Starting a cleaning business in New Jersey typically costs $1,000 to $5,000 depending on your business structure and insurance needs. Each state has different rules for registration, taxes, and workers' compensation. This guide covers everything you need to start a cleaning business in New Jersey, including filing fees, licenses, insurance, labor laws, and local tips.
Why Start a Cleaning Business in New Jersey?
New Jersey is the most densely populated state in the country. Over 9 million people live in a small area. That means more homes, offices, and buildings packed closely together.
You can serve more clients each day with less driving. The state sits between New York City and Philadelphia. Millions of commuters live in New Jersey suburbs.
These busy professionals need cleaning help. They have the money to pay for it.
New Jersey also has 130 miles of coastline. Vacation rental owners along the Jersey Shore need cleaning between guests. This creates steady seasonal work on top of your regular clients.
Read our general How to Start a Cleaning Business guide first. This New Jersey guide adds the state-specific steps you need on top of those basics.
Why New Jersey Is Great for Cleaning Companies
New Jersey offers several big advantages for cleaning businesses. Here is why the Garden State is a smart place to start.
- Highest population density — More people per square mile than any other state. You can reach many clients without long drives between jobs
- High household incomes — New Jersey ranks among the top states for household income. Residents can afford professional cleaning
- Close to major cities — Northern New Jersey borders New York City. Southern New Jersey borders Philadelphia. Both markets add millions of potential clients
- Strong vacation rental market — The Jersey Shore brings tourists all summer. Rental owners need turnover cleaning every week
- Major corporate presence — New Jersey is home to many Fortune 500 companies. Office cleaning contracts are plentiful
How Do You Choose a Business Structure?
Your first step is to decide how to set up your business. New Jersey gives you two main choices for new cleaning companies.
Sole Proprietorship
This is the simplest way to start. You begin doing business right away. No state filing is needed for the business itself.
If you want a business name, you must file a trade name. File it with your county clerk's office. The fee is small and varies by county.
This is also called a "Doing Business As" filing.
The downside is that you have no personal protection. If something goes wrong, your personal savings are at risk.
Limited Liability Company
A limited liability company is the better choice for most cleaning businesses. It keeps your personal money separate from your business. If a client sues, your personal savings stay safe.
To form one in New Jersey, file a Certificate of Formation. You do this through the Division of Revenue. The filing fee is $125.
You can file online, by mail, or in person.
You must also file an annual report each year. The annual report costs $75. This keeps your business in good standing with the state.
Choose a limited liability company. The $125 filing fee is a small price for protecting your personal assets. You go into people's homes every day — the liability protection is worth it.
- nj.gov/treasury/revenue — File your limited liability company or search existing business names
- business.nj.gov — New Jersey Business Portal — guides for starting a business
How Do You Get an Employer Identification Number and Tax Accounts?
An Employer Identification Number is a free number from the federal government. You need it to open a business bank account. You also need it to file taxes and hire workers.
Apply for free at the Internal Revenue Service website. You get your number right away when you apply online. Never pay anyone for this — it is always free.
New Jersey State Taxes
New Jersey has a progressive income tax with eight brackets. Rates range from 1.4% to 10.75%. The rate you pay depends on your earnings.
Most new cleaning businesses start in the lower brackets.
Sales Tax on Cleaning Services
This is one of the biggest things to know in New Jersey. Cleaning services are taxable. You must charge 6.625% sales tax on every cleaning job.
This applies to home cleaning, office cleaning, and window washing.
You need a sales tax certificate from the Division of Revenue. Collect 6.625% on every invoice. Then send the collected tax to the state on time.
There is one benefit for your supplies. You can use a resale certificate when buying cleaning products. This means you do not pay sales tax on supplies you use for your business.
Some areas in New Jersey are Urban Enterprise Zones. These zones have a reduced sales tax rate of 3.3125% — half the normal rate. If you work in one of these zones, you may qualify for the lower rate.
Check with the Division of Revenue for a list of qualifying areas.
- irs.gov — Apply for a free Employer Identification Number (never pay for this)
- nj.gov/treasury/taxation — New Jersey Division of Taxation — sales tax registration and filing
- business.nj.gov — New Jersey Business Portal — tax registration and compliance guides
What Licenses and Permits Do You Need?
New Jersey does not require a state license to run a cleaning business. That makes it easier to get started. But you do need a few things in place.
Business Registration Certificate
Every business in New Jersey must register with the state. You get a Business Registration Certificate from the Division of Revenue. Sole proprietors are the only exception.
