleaner will access the property—key, key code, security card, or client must be present—and who is responsible for changing access codes or retrieving keys if the service relationship ends. The cleaner's obligation to maintain access credentials confidentially, to restrict access to only areas within the cleaning scope, and to report any security issues or property damage discovered during cleaning should be documented in writing. These provisions protect the client from security risks while clarifying the cleaner's obligations and limiting their liability for pre-existing conditions.
Commercial cleaning agreements involve an additional layer of complexity because of employment and subcontracting arrangements common in the industry. Many commercial cleaning companies employ crews rather than performing the work themselves, and the agreement must address supervisory responsibility, employee background checks, and liability for employee conduct while on the client's premises. The agreement should also address OSHA compliance for the use of cleaning chemicals and equipment, workers' compensation insurance for employees who may be injured on the client's property, and the client's responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment, including identifying hazardous materials and providing adequate ventilation for chemical cleaning products.
Quality and complaint resolution mechanisms are essential for cleaning service agreements because the standard of 'clean' is inherently subjective and the service is recurring—dissatisfaction that is not addressed promptly tends to compound over time. The agreement should define the specific tasks included in each cleaning visit (vacuuming, mopping, bathroom sanitization, kitchen cleaning, dusting), tasks that are explicitly excluded (deep cleaning, laundry, dishes, organization), and the process for requesting add-on tasks at additional cost. Quality complaints should be directed to a specific point of contact within a defined timeframe, with the provider committed to returning to address identified deficiencies within a specified period at no additional charge.
How to Create a Cleaning Services Agreement: Step-by-Step
- 1
Define the Cleaning Scope and Frequency
List each room or area to be cleaned, the tasks performed in each area, and any tasks explicitly excluded from the standard service. Specify the cleaning frequency—weekly, bi-weekly, monthly—and the approximate duration of each visit. Attach a cleaning checklist as an exhibit to create an objective reference for quality assessment.
- 2
Set the Service Rate and Payment Terms
State the per-visit rate or monthly service fee, the payment due date (before service, on service day, or monthly billing), and acceptable payment methods. For commercial clients, specify the invoicing schedule and net payment period. Include a late payment interest provision and the right to suspend service for non-payment after a defined grace period.
- 3
Address Access, Keys, and Security
Specify the access method (key, code, in-person), who is authorized to provide access, and how access credentials are stored and secured. Require the cleaner to immediately report any access-related security incidents, lost credentials, or property damage discovered during cleaning. Specify the return or destruction of access credentials within a defined period after service termination.
- 4
Include Insurance and Liability Terms
Require the cleaner to maintain general liability insurance covering property damage and bodily injury caused by the cleaning service, with a minimum coverage limit specified. Address liability for pre-existing damage versus damage caused during cleaning, and the claims reporting and resolution process. Limit the cleaner's liability for incidental damage to a reasonable cap, typically the cost of the specific cleaning session in which the damage occurred.
- 5
Define Cancellation and Rescheduling Policies
Specify the notice period required to cancel or reschedule a cleaning visit without penalty (typically twenty-four to forty-eight hours). Describe the cancellation fee that applies for late cancellations or lockouts when the cleaner cannot gain access. Address the policy for recurring service skips—whether they are rescheduled, credited, or simply missed—and the notice required to permanently discontinue service.
Key Legal Considerations
Property Damage Liability and Valuation
Cleaning companies routinely encounter claims for damage to client property—broken items, scratched surfaces, discolored fabrics. The agreement should establish the claims reporting process, the documentation required (photographs, original purchase receipts), and the liability standard (negligence, not strict liability). A liability cap tied to the value of damaged items or a session-based cap limits exposure for incidental damage while preserving the client's ability to seek recourse for significant losses.
Cleaning Chemical Compliance
Commercial cleaning operations must comply with OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard, which requires Safety Data Sheets for all hazardous cleaning chemicals, employee training on chemical hazards, and proper labeling of chemical containers. The service agreement should confirm the cleaner's OSHA compliance obligation and address who is responsible for ensuring adequate ventilation, chemical storage, and disposal on the client's premises.
Background Check Representations
Clients who grant cleaning crews access to their home or business with sensitive areas or valuables have legitimate security interests. Including a clause in which the cleaning company represents that all personnel assigned to the client's property have passed criminal background checks—and agreeing to notify the client promptly if a background check issue arises for an assigned employee—provides a contractual basis for seeking recourse if an undisclosed issue causes harm.
Independent Contractor vs. Employee Classification
Cleaning companies that use independent contractor cleaners rather than employees must ensure the relationship meets the applicable classification test in their state. California's ABC test applies particularly strictly to cleaning services, as cleaning is often considered within the ordinary course of a cleaning company's business. Misclassification of cleaning workers as independent contractors is a significant enforcement target for state labor agencies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not Defining What Is and Is Not Included in the Service
Clients often assume cleaning services include tasks like washing dishes, doing laundry, or organizing cluttered spaces. If these tasks are not included in the standard service, they must be explicitly excluded in the agreement to prevent disputes about why they were not performed. A detailed cleaning checklist as an exhibit prevents this ambiguity.
Omitting a Cancellation Fee
A cleaner who drives to a location, cannot gain access because the client forgot about the appointment, and returns without performing any work has wasted travel time and foregone another booking. A lockout fee or cancellation fee that compensates for this wasted time is standard and enforceable when clearly disclosed in the agreement.
Not Requiring Proof of Insurance Before Service Begins
A cleaning company that damages property and has no insurance—or insufficient insurance—leaves the client with only a breach of contract claim against an entity that may lack assets to satisfy a judgment. Require a certificate of insurance before service begins and verify that coverage limits are adequate for the value of property at risk.
Failing to Inspect the Property at Onboarding
Without a baseline inspection documenting pre-existing damage, the cleaner cannot effectively contest claims that damage was caused by their service. Conduct a walk-through inspection with the client before the first cleaning visit, document pre-existing damage with photographs, and have the client acknowledge the condition record. This prevents cleaning services from being blamed for pre-existing conditions.
Allowing Indefinite Service Continuation Without Written Notice to Terminate
Cleaning service agreements sometimes continue indefinitely until one party orally indicates a desire to stop. Require written notice to terminate the ongoing service—typically seven to fourteen days in advance—so both parties have a clear termination record and the cleaner can plan for the schedule change.
Other Service Agreement Types
Not quite the right fit? Explore other variants.
Retainer
Ongoing services with recurring payments
Freelance Services Agreement
Service agreement for freelance work engagements
Marketing Services Agreement
Service agreement for marketing agency or contractor
Software Development Agreement
Service agreement for software development projects
Consulting Services Agreement
Service agreement for business consulting engagements
Standard Service Agreement
View all variants and the standard template
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Cleaning Services Agreement.
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