Cleaning is a trust business. You're in someone's home, around their most valuable and breakable things, often with a key to the front door. That trust is exactly why a few clear documents matter so much — they protect the relationship when something inevitably goes sideways.
Here are the agreements that keep a house or commercial cleaning business out of avoidable disputes.
A Service Agreement That Defines "Clean"
Most cleaning disagreements come down to mismatched expectations: what's included, how often, and what costs extra. A service agreement spells out scope (which rooms, which tasks), frequency, rates, add-ons, and your cancellation and lockout policy — so "I thought you cleaned inside the fridge" never becomes an argument. See the Residential Cleaning Service Agreement.
A Breakage & Damage Policy
Sooner or later, something breaks. The real question is whether you decided in advance how it's handled. A breakage & damage policy sets out what you will do (and won't), how claims are reported, and reasonable limits — turning a tense moment into a documented process instead of a standoff. See the Breakage & Damage Policy.
Key & Alarm-Code Custody
If you hold keys or alarm codes, you're holding liability. A key & alarm-code custody authorization documents what access you were given, how it's stored, who's responsible for a lockout, and how keys are returned when a client cancels. See the Key & Alarm-Code Custody Authorization.
Cancellation & Payment Terms
Last-minute cancellations cost you a booked slot you can't refill. Clear cancellation windows, no-show fees, and payment terms — agreed up front — keep your calendar and your cash flow protected.
The Simplest Way to Get Covered
Rather than piece these together from five places, most cleaning businesses start with the Cleaning Business Contract Kit — an attorney-drafted set covering the service agreement, breakage policy, key custody, cancellation terms, and more, in plain English you can fill in and use today.
This is general information, not legal advice, and reading it doesn't create an attorney-client relationship. Laws vary by state and situation, so have a local attorney review your documents before relying on them.