This certificate proves your business is legal and in good standing.
Local Business Licenses
Your city or county may require a local business license. Fees vary by location. Contact your local government to find out what you need.
Some towns also require a home occupation permit if you run the business from home.
Special Licenses
General cleaning does not need a special license. But some types of cleaning do. Mold removal, asbestos removal, and biohazard cleanup all need special permits.
The New Jersey Department of Health handles these. Only apply if you plan to offer those services.
- business.nj.gov — Find every permit you need through the New Jersey Business Portal
- nj.gov/treasury/revenue — Business Registration Certificate and tax registration
What Insurance Do You Need?
Insurance protects you from one bad day ending your business. New Jersey has strict rules about certain types of coverage. Here is what you need.
- General liability insurance — Covers property damage and injuries at a client's home or office. Costs $400 to $1,200 per year. Every cleaning business needs this
- Workers' compensation insurance — Required by New Jersey law for all employers. The state defines "employee" very broadly. Penalties for not having coverage include fines and criminal charges
- Temporary disability insurance — Required in New Jersey for all employers. This covers employees who cannot work due to non-work injuries or illness. Few states require this
- Family leave insurance — Also required in New Jersey. This provides pay when employees take family leave. New Jersey is one of only a few states with this rule
- Surety bond — Protects clients if an employee steals something. Not required by the state, but many clients will ask for it. Costs $100 to $500 per year
- Commercial auto insurance — Needed if you use a vehicle for business. New Jersey requires minimum auto insurance for all drivers
New Jersey requires more types of insurance than most states. Workers' compensation, temporary disability, and family leave insurance are all mandatory when you have employees. Budget for all three from day one.
For more details on each type of coverage, read our Cleaning Business Insurance Guide.
- nj.gov/labor — New Jersey Department of Labor — workers' compensation and disability requirements
What Are New Jersey Labor Laws?
New Jersey has strong labor laws. If you plan to hire workers, you must follow these rules from day one.
Minimum Wage
The New Jersey minimum wage is $15.49 per hour for most workers. Small businesses with fewer than six employees pay $14.53 per hour. Tipped workers have a cash wage of $5.62 per hour.
These rates go up each year based on the cost of living. New Jersey does not allow cities to set their own rates. The state rate applies everywhere.
Broad Definition of Employee
New Jersey defines "employee" very broadly. The state's workers' compensation law is read in favor of workers. This means most cleaners who work for your company count as employees, not independent contractors.
Do not try to call your workers independent contractors to save money. New Jersey enforces this strictly. The penalties include fines and back-pay.
Employer Taxes
When you hire employees in New Jersey, you pay state employer taxes. These include:
- Unemployment insurance — Paid by employers on employee wages. Rate varies based on your experience rating
- Temporary disability insurance — Both employer and employee contribute. Covers short-term disabilities
- Family leave insurance — Both employer and employee contribute. Covers family leave time
- Workers' compensation — Paid by the employer through a private insurance carrier
- nj.gov/labor — New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
- business.nj.gov — Employer obligations and wage information
What Safety Rules Apply?
New Jersey has a partial state safety plan. The state agency covers only government workers. Federal rules cover private businesses like yours.
Federal Safety Rules for Private Employers
The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration covers all private cleaning businesses in New Jersey. You must follow federal safety standards. This is different from states like California that have their own stricter rules.
Hazard Communication
You must keep Safety Data Sheets for every cleaning chemical you use. Train your workers on what chemicals they handle. Teach them how to use products safely.
Show them what to do if there is a spill or skin contact.
Workplace Safety Basics
Keep your workers safe with these steps:
- Provide proper training — Teach new workers how to use every product and piece of equipment
- Use proper protective gear — Gloves, goggles, and masks when needed
- Follow chemical labels — Never mix cleaning products. Some mixes create toxic fumes
- Report injuries right away — Document every workplace injury. File claims promptly
- Keep work areas safe — Use wet floor signs. Avoid slip and fall hazards
- osha.gov — Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration — private employer rules
- nj.gov/labor — New Jersey Department of Labor — workplace safety information
How Do You Set Cleaning Prices in New Jersey?
New Jersey has a higher cost of living than most states. You can charge more here. But you must also cover higher costs.
Factor in the 6.625% sales tax you collect. Add high minimum wages and mandatory insurance.
