Free residential cleaning contract template
Why every cleaner needs a written agreement
Four things cause a lot of arguments between cleaners and clients: what "clean" includes, last-minute cancellations, getting into the home, and who pays when something breaks. A one-page agreement settles all four before the first clean.
The template
Residential Cleaning Service Agreement
1. Parties
This agreement is between [BUSINESS NAME] ("Cleaner"), [BUSINESS ADDRESS], [PHONE], [EMAIL], and [CLIENT NAME] ("Client"), for cleaning at [SERVICE ADDRESS] ("the Home").
Start date: [DATE].
2. Services
The Cleaner will provide the services listed in the attached checklist ("Services") at the Home.
Not included unless agreed in writing: [EXCLUSIONS, e.g. exterior windows, moving heavy furniture, cleaning biohazards, mold, pest waste, laundry, dishes beyond [X] items].
Extra services requested on the day will be charged at [RATE] if the Cleaner agrees to do them.
3. Schedule
Frequency: [weekly / every two weeks / monthly / one-time]. Day and time window: [DAY, TIME WINDOW].
If a scheduled day falls on [HOLIDAYS], the clean will be moved to [ALTERNATIVE].
4. Price and payment
Price: [PRICE] per clean [plus applicable sales tax]. The first clean [is / is not] priced separately at [FIRST CLEAN PRICE].
Payment is due [on the day of service / within [X] days of invoice] by [PAYMENT METHODS].
Late payments may be charged [LATE FEE] after [X] days. The Cleaner may pause service while a balance is overdue.
The Cleaner may change the price with [X] days' written notice.
5. Cancellations and lockouts
The Client will give at least [X] hours' notice to cancel or reschedule. Cancellations with less notice will be charged [CANCELLATION FEE].
If the Cleaner can't get into the Home at the scheduled time (no key, wrong code, no one home), the visit will be charged [LOCKOUT FEE].
The Cleaner will give as much notice as possible if they need to reschedule, and won't charge the Client for a visit the Cleaner cancels.
6. Access, keys and alarms
Access method: [KEY / LOCKBOX / CODE / CLIENT PRESENT]. Keys and codes will be kept secure, labeled without the Client's address, and returned when this agreement ends.
Alarm instructions: [DETAILS].
7. Pets and safety
Pets in the Home: [DETAILS]. The Client will secure any pet that may be aggressive or may escape.
The Cleaner may refuse or stop work in conditions that are unsafe, including [EXAMPLES], and will tell the Client why.
8. Supplies
The Cleaner will supply [ALL / SOME] cleaning products and equipment. Client-supplied products: [DETAILS].
9. Damage and breakage
The Client will tell the Cleaner about any damage within [24] hours of a clean, with photos if possible.
The Cleaner carries [TYPE OF INSURANCE] insurance. Accidental damage caused by the Cleaner will be handled by [repair / replacement / insurance claim], up to [LIMIT OR "the limits of the Cleaner's insurance"].
The Cleaner isn't responsible for damage caused by items that were already damaged, improperly installed or secured, or by normal wear and tear.
The Client is asked to put away cash, jewelry and irreplaceable or fragile valuables before each clean.
10. Satisfaction
If the Client isn't satisfied with an area, they will tell the Cleaner within [24] hours and the Cleaner will re-clean that area at no charge within [X] days.
11. Term and ending the agreement
This agreement continues until either party ends it with [X] days' written notice (email is fine).
Either party may end it immediately if the other party seriously breaches it.
12. Other terms
This is the whole agreement between the parties. Changes must be in writing and agreed by both.
This agreement is governed by the laws of [STATE].
Signatures
Cleaner: ______________________ Name: ______________ Date: ________
Client: _______________________ Name: ______________ Date: ________
Template from TheLaunchSheet.com. This is a starting point, not legal advice. Contract rules differ by state; have it reviewed before use.
How to fill it in
- Services: list what's included room by room; attach your checklist. Write the exclusions too (for example: exterior windows, moving heavy furniture, biohazards, mold).
- Cancellation fee: pick a notice period and a fee you'll actually enforce, and tell clients about it before the first clean.
- Lockouts: if you arrive and can't get in, the agreement should say what's charged.
- Damage: say how damage is reported (within 24 hours, with photos) and how it's handled, and match it to your insurance.
- Sales tax: in states that tax cleaning, such as Texas, show sales tax on the invoice.[1]
Free: the Cleaning Business Starter Kit
A one-page launch checklist and a room-by-room cleaning checklist you can hand to clients. PDF, no signup needed.
Questions people ask
Do I need a contract for a house cleaning business?
It isn't usually legally required, but a written agreement prevents the most common disputes: scope, cancellations, access and damage.
What should a cleaning service agreement include?
Parties, services and exclusions, schedule, price and payment terms, cancellation and lockout fees, access and keys, pets, damage reporting, term and termination, and signatures.