A cleaning contract should include the scope of work, pricing, payment terms, cancellation policy, and liability details. Written contracts protect both you and your clients from misunderstandings. This guide covers every section your contract needs and common mistakes to avoid.
Why Do You Need a Cleaning Contract?
A contract protects your business. It sets clear rules for you and your client. Without one, disagreements can turn into costly problems.
A written contract shows you are a professional. Clients trust businesses that put agreements in writing. It also gives you legal standing if something goes wrong.
What a Contract Does for You
- Prevents misunderstandings — both sides know what to expect
- Protects your income — clients cannot refuse to pay for agreed work
- Sets boundaries — limits what you are responsible for
- Builds trust — shows clients you run a real business
- Provides legal backup — gives you proof of the agreement in court
What Sections Should Every Cleaning Contract Include?
A good contract covers all the basics. Here are the sections you should include.
Business and Client Details
Start with the full legal names of both parties. Include your business name, address, phone number, and email. Add the same details for your client.
If your client is a business, include the company name. Also include who is signing the contract.
Service Start Date
State when the contract begins. For ongoing services, include the start date and whether it renews automatically.
Contract Length
Say how long the contract lasts. Residential contracts are often month to month. Commercial contracts usually run one to three years.
How Do You Write the Scope of Work?
The scope of work is the most important part of your contract. It lists exactly what you will clean and how often.
Be Specific About Tasks
List every task you will do. Do not leave anything to guesswork. Here is an example for a home cleaning:
- Kitchen — wipe counters, clean sink, mop floor, clean outside of appliances
- Bathrooms — scrub toilet, clean tub and shower, wipe mirrors and counters, mop floor
- Bedrooms — dust all surfaces, vacuum carpet, make beds
- Living areas — dust furniture, vacuum floors, wipe down surfaces
- General — empty trash cans, spot clean light switches and door handles
List What is Not Included
This is just as important. Clearly state tasks that are not part of the agreement. Common exclusions include:
- Window washing — inside and outside
- Deep cleaning of ovens
- Moving heavy furniture
- Laundry and dishes
- Yard work or garage cleaning
You can offer these as add-on services for an extra fee.
Set the Cleaning Schedule
State how often you will clean. Include the day and time if possible. Common options are:
- Weekly — every Monday at 10 am
- Biweekly — every other Thursday at 9 am
- Monthly — first Friday of each month
- Custom — as agreed by both parties
Include a note about schedule changes. For example: "Either party may change the cleaning day with 48 hours written notice."
What Payment Terms Should You Include?
Clear payment terms prevent late or missed payments. Spell out every detail.
State the Price
List your price clearly. State whether it is per visit, per month, or per hour. Include the total amount due for each billing period.
For example: "The client agrees to pay $150 per visit, billed biweekly."
Set Payment Due Dates
Say when payment is due. Common terms include:
- Due on the day of service
- Due within 7 days of invoice
- Due on the first of each month
List Accepted Payment Methods
Tell clients how they can pay. The more options you offer, the faster you get paid. Common methods include cash, check, credit card, Venmo, Zelle, and bank transfer.
Add a Late Payment Policy
State what happens when a payment is late. A common approach is a $25 fee after 7 days. You can also charge a percentage, like 1.5 percent per month.
This encourages clients to pay on time. Put it in the contract so there are no surprises. Use the free invoice generator to send professional invoices.
What Should Your Cancellation Policy Say?
Every contract needs a clear way for either side to end the agreement.
Notice Period
Require written notice before cancellation. Residential terms are usually 14 to 30 days. Commercial terms run 30 to 60 days.
Written notice protects both sides. It gives you time to find a new client. It gives the client time to find a new cleaner.
Early Cancellation Fee
For longer contracts, include an early cancellation fee. This protects you from losing expected income. A common fee is one month of service.
Sample wording: "Early cancellation requires a fee equal to one month of service."
Your Right to Cancel
Include your right to end the contract too. Common reasons include repeated late payments, unsafe work conditions, or disrespectful behavior.
How Do You Handle Liability and Insurance in Contracts?
This section protects you from claims that go beyond your control.
Limit Your Liability
State the maximum amount you will pay if something goes wrong. Most cleaning contracts cap liability at the cost of one month of service.
For example: "Total liability shall not exceed one month of services."
Damage and Breakage
Explain how you handle accidental damage. Most contracts say you will repair or replace items up to a set dollar amount. Require the client to report damage within 24 hours.
Include Your Insurance Details
List your insurance coverage in the contract. This builds trust. Include your policy type and coverage amount.
Read more in our insurance guide.
Client Responsibilities
State what the client must provide. Common items include:
- Access to the property — keys, codes, or someone home to let you in
- Safe working conditions — no hazards or dangerous materials
- Secure pets — keep animals in a separate area during cleaning
- Notify of special needs — allergies, fragile items, or off-limit areas
What Contract Mistakes Should You Avoid?
These errors can cost you money or leave you without protection.
Being Too Vague
Do not say "general cleaning." List every room and task. Vague contracts lead to arguments about what is included.
Forgetting the Late Fee
Without a late payment policy, clients have no reason to pay on time. Always include a clear late fee and when it kicks in.
Skipping the Cancellation Clause
Without one, a client can cancel with no warning. You lose income and have no backup plan. Always require written notice.
Not Getting Signatures
A contract without signatures is just a piece of paper. Both you and the client must sign and date the agreement. Keep a copy for your records.
Using Complicated Language
Write your contract in plain words. Both sides should understand every line. If a client cannot read it easily, they may not sign it.
Once you have your contract ready, use it with every new client. Learn how to find and win cleaning contracts and grow your business.