A cleaning subcontractor agreement is an agreement between a contractor and a subcontractor for cleaning services, stating the work that the subcontractor will perform, the terms of that working relationship, and the pay the subcontractor should receive.
Cleaning contractors often hire professionals to work under them as subcontractors, especially during busy seasons. A subcontractor agreement ensures that the work is done to the contractor’s standard and the subcontractor receives fair and timely pay.
Common Cleaning Services
- Window cleaning services
- Pressure washing services
- Chimney sweeping services
- Medical cleaning
- Sanitation and disinfection
- Disaster and crime scene cleaning
Hiring Cleaning Subcontractors
There are a few things to keep in mind when hiring, such as the type of cleaning to be done, licensing, and liability.
Residential Cleaning vs. Commercial Cleaning
Residential cleaning involves a client allowing a cleaner into their home, trusting that they will not only do the job but be respectful of their space and their belongings. This kind of trust can be difficult to gain, especially when subcontractors are used. A client may require some assurance as to the quality of the subcontractor’s work before allowing subcontractors onto the premises.
However, cleaning subcontractors are commonly used in commercial cleaning. Commercial cleaning involves cleaning an office building or storefront. It may include washing the windows, power washing the walls, and carpet cleaning, to include a few tasks. Property managers may hire a cleaning contractor, who may hire subcontractors to ensure that all of their cleaning work is done to their standard.
Cleaning Licensing and Permits
Business licenses are often required to start a cleaning business, including presenting yourself as a subcontractor. This will depend on the state in which you reside. Often, subcontractors do not need a business license but may have to register with the state. There may be regional laws that require a license for cleaning professionals, so it’s a good idea to check first.
Insurance and Surety Bonds
Subcontractors may have small business or commercial insurance to insure their work against liability. A surety bond is never required but can give the client or the contractor confidence in hiring the subcontractor. A surety bond is an agreement between the subcontractor and a surety that if the subcontractor fails to finish the project, the surety will arrange for completion.
What to Include
The cleaning subcontractor agreement should always include:
- A description of services to be performed by the subcontractor, whether in the agreement or in exhibits
- Compensation is to be paid to the subcontractor by the contractor. This could be a fixed rate to be paid through an invoice at periodic intervals or a set fee to be paid when the work is completed.
- Signatures from the contractor and subcontractor
Your agreement may sometimes include attached exhibits. These exhibits typically go into a detailed description of the cleaning services to be performed, as there is only limited room to describe them in the contract itself.
Cleaning Subcontractor Agreement Sample
Create a cleaning subcontractor agreement with both PDF and Word templates available.
