A janitorial subcontractor agreement is a temporary contract between a contractor or company and a janitor for cleaning residential, industrial, and commercial properties.

As a subcontractor, the janitor is an independent worker, not an employee. They are responsible for bringing their own equipment and filing their own taxes. Janitorial subcontractors cannot be fired, but their agreements can be terminated if the contractor is willing to bear the costs of a breach.

You can subcontract janitors for short-term or one-time cleaning and maintenance services. Situations that may require subcontractor agreements include:

Cleaning up after a party or concert
Cleaning up after a yearly trade show
Cleaning up after a short-term workshop or course
Cleaning up during and after summer or winter camp courses
Preparing for an event or conference

Table of Contents

Hiring Janitorial Subcontractors
What to Include
Janitorial Subcontractor Agreement Sample

Hiring Janitorial Subcontractors

Hiring janitors can be difficult. Here’s what to keep in mind when hiring for janitorial work:

Types of Work

There are three types of janitorial subcontractor work:

Commercial cleaning involves cleaning and maintaining the cleanliness of retail and office properties. It usually entails sweeping floors, vacuuming carpets, and cleaning kitchens and bathrooms.
Industrial cleaning involves cleaning potentially hazardous spills or accidents in industrial facilities, such as manufacturing plants, factories, warehouses, self-storage buildings, and power plants. Janitors may need to be licensed in cleaning hazardous substances to qualify for these positions.
Residential cleaning involves cleaning large residential facilities, such as condominiums and apartment complexes. Janitors remove trash and clean bathrooms, windows, and floors.

Types of Responsibilities

Janitorial responsibilities vary from contract to contract, but most janitors are responsible for:

Sweeping, dusting, mopping, and vacuuming
Disinfecting handrails, doorknobs, light switches, and other high-touch areas
Cleaning common areas, such as bathrooms, hallways, elevators, and lobbies
Collecting and taking out trash regularly
Spot-cleaning partitions, walls, window sills, and ceilings

Certifications

Janitors are not required to have formal higher education or certifications. However, those seeking a career path in maintenance, manufacturing, or management should have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

The International Janitorial Cleaning Services Association offers certifications that janitors may need, such as:

Mold Inspection & Remediation Services (MIRS): Teaches janitors how to identify and correct potential mold situations. Janitors must complete a course and an exam to get this certification.
Bloodborne Certification: If a janitor’s work will expose them to blood or other bloodborne pathogens, They are required to get this certification as per the OSHA. Janitors must complete a training course and pass an exam.
Carpet Cleaning Certification (CCC): Focuses on cleaning carpets, upholstery, and rugs. Janitors must complete a course and pass an exam.
Chemical Hazards Certification: Teaches janitors how to recognize and avoid chemical hazards in the workplace. Janitors must complete a course and pass an hour-long exam.

What to Include

At a minimum, a janitorial subcontractor agreement should include:

The date of the contract
The primary contractor’s full name and address
The subcontractor’s full name and address.
What services will the janitor provide
The term of service
How much will the contractor pay the janitor for their services
Contractor and subcontractor signatures

A contractor can offer a periodic fixed hourly, weekly, monthly, or yearly wage or a set fee. Contractors should also state whether the janitor will be paid after or before completing the services.