What Should Be Included in a Commercial Cleaning Contract?
May 2026
A commercial cleaning contract is the document that governs your working relationship for the next 12 to 36 months. It's worth getting right. Here's what we'd expect to see in any serious contract — and what we'd push back on if it was missing.
1. Detailed scope of works
Not "general office cleaning" — a clause-by-clause breakdown of exactly what's included, room by room or zone by zone. The scope is the single most important part of the contract because it defines what "done" looks like.
2. Frequency schedule
Which tasks happen daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly. With times. With days. Vague "regular cleaning" language is a recipe for disputes.
3. Staffing model
How many people on site. For how long. Dedicated team or rotating staff. Named supervisor. If a contractor won't commit to a staffing model in writing, you have no protection if they cut hours later to manage their margin.
4. Quality KPIs
Defined standards, with defined measurement. How often will audits happen? Who runs them? Who sees the report? What's the escalation if standards slip? Without quality KPIs, "great service" is whatever the contractor decides it is.
5. Reporting cadence
How often you'll receive written reports, who attends review meetings, and how often. Monthly is standard for active contracts.
6. COSHH compliance
All cleaning chemicals must be COSHH assessed and used in line with manufacturer guidance. The contract should reference the contractor's COSHH responsibilities and make safety data available.
7. Insurance
Public liability (minimum £5m, ideally £10m), employer's liability (£10m statutory minimum), and treatment risks. Ask to see certificates annually.
8. Price review clause
How and when prices can be reviewed. Most contracts allow an annual review tied to a published index (often the Living Wage or CPI). Vague "from time to time" clauses are best avoided.
9. Exit terms
Notice period (typically 1–3 months). What happens to consumables stock on exit. TUPE implications if you have a large dedicated team. Settlement of final invoices.
10. The bits that don't always make the contract — but should
Key holding and alarm responsibilities. After-hours access protocols. Data and confidentiality clauses (especially in legal, financial and healthcare settings). Subcontracting restrictions. Performance penalties or service credits.
A good contract protects both sides. A vague contract protects the side that drafted it. Read carefully, ask questions, and don't sign anything you wouldn't defend at a review meeting nine months from now.