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Running a Trade Business

Cleaning Contract Template: 7 Agreements to Copy and Send

A cleaning contract is a signed agreement that lists the tasks, price, access, re-clean window, and cancellation terms. Seven copy-ready versions for homes, move-outs, offices, and subcontractors.

Josh · Nov 7, 2026 · 13 min read

  • cleaning contract template
  • cleaning service agreement
  • house cleaning contract
  • commercial cleaning contract
  • janitorial contract
  • cleaning business

A cleaning contract template is a written agreement between a cleaner and a client that fixes the tasks, the price, the schedule, and how either side can end the arrangement. The seven templates below cover recurring home cleans, one-time deep cleans, move-outs, offices, subcontractors, scope changes, and ending a contract.

Each one is written from the cleaner's side. Fill in the brackets, adjust it to your state, and have a local attorney read it once before you reuse it.

What a cleaning contract needs to say

A cleaning contract does one job: it turns "I thought that was included" into a sentence both sides signed. LawDepot's guide to cleaning services agreements lists the details most of them carry: frequency, location and time, cleaning details, the names and addresses of both parties, compensation, any deposit, payment timing, late-payment interest, termination notice, reimbursements, and confidentiality.

LegalTemplates adds the standard legal provisions: a right to inspect, a limit on liability, warranties and disclaimers, governing law, and an entire-agreement clause. eForms includes sections for inspecting completed work and returning client property at the end of the contract.

PartWhat to writeExample
PartiesLegal names, addresses, phone, email"Bright Door Cleaning LLC and Maria Lopez"
ScopeTasks, rooms, frequency, exclusions"Kitchen, baths, floors, dusting. Inside oven excluded."
PriceRate, deposit, due date, late fee"[Rate] per visit, due the day of service"
AccessKeys, codes, pets, alarms, parking"Client leaves a lockbox code before the first visit"
QualityWindow to report a missed task"Report within 24 hours and we will re-clean"
EndingNotice period, cancellation fee, refunds"14 days written notice by either party"

Five steps of a cleaning agreement from scope and price to access, re-clean window, and ending

The five things every cleaning agreement settles, in the order a client meets them. Diagram only.

How to use these templates

Contracts differ by state, so treat every template here as a starting draft. Replace each bracket, delete clauses you will not enforce, and keep the wording plain. A clause you never apply teaches clients that the rest of the document is optional.

Send the contract after the walkthrough and before the first visit. Pair it with a written quote, such as the ones in the cleaning estimate template guide, so the price in the contract matches the number the client already approved. Keep the task list in step with the house cleaning checklist your crew ticks off.

Keep the signed copy where you can find it. Save a PDF with the client name and start date in the file name.

1. Recurring residential cleaning agreement

Use this for weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly home cleans. It is the agreement most residential cleaners need first.

RESIDENTIAL CLEANING SERVICE AGREEMENT

This agreement is made on [DATE] between [BUSINESS NAME] ("Cleaner") and [CLIENT NAME] ("Client") for service at [SERVICE ADDRESS].

Services. Cleaner will perform the following tasks every visit: [LIST TASKS, such as kitchen surfaces and sink, bathrooms, vacuuming, mopping, dusting]. Tasks not listed are not included. Extra tasks may be added in writing at the rates in Section 4.

Schedule. Visits occur [WEEKLY / EVERY OTHER WEEK / MONTHLY] on [DAY] between [START TIME] and [END TIME]. If Cleaner cannot attend, Cleaner will offer the nearest open day.

Price. The price is $[AMOUNT] per visit, due [ON THE DAY OF SERVICE / WITHIN [#] DAYS OF INVOICE]. Late balances may carry a fee of [AMOUNT OR PERCENT] after [#] days.

Access. Client will provide entry by [KEY / CODE / PRESENT AT HOME]. Client will tell Cleaner about pets, alarms, and areas to avoid before the first visit. Cleaner will keep any key or code private and return keys when this agreement ends.

Supplies. Cleaner brings standard products and equipment. Client will tell Cleaner of any product sensitivities or surfaces that need special care.

