Commercial Cleaning Contracts: What to Look for Before Signing

Signing a commercial cleaning contract is a commitment to the health of your workplace. However, many business owners sign janitorial agreements without fully reviewing the terms, only to discover later that they are locked into multi-year commitments with poor service and no clear termination rights.

A good commercial cleaning contract protects both you and the provider. It sets clear cleanliness guidelines, outlines liability coverage, and establishes fair exit pathways if standards drop. This article reviews the 4 key clauses you must inspect before signing a commercial cleaning agreement.

Never sign a contract that simply promises to "clean the office." The contract must include a detailed, itemized **Service Checklist** that outlines exactly which tasks are performed and at what frequency.

For example, does the scope of work include wiping down computer keyboards? Emptying desk trash cans? Mopping the stairwells? Sanitizing medical examination tables? A specific, written checklist ensures both you and the cleaning crew are aligned. It acts as the legal reference point during quality reviews.

Avoid agreements that lock you into a rigid 1-year or 2-year term with no exit options. A professional cleaning provider stands by their service quality and should offer a flexible cancellation clause.

Look for a **30-Day Notice Termination Clause**. This clause allows either party to cancel the contract for any reason by providing 30 days written notice. Alternatively, ensure there is a **Cure Notice Clause**: if cleaning standards drop, you must provide written notice detailing the issues, giving the cleaning company 10 to 14 days to resolve the issues. If they fail to improve, you can terminate the contract immediately without penalty.

A cleaner working in your office might accidentally damage equipment, trigger a fire alarm, or slip on a wet floor. If the cleaning company is not properly insured, your business could be held financially liable.

Ensure the contract explicitly states the provider carries:

• Commercial General Liability Insurance: Minimum of $2,000,000 (though $5,000,000 is recommended for corporate offices and medical clinics) to cover property damage or injury.
• Janitorial Bonding: Protects your business against theft or missing items.
• CNESST Clearance: Verifies the provider is in good standing with Quebec's workers' compensation board, protecting you from liability for employee injuries.