Typical pricing ranges in New Jersey:
- Home cleaning (hourly) — $30 to $65 per hour depending on your area
- Home cleaning (flat rate) — $130 to $350 for a standard 3-bedroom home
- Deep cleaning — $200 to $500 depending on home size
- Move-in or move-out cleaning — $250 to $550 or more
- Office cleaning — $0.07 to $0.18 per square foot, or $25 to $65 per hour
- Vacation rental turnover — $75 to $175 per turnover at the Jersey Shore
Prices in northern New Jersey near New York City run at the high end. Prices in central and southern New Jersey are more moderate. Jersey Shore vacation rentals command premium rates in summer.
Use our Price Calculator to find the right rate for your area. For detailed pricing methods, read our Pricing Guide.
For detailed city-by-city pricing data, see our full Cleaning Business Prices in New Jersey guide.
What Cleaning Niches Are Profitable in New Jersey?
New Jersey has unique cleaning niches. They do well because of the state's location and economy. Here are the top five options.
New York City Metro and Northern New Jersey Commuters
Bergen, Essex, and Hudson counties are full of affluent families. These commuters work long hours in New York City. They come home to large suburban homes.
They gladly pay for regular cleaning. This is a high-income market with steady, year-round demand.
Jersey Shore Vacation Rentals
New Jersey has over 130 miles of coastline. Towns like Cape May, Long Beach Island, and Point Pleasant are packed with vacation rentals. Owners need fast turnover cleaning between guests.
You can earn $75 to $175 per turnover. The work is busiest from May through September.
Pharmaceutical and Biotech Office Cleaning
New Jersey is called the "Medicine Chest of the World." Major companies like Johnson and Johnson, Merck, and Bristol-Myers Squibb have offices here.
These companies need specialized office and clean room services. The contracts pay well and last for years.
Princeton and Central New Jersey Corporate
Central New Jersey has major corporate campuses and Princeton University. The area has a mix of high-end homes and office buildings. Both residential and commercial cleaning do well here.
Eco-Friendly and Green Cleaning
New Jersey has strong environmental awareness. Many suburban families want non-toxic products in their homes. You can charge 10 to 20 percent more for green cleaning.
This niche sets you apart from standard cleaning companies.
The Jersey Shore creates a natural seasonal cycle. Build vacation rental clients in summer. Focus on residential and office cleaning in winter.
This mix keeps you busy all year long.
How Do You Market a Cleaning Business in New Jersey?
Getting clients in New Jersey follows many of the same steps as anywhere else. But a few strategies work especially well here.
Google Business Profile
This is the single most important free marketing step. Set up your Google Business Profile with your city name, services, and photos. Ask every happy client for a Google review.
Most people in New Jersey search online before hiring any service.
Nextdoor and Local Facebook Groups
New Jersey residents are very active on Nextdoor. Local Facebook groups for towns are also popular. Join groups for your service area.
Share helpful cleaning tips. When someone asks for a cleaner, your name will come up.
Partner with Real Estate Agents and Property Managers
New Jersey has a huge real estate market. Real estate agents need move-out cleaning for listings. Property managers need cleaning between tenants.
Offer them a referral bonus. One good partnership can keep you busy for months.
Target Vacation Rental Owners
If you work near the Jersey Shore, reach out to vacation rental owners directly. Check rental listing sites for properties in your area. Contact the owners and offer turnover cleaning.
Reliable cleaners are hard to find at the shore. You will stand out fast.
Build a Simple Website
Create a website that shows your services, prices, and service area. Include your New Jersey city names. Add your Google reviews.
Many clients check websites before they call. A clean, professional site builds trust right away.
For a complete marketing plan, read our Marketing Your Cleaning Business guide and How to Get Cleaning Clients Fast.
How Much Does It Cost to Start in New Jersey?
New Jersey is moderately expensive to start a cleaning business. Here is a breakdown of what to expect:
- Limited liability company filing — $125 (one-time, through the Division of Revenue)
- Annual report — $75 per year
- Name reservation (optional) — $50 for 120 days
- Local business license — $25 to $200 per year (varies by city)
- General liability insurance — $400 to $1,200 per year
- Workers' compensation insurance — Varies by payroll (only if you have employees)
- Temporary disability and family leave insurance — Varies by payroll (only with employees)
- Cleaning supplies and equipment — $200 to $500 to start
- Marketing (initial) — $100 to $500
What Is on Your New Jersey Startup Checklist?