Re-clean window. If Client finds a listed task missed, Client will tell Cleaner within [24] hours. Cleaner will return to correct it at no charge.

Cancellation. Client will give [24 / 48] hours' notice to skip or move a visit. Shorter notice may be charged at [AMOUNT OR PERCENT] of the visit price.

Ending this agreement. Either party may end this agreement with [14] days' written notice. Client will pay for visits completed through the end date.

Governing law. This agreement follows the laws of [STATE].

Cleaner: ______________________ Date: __________ Client: _______________________ Date: __________

2. One-time deep clean agreement

A first deep clean or a single visit has no recurring terms, so this version is shorter and asks for a deposit.

ONE-TIME CLEANING AGREEMENT

This agreement is made on [DATE] between [BUSINESS NAME] ("Cleaner") and [CLIENT NAME] ("Client").

Job. Cleaner will perform a [DEEP / STANDARD] clean at [SERVICE ADDRESS] on [DATE] starting at [TIME]. The job includes: [LIST ROOMS AND TASKS]. It does not include: [LIST EXCLUSIONS, such as inside oven, interior windows, wall washing].

Price and deposit. The total price is $[AMOUNT]. Client will pay a deposit of $[AMOUNT] to hold the date. The balance is due [ON COMPLETION / WITHIN [#] DAYS]. The deposit applies to the total.

Condition of the home. The price assumes the home looks as it did at the walkthrough on [DATE]. If the condition is much heavier than described, Cleaner will tell Client before starting and may offer a revised price. Client may decline and cancel before work begins.

Access. Client will provide entry at [TIME] or be present. Cleaner will note any pre-existing damage before starting.

Rescheduling. Client may move the date with [48] hours' notice. Later changes may forfeit [AMOUNT OR PERCENT] of the deposit.

Satisfaction. Client will report any missed listed task within [24] hours. Cleaner will return to correct it.

Cleaner: ______________________ Date: __________ Client: _______________________ Date: __________

LawDepot says a reasonable deposit is usually 10 to 50 percent of the total contract amount, depending on the client. Pick a figure you can explain in one sentence, then use it for every job of that type.

3. Move-out cleaning agreement

Move-outs run against a landlord's or buyer's deadline, so this version names the handover date and an empty-home condition.

MOVE-OUT CLEANING AGREEMENT

This agreement is made on [DATE] between [BUSINESS NAME] ("Cleaner") and [CLIENT NAME] ("Client") for the property at [ADDRESS].

Condition at start. Client will make sure the home is empty of belongings and trash by [DATE AND TIME]. Items left behind will not be moved or cleaned around unless listed here: [EXCEPTIONS].

Services. Cleaner will clean: [LIST, such as inside cabinets and drawers, appliance exteriors and interiors, baseboards, closets, bathrooms, floors, window sills]. Not included: [EXCLUSIONS, such as carpet shampooing, wall repair, paint touch-ups].

Schedule. Cleaning is set for [DATE] from [START] to [END]. The handover deadline is [DATE AND TIME]. If utilities are off, Cleaner may not be able to finish and will tell Client the same day.

Price. $[AMOUNT] flat, or $[RATE] per hour for [#] cleaners with a cap of $[AMOUNT]. A deposit of $[AMOUNT] is due on signing and the balance on completion.

Walk-through. Client or Client's agent may inspect the home with Cleaner on completion. Items reported within [24] hours will be corrected at no charge if they were on the list above.

Landlord or buyer requirements. Cleaner does not guarantee that any landlord, property manager, or buyer will accept the result. Client will share any written checklist before the job. Cleaner will follow it only if both sides sign it.

Cancellation. Cancellation within [48] hours of the start time forfeits [AMOUNT OR PERCENT] of the deposit.

Cleaner: ______________________ Date: __________ Client: _______________________ Date: __________

4. Commercial and janitorial service agreement

Offices, studios, and clinics need a schedule, an access plan, and clear after-hours terms. Government janitorial contracts show how far these can go. The Town of Purcellville, Virginia, requires its custodial contractor to carry public liability insurance of $2,000,000 combined single limit and employee bonding of $15,000, and allows termination without cause on thirty days' written notice. A small private client will ask for far less, so size yours to the account.

