Last Updated February 27, 2024
Alternate names
A Cleaning Services Agreement is also called a:
- Cleaning contract
- Maintenance contract
- Janitorial service agreement
What is a Cleaning Services Agreement?
A Cleaning Services Agreement is a contract between a professional cleaning service and a client that clearly defines both parties’ rights and responsibilities. This agreement outlines the cleaner’s scope of work, timeframes for completing their duties, payment details, and more.
LawDepot’s Cleaning Services Agreement template works for both organisations and self-employed cleaners. Customise your Cleaning Services Agreement for a variety of jobs, including commercial office cleaning, residential housekeeping, and private vehicle detailing.
How do I write a contract for cleaning services?
When writing a description of your cleaning services, be specific and concise. By providing a clear description of your services in a contract, you can help avoid disputes later. For instance, a typical summary of cleaning services covers information about:
- Which areas need cleaning
- Specific cleaning tasks required
- What time cleaning will occur
- How often cleaning will take place
In addition to your service description, LawDepot’s cleaning contract template allows you to address:
- Contact information of the cleaner and the client
- Billing details such as rates, deposits, late fees, and superannuation
- A cancellation policy
- Reimbursed expenses
- Client confidentiality
When addressing the above terms, consider the relationship between the contractor and the client. For example, based on the respectability and trustworthiness of each party, you may decide to include a deposit or a cancellation policy.
In most cases, having these guidelines in place helps both parties avoid confusion about the work agreement. It also reinforces professional courtesy throughout the business relationship.
For instance, including a confidentiality clause notifies cleaners that they may encounter sensitive information while working (e.g., learning the process of manufacturing a product while cleaning a commercial plant). After signing the Cleaning Services Agreement, the contractor will know not to reveal any confidential information to third parties even after the contracted work ends.
How much should I charge for cleaning?
You should consider both the length of a contract and the breadth of the work when charging clients for cleaning services.
Charging an hourly or weekly rate may be a good option if a client enlists your cleaning services long term or indefinitely. In this case, you’ll get regular payments as you complete your work.
Alternatively, charging a flat fee might make sense if you are working a single cleaning job—large or small. No matter how much time you spend on the project, you’ll receive payment in full on an agreed-upon date.
Regardless of whether you charge hourly, weekly, or a flat fee, it’s important to assess a property in person before setting an official price for a job. Many factors may influence your rates, including:
- The size of the area that needs cleaning
- The number of cleaners on the job
- The variety of surfaces that need cleaning (e.g., glass, hardwood, etc.)
- If the client requires special services (e.g., window, carpet, or dry cleaning)
- The number of hours required to complete the task
You may also consider adjusting your rates if the work changes. For example, a neglected building might require more effort to clean initially, but after a regular cleaning schedule, its condition improves and it requires less work to maintain. In this case, you may adjust your rates to reflect your efforts.
Do you need a business licence to clean houses?
Licence and permit requirements vary depending on your state or territory and the scope of work, so be sure to research what may be relevant to your business in your location. For example, you may need specific permits to handle hazardous cleaning chemicals or dispose of waste into a sewer.
Although it may take some time and money to secure various government documents, it’s an important step in running a legitimate business. Having the proper documentation to reinforce your credibility will reassure clients.
You should also confirm whether or not you must register for Australian Goods and Sales Tax. If so, be sure to include the Australian Business Number (ABN) of each party involved in your Cleaning Services Agreement.
Who should pay superannuation in a cleaning contract?
To determine who is responsible for paying superannuation contributions, you must first clarify whether the cleaning service provider qualifies as a contractor or an employee.
Under certain criteria, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) may consider a contractor to be an employee and, if this is the case, the client might have to contribute to their super fund. As such, it’s important to evaluate the facts surrounding your Cleaning Services Agreement so that all parties are aware of and understand their obligations.
Taking the ATO's super eligibility test may help clarify superannuation entitlements.
Will a cleaning contract protect me from liabilities?
Yes, LawDepot’s Cleaning Services Agreement template includes an indemnification clause to protect both parties from liabilities. By this clause, each party agrees to hold the other harmless from any liabilities caused by the indemnifying party.
This indemnification extends to the affiliates, agents, and employees of both parties. Its effectiveness also continues after the client and contractor terminate the agreement (i.e., when the client no longer requires cleaning services and the parties cease working together).