9 Things to Check Before You Sign a Commercial Cleaning Contract
Before you commit to a commercial cleaning vendor, run through this checklist. Each item below is something facility managers commonly wish they’d confirmed earlier.
1. Certificate of insurance, verified directly with the insurer
Don’t accept a screenshot. Call the insurer listed on the certificate to confirm coverage is active and matches what’s on paper.
2. Workers’ compensation coverage
If a cleaning employee is injured on your premises and the vendor lacks workers’ comp, your business could face liability exposure.
3. A detailed, written scope of work
Every task, every frequency (daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly), spelled out — not “general cleaning as needed.”
4. Staffing model: employees vs. subcontractors
Ask who is physically doing the work and whether that could change without notice.
5. Background check and screening policy
Especially important for facilities with after-hours access, sensitive data, or vulnerable populations (schools, healthcare, senior living).
6. Quality control process
Ask how they audit their own work — inspection checklists, supervisor walkthroughs, client feedback loops — and how often.
7. Response time for issues and emergencies
What happens if there’s a spill, a break-in cleanup, or a no-show? Get the SLA response window in writing.
8. Pricing structure and what triggers extra charges
Understand what’s included in the base rate versus billed separately (e.g., strip-and-wax floor care, post-construction cleanup, holiday coverage).
9. Contract length, termination clause, and notice period
Avoid multi-year lock-ins without an out clause. A 30–60 day termination notice with no penalty is standard and reasonable to request.
Why this list matters
Most cleaning contract disputes trace back to one of these nine points being assumed rather than confirmed in writing. Running through this checklist before signing takes less than an hour and prevents the most common — and most expensive — surprises down the line.
