Residential or commercial?
Pick the mode at the top of the form. Residential adds a clause on valuables, safety and pets. Commercial titles the document Commercial Cleaning Agreement, and adds site rules and a site contact. A commercial contract is usually a fixed term with a monthly rate, so also look at the term section.
What each clause does
Scope of work
Tick the tasks included in each visit and list what isn't. "Not included" is the line that saves arguments about ovens, windows and heavy furniture.
Frequency and supplies
State how often you come and the day and time. Then say who supplies products and equipment, so nobody is surprised by an empty bottle or a product the client doesn't want used.
Keys and alarm codes
This is the clause clients care about most. You promise to keep keys and codes private, use them only for this work, lock up after each visit and return all keys at the end. Keep codes out of the contract itself, and share them separately.
Breakage and damage
The client reports damage within a time you set. You repair it or pay a fair amount when your carelessness caused it, and you aren't responsible for normal wear or items that were already damaged or not secure. Ask an insurance broker what coverage fits your work, because a contract doesn't replace insurance.
Satisfaction
A simple promise: if the client tells you within the time you set, you clean that part again at no charge. It's cheaper than a refund, and it builds trust.
Cancelled visits
Set a notice period and a charge for late cancellations or a locked door. The clause also commits you to tell the client as soon as you can if you must cancel.
Term and renewal
Choose ongoing, a fixed term that renews, or a fixed term that ends. If you use a renewing term, remind the client before the renewal date. Consumer rules on renewals vary by province, so check yours, especially for homeowners.
How to use the contract with a new client
- Do a walkthrough, agree on the tasks and take notes on anything fragile.
- Set your rate. The house cleaning rates guide has ranges by city.
- Fill in the contract, then send the PDF for signature or sign two printed copies.
- Keep keys labelled with a code, not an address.
- Invoice on the terms in the contract. The free invoice generator makes a PDF invoice in a minute.
Questions
What should a cleaning contract include?
The parties, the address, the tasks included and excluded, the frequency, the supplies, the rate and payment terms, keys and alarm codes, breakage, a satisfaction promise, cancellation rules, the term and renewal, and both signatures.
What is the difference between a residential and a commercial cleaning contract?
A residential contract focuses on the home, valuables and pets. A commercial contract adds site rules and a contact person, and it usually runs for a fixed term. The template has a mode for each.
Should alarm codes go in the contract?
No. The contract should say that the client gives you a code and that you keep it private. Share the code itself separately, and ask the client to tell you when it changes.
What happens if a cleaner breaks something?
Under this template, the client reports it within the time you set. If your carelessness caused the damage, you repair it or pay a fair amount to replace it. Normal wear and items that were already damaged are not covered.
Should a cleaning contract renew automatically?
It can, and many commercial contracts do. Choose the renewing term in the template and set a notice period. Consumer rules can differ for homeowners, so check your province before you use it with residential clients.
Can a client sign electronically?
In most everyday service work, yes. Many operators email the PDF and ask the client to sign it with an e-signature app, or to sign a printed copy and send back a photo. The last clause of this template says those copies count as originals. Check the rules for your province if the contract is unusual or the amount is large.
Is this cleaning contract template free?
Yes. Fill it in, preview it on the page, then download the PDF or print it. You do not need an account, and your draft is saved in this browser only.