Cleaning Service Agreement Template

A skipped bathroom, a surprise invoice, or a cleaner who shows up on the wrong day – small misunderstandings can sour a good working relationship fast. Putting the details in writing before the first visit keeps both sides on the same page.

What This Contract Covers

A cleaning service agreement is a written contract between a cleaner or cleaning company and a client. It sets out what work will be done, where, how often, and for how much. It works for homes, offices, rental units, and job sites, whether the job is a single deep clean or a weekly visit.

People also call it a house cleaning contract, a janitorial services contract, or a maid service agreement. The name doesn't change how it works. Once both parties sign, it's generally a binding contract, so each side is expected to do what it promised.

Who Uses One and When

Cleaners and cleaning businesses usually prepare the contract when they take on a new client. Clients – homeowners, landlords, property managers, and businesses – may also ask for one before letting someone into their space. Common situations include:

• Recurring house cleaning on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly schedule
• After-hours cleaning for offices and retail stores
• Move-in, move-out, or post-renovation cleanups
• One-time jobs, such as carpet shampooing or pre-event cleaning

Commercial jobs often need terms that homes don't, like alarm codes, lock-up steps, and building rules. Specialty add-ons, such as window washing or pressure washing, may call for their own pricing or a separate agreement so the regular scope stays clear.

What to Include

A strong agreement answers the questions that usually cause friction later. We suggest covering these points:

• Parties: names, addresses, and contact details for the cleaner and the client
• Scope of work: the specific tasks, room by room if needed, plus anything excluded
• Schedule: start date, visit frequency, and time windows
• Supplies and equipment: who provides what
• Price and payment: hourly, per-visit, or flat rate, plus due dates, payment methods, and late fees
• Access: keys, lockbox or alarm codes, and pets in the home
• Damage and re-cleans: how complaints are reported and fixed
• Cancellation and termination: notice periods and any fees
• Signatures and dates from both parties

Exclusions matter as much as the task list. A cleaner may refuse jobs involving mold, biohazards, or heavy lifting, and writing that down avoids arguments on cleaning day.

Independent Contractor or Household Employee?

Many cleaning contracts state that the cleaner is an independent contractor. That usually means the cleaner decides how to do the work, uses their own tools, handles their own taxes, and doesn't get employee benefits.

A label in a contract doesn't settle the question on its own, though. The IRS looks at how much control the client actually has over the work, as its guide on independent contractor vs. employee status explains. If a homeowner sets the hours, supplies everything, and directs each task, the cleaner may count as a household employee.

In that case, the homeowner may owe employment taxes for household employees. Cleaners who run their own business and serve several clients are more likely to be treated as contractors.

Optional Clauses Worth Considering

Confidentiality is the first one to think about. Cleaners often see mail, files, and computer screens. For offices, medical sites, or homes with sensitive papers, a confidentiality clause limits what the cleaner can share.

Insurance and liability terms come next. Some clients ask cleaners to carry liability insurance. The agreement can also say the cleaner isn't responsible for damage that existed before the job and set a deadline for reporting new damage.

Finally, it may be a good idea to name the state whose laws apply and require any changes to be made in writing. Contract rules vary by state, so check your state's rules if you have questions.

How to Fill Out the Template

ConsumerShield's cleaning service agreement template walks you through each section in order. Start with both parties' details, then describe the job in plain, specific terms – "wipe kitchen counters, sink, and appliance fronts" beats "clean kitchen."

Add the schedule, price, and payment terms next, followed by the access, damage, and cancellation rules. Before signing, go over the scope with the other party so there are no surprises. Both sides should sign and date the final version and keep a copy. Electronic signatures are generally valid for contracts like this.

Revisit the agreement whenever prices, schedules, or tasks change, and put each update in writing. Hiring for more than cleaning? Browse service agreement templates on ConsumerShield for other jobs around your home or business.