Here is a step-by-step list to follow. Complete each item before moving to the next:
- Choose your business structure — Form a limited liability company at nj.gov/treasury/revenue ($125)
- Get an Employer Identification Number — Apply free at irs.gov
- Register for sales tax — Get your sales tax certificate from the Division of Revenue. You must charge 6.625% on cleaning services
- Open a business bank account — Keep personal and business money separate
- Get your Business Registration Certificate — Required for all businesses except sole proprietors
- Check local permit requirements — Contact your city or county for local business licenses
- Buy general liability insurance — Get at least $1 million in coverage
- Buy cleaning supplies — Start with the basics and upgrade as you grow
- Set your prices — Use our Price Calculator and factor in New Jersey costs plus sales tax
- Set up your Google Business Profile — This is your most important marketing tool
- Book your first clients — Tell friends, post on Nextdoor, contact property managers
- Get workers' compensation insurance — Required before your first employee starts work
- Set up disability and family leave insurance — Also required when you hire employees
What Are the Best Tips for New Jersey?
Here are practical tips from successful New Jersey cleaning business owners:
- Start solo to keep costs low — New Jersey's insurance requirements add up fast with employees. Work alone until you have enough clients to justify hiring
- Plan for sales tax from day one — Add 6.625% to every invoice. Set the collected tax aside in a separate account. Keep it ready to pay the state
- Plan your routes by county — New Jersey traffic, especially near the Turnpike and Garden State Parkway, can eat into your time. Group clients by location
- Target the right commuter towns — Towns like Montclair, Ridgewood, and Summit have busy professionals who pay well for cleaning
- Build Jersey Shore relationships early — Contact vacation rental owners before the summer season. Lock in contracts by spring
- Consider Urban Enterprise Zones — If you serve clients in these zones, you collect only 3.3125% sales tax. This makes your prices more competitive
- Keep detailed records — New Jersey has strict tax rules. Track every dollar from day one. Save all receipts for supplies and expenses
- Get your systems in place early — Use software like MaidProfit for scheduling, quoting, and invoices. This frees you to focus on cleaning and growing
Where Do You Find New Jersey Government Resources?
Here is a complete list of every government website mentioned in this guide. Bookmark these — you will need them as your business grows.
- New Jersey Division of Revenue — Register your business, file your limited liability company, get tax certificates
- New Jersey Business Portal — Guides for starting and running a business in New Jersey
- New Jersey Division of Taxation — Sales tax registration, filing, and payment
- New Jersey Department of Labor — Workers' compensation, disability, family leave, and wage information
- Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration — Workplace safety rules for private employers in New Jersey
- Internal Revenue Service — Free Employer Identification Number application
- Small Business Administration — Free counseling and local assistance for small businesses
What Are the Guides for Nearby States?
Thinking about expanding to a nearby state? Each state has different rules and fees. Check our other guides below.
- How to Start a Cleaning Business in New York — Huge market, high minimum wage, strict labor laws
- How to Start a Cleaning Business in Pennsylvania — Lower costs, growing suburbs, Philadelphia metro market
- How to Start a Cleaning Business in Delaware — No sales tax, low filing fees, beach resort niches
- New York Cleaning Prices — Hourly rates and city-by-city pricing for New York
- Pennsylvania Cleaning Prices — Hourly rates and city-by-city pricing for Pennsylvania
- Delaware Cleaning Prices — Hourly rates and city-by-city pricing for Delaware
What Other Guides Can Help Your Business?
These free guides cover topics every cleaning business owner needs. They work hand-in-hand with this state guide.
- How to Price Cleaning Services — Set profitable rates with flat-rate and hourly formulas
- Cleaning Business Insurance Guide — General liability, bonding, and the coverage you need
- How to Get Cleaning Clients Fast — Fill your schedule with paying clients
- Marketing Your Cleaning Business — Online and offline strategies that bring real results
- Cleaning Business Taxes and Deductions — Every deduction you can claim and how to file
- How to Get Cleaning Contracts — Find and win residential and commercial contracts
- How to Hire and Train Cleaning Staff — Where to find workers and how to keep them
Start Your New Jersey Cleaning Business Today
New Jersey is one of the best states for a cleaning business. The high population density means more clients. The high incomes mean better pay.
The location near New York City and Philadelphia adds millions of potential customers. Remember to collect 6.625% sales tax on every cleaning job.
Get your limited liability company and Employer Identification Number first. Buy insurance and register for sales tax. Set prices that cover your costs.
Then focus on getting your first clients.
Every successful cleaning company in New Jersey started with one owner and one first client. The steps in this guide give you a clear path to follow. Take action today.