‍Office Cleaning Contracts Explained: What Every Manager Should Know Before Signing

September 24, 2025

Many things are always changing when you run a business, like workers, operations, budgets, and client relationships. One of these jobs is to keep your workplace clean and professional. A clean office not only looks nice, but it also boosts productivity, staff morale, and how clients regard the organization. That's why many businesses hire professional cleaning services to perform these things.

Before you sign anything, though, you need to read and understand your office cleaning contract. Whether you're hiring a provider for the first time or renewing an existing relationship, it's crucial to know what's in these agreements and how they can affect your business.

This guide will tell managers everything they need to know about office cleaning contracts and janitorial service agreements, such as what they cover and what to watch out for before signing.

Why Contracts For Office Cleaning Are Important

At first, signing a contract for commercial cleaning could seem uncomplicated. Cleaning a workplace could appear like a typical job. Isn't it all about keeping the house clean? Not exactly.

These contracts describe the services, fees, expectations, and responsibilities that your business and the cleaning service must follow. When the terms aren't clear, it's simple for people to get confused, which can lead to service gaps, unexpected costs, or resentment on both sides.

A good contract makes sure that:

  • Consistent service means you don't have to guess about how clean things are anymore.
  • You know exactly what you're paying for and why, so the costs are transparent.
  • Responsibility: The supplier knows exactly what they need to do to meet expectations.
  • Legal protection: If there are problems with the contract for cleaning the business, both sides are safe.

To sum up, your office cleaning contract is the first step towards a healthy working partnership.

Key Parts of a Contract for Cleaning an Office

Not every janitorial service contract is the same. Make sure your contract has these key aspects before you sign it:

1. What the job is

This paragraph tells you exactly what the cleaning crew will do. Common tasks include cleaning, taking out the trash, cleaning the bathrooms, dusting, and disinfecting places that people contact a lot.

Look for factors like how often (daily, weekly, or monthly) and where they go (offices, lobbies, kitchens, restrooms, etc.). Cleaning carpets, waxing floors, and washing windows are some of the extra services.

2. List of Services

Will the cleaners come during the day or after work? How often will the commercial cleaning services undertake a deep clean? A set schedule makes sure that activities aren't too disrupted and that your place is constantly clean.

3. Equipment and materials

Some cleaning businesses provide their own supplies, while others may ask you to give them. Make sure your cleaning service offers eco-friendly options if your brand cares about being kind to the earth.

4. How much things cost and how to pay

Contracts should list the prices, payment methods, and any extra costs for services like cleaning windows. Watch out for vague language that could entail extra fees you don't know about.

5. Responsibility and insurance

Your cleaning firm should have both workers' compensation and liability insurance. This protects you in case something goes wrong at your firm.

6. Length and End

Most contracts last from six to twelve months. If you're not happy with the service, make sure there's a simple method to leave. Look for termination policies that are flexible and let you provide notice without having to pay a lot of money.

7. Standards for Performance

A good janitorial service agreement will list the cleaning provider's responsibilities, such as how to handle complaints and what cleanliness standards they must meet.

Common Types of Janitorial Service Contracts

When managers look at contracts, they usually notice the same few types of structures:

Contracts with a Set Time

These contracts set a certain amount of time for you to complete them, usually a year. They are stable and have prices that are easy to grasp; however, it could be harder to cancel early.

Contracts that last for 30 days

These deals are more flexible, but they normally cost a little more. You can update or cancel them with less notice.

Contracts Based on How Well You Do

These tie payment or service continuation to the cleaning team's performance requirements, which ensures the supplier keeps the quality up.

You can choose the best office cleaning contract for your business if you know these facts.

Things to Watch Out For Before You Sign

Even if a company cleaning contract looks great at first, there are several things you shouldn't do when you sign it. Here are some things to watch out for:

  • Not clear enough service descriptions. "General cleaning" doesn't convey enough.
  • Automatic renewals without notice—make sure you know when the contract ends.
  • High cancellation fees—Look for expenses that could hinder you from getting out of a bad arrangement.
  • Not being responsible—If the contract doesn't spell out what the service needs are, it could be challenging to make sure they are met.

How to Get a Better Cleaning Contract for Your Office

As a manager, you don't have to agree to any terms that are provided to you. You may typically work out the details of your janitorial service contract. 

  • To receive the best rate, ask for a trial term. You can try it out for 30 to 60 days to see how well it works before you sign a long-term deal.
  • Group services—It might be cheaper to put jobs like washing windows and cleaning carpets into one contract.
  • If you have a clear plan for cleaning, you might be able to save money by deciding how often to do it. You could clean the bathrooms every day and the meeting rooms every week, for instance.
  • Get some references. A good service provider should be able to give you case studies or testimonials from past clients.

Benefits of a Strong Office Cleaning Contract

When you set up your office cleaning contract the right way, it provides a lot of benefits:

  • You can be sure that the office will always be tidy and clean.
  • Predictable costs: Knowing how much something will cost makes it easier to organize your budget.
  • Happy employees: A tidy office makes individuals happier and keeps them from becoming sick.
  • Clients and visitors get a positive impression of you when you seem professional.
  • Saving time: Managers don't have to check on every small thing that has to be cleaned.

Questions & Answers About Contracts for Cleaning Offices

Q1: Can you change a contract after you've signed it?

Yes, however, the business cleaning contract must indicate that both sides agree in writing. Before you start, it's best to talk about all the words.

Q2: What if I don't like the service?

Your janitorial service contract should say how to settle arguments. Always be sure there is a clause that says when the contract ends.

Q3: How long should a contract last?

Most of them last between 6 and 12 months; however, it all depends on what you need. If you're not sure, start with a shorter phrase.

Q4: Do I need to employ a lawyer to read over my office cleaning contract?

Even if you don't really need one, having a lawyer look over significant contracts could help you avoid making costly mistakes.

To sum up: The Right Contract Will Protect Your Business

An office cleaning contract is more than just a piece of paper; it's a plan for keeping the office professional, clean, and safe. By knowing the scope, costs, schedules, and performance expectations, managers may avoid making the same mistakes over and over and build a long-lasting relationship with their cleaning service.

If you live in Los Angeles County, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, El Segundo, or Pasadena, MNZ Janitorial Services is the ideal choice for a reliable and honest cleaning partner. We can develop cleaning service agreements that are just right for your business. These contracts have clear terms, reasonable prices, and great service.

Call MNZ Janitorial Services right now to talk about how they can clean your office and negotiate a deal that works for you.