COMMERCIAL CLEANING SERVICE AGREEMENT

This agreement is made on [DATE] between [BUSINESS NAME] ("Contractor") and [COMPANY NAME] ("Client") for the premises at [ADDRESS].

Scope. Contractor will clean the areas and tasks in Exhibit A on the following days and times: [DAYS AND HOURS]. Areas not listed in Exhibit A are excluded.

Supplies and equipment. Contractor will supply [ALL / THE FOLLOWING] materials and equipment. Client will supply [PAPER, SOAP, LINERS, OR NONE].

Fee. Client will pay $[AMOUNT] per month, invoiced on [DATE] and due within [#] days. Extra visits and special tasks will be billed at $[RATE] per hour when approved by email.

Keys and alarms. Client will give Contractor [KEYS / FOBS / CODES]. Contractor will keep them secure and return them when this agreement ends. Contractor is responsible for the cost of rekeying if keys are lost through Contractor's fault.

Quality check. Client will name a contact person to review the work each [WEEK / MONTH]. Client will report missed tasks in writing within [48] hours, and Contractor will correct them on the next visit or sooner if urgent.

Insurance. Contractor will carry general liability insurance of at least $[AMOUNT] and will give Client a certificate of insurance before the first visit.

Reporting problems. Contractor will tell Client promptly about leaks, broken locks, or damage noticed on site. Contractor is not responsible for repairs unless otherwise agreed.

Term and ending. This agreement runs for [TERM] and renews monthly unless either party gives [30] days' written notice.

Confidentiality. Contractor will not share Client's business information seen during service.

Contractor: ____________________ Date: __________ Client: ________________________ Date: __________

Exhibit A: [AREA, TASK, FREQUENCY]

5. Subcontractor cleaning agreement

If you send helpers to jobs under their own business, write that down. The IRS says workers are judged on three kinds of evidence: behavioral control, financial control, and the type of relationship, which includes written contracts. It also says no single factor decides, so the agreement alone does not settle the question. Ask an accountant or attorney how your state treats cleaning crews.

SUBCONTRACTOR CLEANING AGREEMENT

This agreement is made on [DATE] between [BUSINESS NAME] ("Company") and [SUBCONTRACTOR NAME OR BUSINESS] ("Subcontractor").

Work. Subcontractor will complete the cleaning jobs Company offers and Subcontractor accepts, as listed in each job sheet. Subcontractor may decline any offered job.

Pay. Company will pay $[RATE] per [JOB / HOUR] within [#] days of each completed job. Subcontractor is paid on a job basis and is responsible for their own taxes and expenses.

Methods and tools. Subcontractor decides how to carry out the work and supplies [OWN EQUIPMENT / THE FOLLOWING]. Company will provide the client's task list and access details.

Quality. If a listed task is missed, Subcontractor will return to correct it within [24] hours at no extra pay.

Insurance. Subcontractor will carry [GENERAL LIABILITY / OTHER] insurance of at least $[AMOUNT] and provide proof before the first job.

Client information. Subcontractor will keep client addresses, codes, and keys private and will not solicit Company's clients during this agreement or for [#] months after.

Ending. Either party may end this agreement with [7 / 14] days' written notice. Company will pay for completed jobs.

Company: ______________________ Date: __________ Subcontractor: _________________ Date: __________

6. Scope change and add-on addendum

A client who adds a fridge clean or a second bathroom mid-contract should sign a one-page addendum. It keeps the original contract intact and makes the extra work a price, not a favor.

ADDENDUM TO CLEANING AGREEMENT

This addendum, dated [DATE], changes the agreement between [BUSINESS NAME] ("Cleaner") and [CLIENT NAME] ("Client") dated [ORIGINAL DATE] for service at [ADDRESS].

Change. Starting [DATE], the service will include: [NEW TASKS OR AREAS]. [OR: the service will no longer include [REMOVED TASKS].]

