A cleaning contract is a legally binding agreement between a cleaning service provider (the cleaner) and the client. It outlines the specific cleaning services to be provided, the schedule and standards for the cleaning tasks, the compensation details, and other terms and conditions that govern the relationship between the two parties.
A cleaning contract is essential for delineating the terms and ensuring the smooth, clear, and mutually agreed-upon delivery of cleaning services.
When to Use
Cleaning contracts are typically used for one-time or occasional cleaning needs or for ongoing, recurring cleaning services by both individuals and businesses (organizations) who need cleaning services
Businesses often require regular cleaning services to maintain cleanliness and hygiene in their commercial spaces, such as offices, retail stores, restaurants, and warehouses. Together with commercial spaces; it helps healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and hospitality entities achieve their specific hygiene goals while allowing them to focus on their core mission by outlining cleaning procedures.
Individuals, such as homeowners, renters, or landlords, may use cleaning contracts for their residential properties. These contracts could involve one-time deep cleaning services, regularly scheduled cleaning visits, or cleaning until a specified date (e.g., the end of a lease).
Residential Cleaning vs. Commercial Cleaning
Residential cleaning targets homes or apartments with services typically scheduled regularly or as one-time deep cleans. It includes tasks like vacuuming, dusting, and bathroom cleaning for private clients.
Commercial cleaning covers non-residential spaces such as offices, corporate buildings, retail stores, hospitals, and other places of business. Services are often scheduled regularly and can involve specialized tasks like floor waxing or sanitization for businesses and organizations.
Why Use a Cleaning Contract?
A cleaning contract protects your legal rights. A template cleaning agreement gives you the legal language to protect against confusion, legal claims, and other serious problems. It also gives you the following benefits:
- Clear expectations about the cleaning work.
- When and where the cleaning work will occur.
- Details about payment and hourly rate.
- A way to handle satisfaction issues or legal disputes.
- A way to reduce confusion and arguments between the cleaner and clients.
- A binding legal document in case someone violates the agreement.
What to Include
A cleaning agreement template provides the sections and legal clauses necessary to create a comprehensive contract. In your cleaning contract, you should include all of the following:
Date of the Cleaning Contract
The cleaning contract should be dated on the day it is signed. This is often the agreement’s effective date and may have significant legal significance.
State Where It Is Signed
The cleaning agreement should include the state where it was signed. This may determine what laws apply to the formation and enforcement of the contract. A separate provision can choose a different jurisdiction’s laws if the parties wish.
Party Information and Contact Details
The cleaning contract should detail the parties’ contact information, such as the following:
- Each party’s full legal name
- Any business names and official titles of signatories
- Each party’s address and other contact information
Description of Cleaning Services
A printable cleaning contract template contains a “description of services” section. You should include detailed information about what the job will entail. This could include, but is not limited to, the following:
- A detailed list of the cleaning services expected.
- The address(es) where the cleaning will take place.
- Cleaning schedule (specific dates or a recurring schedule)
- Cleaning supplies and equipment.
- Cleaning products (any preferred cleaning products or types of cleaners)
- Liability and insurance information.
- Contract term
Price and Payment Information
The cleaning contract should contain detailed information about the cost of cleaning services. If it is a one-time cleaning contract, it may have a flat or hourly rate.
Other agreements may be based on an invoice for regular cleaning services. Request payment using a cleaning invoice.
In any case, the contract should be clear and easy to understand. This helps avoid disputes over how much the cleaner is owed.
Legal Provisions
A significant benefit of a template cleaning contract is its standard legal provisions. These provisions help protect the rights of the cleaner and the client. These provisions include the following:
- Right to inspection
- Limitation of liability
- Warranties and disclaimers
- Governing law and disputes
- Entire agreement provision
Signature Lines for the Parties
An enforceable written cleaning contract requires the parties’ signatures. The agreement has a section at the bottom for the parties to print and sign their names.