Template guide

Cleaning service contract template

Most cleaning disputes come from four things: getting locked out, last-minute cancellations, something breaking, and what "clean" was supposed to include. Put the answers in writing before the first visit.

What to include

1. Service, frequency and price per visit. Standard, deep or move-out; weekly, fortnightly or one-time; and the price for each, with extras listed separately.
2. Areas included and excluded. Name the rooms and tasks. Exclude what you won't do: heavy furniture, high ladders, biohazards, mould.
3. Access, keys and alarms. How you get in, who holds keys, and the alarm procedure.
4. Cancellations and lockouts. A notice period (often 24-48 hours) and a fee if you are cancelled late or can't get in.
5. Pets and valuables. Pets secured during visits; valuables and fragile items put away.
6. Damage and breakage. Report the same day, insurance limits, and no liability for items already broken or unsecured.
7. Re-clean promise. If an included area isn't right, the client tells you within 24 hours and you fix it.
8. Payment terms. Due on the day or within 7 days, and how to pay.

Mistakes to avoid

• No lockout fee, so wasted trips go unpaid
• Vague "whole house" scopes
• No written damage procedure
• Quoting before a walk-through

Example wording you can adapt

Plain-English wording for the clauses people most often leave vague. Change the bracketed details to fit how you work.

Lockouts. If the Cleaner cannot access the property at the scheduled time, or the visit is cancelled with less than [24] hours' notice, a fee of [50]% of the visit price applies.

Damage. The Client should report damage within 24 hours. The Cleaner is not responsible for existing damage, unsecured items, or normal wear.

Re-clean. If an included area does not meet the agreed standard, tell the Cleaner within 24 hours and we will return to re-clean that area at no charge.

Exclusions. Unless listed in the schedule, services exclude biohazards, mould removal, work at height, and moving heavy furniture.

Pricing and quoting visits

Most cleaners quote flat rates per visit after a short walk-through, based on size, condition, pets and how often they come. A first deep clean is usually priced higher, then recurring visits drop to a maintenance rate. Write both numbers in the agreement so the second invoice causes no confusion.

Keep a written room-by-room checklist. It defines what clean means on your team's best and worst day, makes it easy to train new helpers, and gives you something specific to point at if a client disputes a visit.

For keys and alarm codes, record who holds them and how they are returned at the end of the agreement. It is a small detail that makes homeowners far more comfortable handing over access.

Skip the blank page

Every point above is already written into our template, with highlighted fields to fill in and a PDF copy to send. Edit it in Word, Google Docs or Pages.

Questions

Do I need a contract for house cleaning clients?

Yes, especially for recurring clients. It covers access, cancellations, damage and what each visit includes.

What is a fair cancellation fee for cleaners?

Many cleaners charge 50% of the visit price for cancellations inside 24-48 hours or when they are locked out.

Should I do a walk-through before quoting?

Yes. Price from the actual condition and size of the home, and note that big changes on the day are quoted before extra work.

Can I print the forms?

Yes. Every form comes as an editable Word file plus a PDF you can print.

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