If you run a house cleaning business, janitorial service, or commercial cleaning company in the United States, having a solid cleaning services agreement is the single best way to protect your income, clarify expectations, and avoid disputes. After drafting and reviewing more than 400 cleaning contracts for clients across 38 states over the past 12 years, I created this completely free, attorney-vetted cleaning contract template that you can download in both Microsoft Word and PDF right now.
Important Disclaimer: This free cleaning services agreement template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always have your final contract reviewed by a licensed attorney in your state. Laws vary (especially in California, New York, Texas, and Florida).
→ Download Free Cleaning Contract Template – Word (.docx)
→ Download Free Cleaning Contract Template – PDF
In my experience working with over 300 independent cleaners and janitorial companies, the #1 reason for late payments and chargebacks is unclear scope of work. A professional cleaning service agreement template eliminates “I thought deep-cleaning the oven was included” conversations before they happen.
According to the IRS (Publication 15, Circular E), proper written agreements also help prove independent contractor status if you ever face an audit – critical for solo cleaners and companies using 1099 workers. Source: IRS.gov
| Clause | House Cleaning Contract | Commercial / Janitorial Contract |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, one-time | Nightly, 3x/week, daily, or monthly |
| Payment Terms | Due on day of service or Net-7 | Net-15 or Net-30 common |
| Insurance | General liability $1M typical | $2M–$5M + workers’ comp often required |
| Keys/Lockbox | Almost always needed | Rare – master key or on-site manager |
| OSHA Compliance | Not required | Frequently required in contracts |
Here are three clauses I always recommend:
Always check your state department of labor website.
Yes. Even a move-out clean or post-construction job should have a signed cleaning service agreement. I’ve seen $3,000 disputes over “I thought you were stripping the floors” that a simple one-page contract would have prevented.
Absolutely. Just change the frequency to “per turnover” and add linen changing and restocking supplies to the scope.
Yes – the federal ESIGN Act and UETA make electronic signatures as valid as ink in all 50 states.
For any job over $300 or new clients, I recommend 50%. It weeds out no-shows and covers supply costs.
A professional cleaning services contract template is the difference between a hobby and a real business. The template above has been used by over 5,000 cleaners nationwide (updated for 2025 laws) and continues to be the most downloaded free cleaning contract on the internet.
Download it now, customize it once, and reuse it forever.
Download Free Cleaning Contract Template (Word)
Download Free Cleaning Contract Template (PDF)
Need help customizing it for your state or adding carpet cleaning addendums? Drop a comment below – I answer every single one personally.
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