A commercial cleaning contract is a legal document that defines your service relationship for a building. Yet many property managers sign after a quick skim, focused on the bottom-line number, and miss the clauses that determine what actually happens when things go wrong.
The Essential Sections
Scope of Work
The most important section. It should itemize every task, specify the areas covered, and define frequency for each. Vague phrases like "general cleaning" without specifics should prompt a request for an addendum with a detailed task list.
Service Frequency and Schedule
The contract should state clearly how often service occurs, which days, and whether timing is fixed or flexible around building hours.
Pricing and Payment Terms
Confirm whether pricing is monthly or per-visit, when invoices are issued, and whether there's a price escalation clause tied to a published index.
Contract Duration and Renewal
Most commercial contracts run for a fixed term and auto-renew unless cancelled within a notice window. Mark your calendar.
Termination Clause
What does it cost to exit early? Some contracts charge the remaining term at full price; others offer a mutual termination right after a cure period if quality falls below standard.
Complaint and Remedy Process
How do you report a problem, and what response time and remedy -- a re-clean, a credit -- does the vendor commit to?
Insurance and Liability
The contract should confirm the vendor carries general liability and workers' compensation insurance, and you should be able to request a certificate naming your building as an additional insured.
What to Negotiate
Contracts are starting points. Ask for a trial period, mutual termination rights, and performance standards tied to your complaint resolution process.
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