Price effect. The price changes from $[OLD] to $[NEW] per [VISIT / MONTH]. [OR: this add-on is a one-time charge of $[AMOUNT] on [DATE].]

Schedule effect. Visit length changes from [OLD] to [NEW]. [OR: no change to the schedule.]

All other terms. Every other term in the original agreement stays in force.

Cleaner: ______________________ Date: __________ Client: _______________________ Date: __________

Cleaning caddy with spray bottles, microfiber cloths and a scrub brush on a bright kitchen counter

Say in the contract who brings supplies, and name any product the client wants you to use or avoid.

7. Termination notice

When either side wants out, a short written notice protects both. This one follows the notice period in the original agreement.

NOTICE OF TERMINATION OF CLEANING SERVICE

Date: [DATE]

To: [CLIENT NAME / BUSINESS NAME]

This letter gives notice that [BUSINESS NAME / CLIENT NAME] is ending the cleaning agreement dated [ORIGINAL DATE] for service at [ADDRESS]. Under the notice period in that agreement, the last scheduled visit will be [DATE].

Final balance. Payment is due for all visits completed through the final visit. The balance is $[AMOUNT], due by [DATE]. [IF A DEPOSIT OR PREPAYMENT REMAINS: A credit of $[AMOUNT] will be applied or refunded by [DATE].]

Keys and access. Client will [RETURN KEYS / CONFIRM THAT CODES HAVE BEEN CHANGED] by [DATE]. Cleaner will return any keys, fobs, or codes by the same date.

Records. Cleaner will keep a copy of this agreement and related invoices. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.

[NAME], [BUSINESS NAME] [PHONE / EMAIL]

Clauses that prevent the most arguments

Most cleaning disputes trace back to four clauses. Write each one in a sentence a client can repeat back.

The first is scope with exclusions. Name what is not included. Inside the oven, interior windows, wall washing, and heavy mold are common lines. A task list without exclusions invites the assumption that everything is covered.

The second is access and keys. The Purcellville contract says keys remain the town's property, that the contractor is responsible for lost keys, and that they must be returned on request or at termination. A residential version can be one line: you keep any key private and return it when the agreement ends.

The third is a re-clean window. Give clients a short, fixed time to report a missed task, such as 24 hours. It keeps feedback fast and makes the fix cheap. The Purcellville contract uses a similar idea, with a 24-hour window to correct reported deficiencies.

The fourth is notice to end. eForms and LawDepot both include a termination notice period. Pick a number of days and keep it the same for the client and for you.

Clipboard with blank sheets and a pen next to a folded microfiber cloth on a living room coffee table

Bring a printed copy to the walkthrough, or send it by email before the first visit.

FAQ

Do I need a contract for a one-time cleaning?

Yes, a short one is worth it. LawDepot says cleaners should use written agreements whenever they sell their services, including a single-day job. A one-page version with the scope, price, deposit, and reschedule terms is enough for a one-time clean.

Should a cleaning contract include a deposit?

Often, for larger or one-time jobs. A deposit holds the date and covers your time if the client cancels late. LawDepot describes a reasonable deposit as usually 10 to 50 percent of the total, so choose a figure that matches the job.

Can I use an online template without a lawyer?

You can start from one, but have an attorney review it once for your state. Templates from LawDepot, eForms, and LegalTemplates are general. State rules on late fees, deposits, and cancellation can differ, so check yours.

Does a cleaning contract make my cleaners contractors?

No. The IRS looks at behavioral control, financial control, and the relationship as a whole, and says no single factor decides. A contract is one piece of evidence. Ask an accountant how your crew should be classified.

Get clients to the contract

A contract works best when a client has already found you, asked for a quote, and shared the basics. That is where a small website helps. Kejoola gives a cleaning business a four-page site, with Home, Services, Blog, and Contact pages, and online booking.

The booking form collects a name, email, phone number, and a notes box, so a new request arrives with the address and the type of clean in the notes. From there you send your quote and your agreement the usual way. See how the four-page site and online booking work.

Sources

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