A good cleaning contract does two jobs. It tells the customer exactly what they are getting, and it protects you when something goes wrong. Most disputes in a cleaning business come from expectations nobody wrote down: what "a full clean" includes, what happens when the cleaner cannot get in, or who pays when something breaks.
Here is what to include, in plain English. Templates are a starting point, so get advice for your own situation before you rely on one.
1. The parties and the property
Your business name and ABN, the customer's name and contact details, and the address being cleaned. If you clean for a property manager or an Airbnb host, name who you are working for and who can give instructions.
2. Scope of work
This is the most important section. List what is included and what is not, room by room or task by task. If inside ovens, windows or walls cost extra, say so here. Attach a checklist if you use one. The clearer the scope, the fewer arguments later.
3. Frequency, timing and access
How often you clean, the usual day and time window, and how your team gets in: keys, lockbox codes, alarm codes or someone home. Say what happens if your team arrives and cannot get access, including whether the visit is still charged.
4. Pricing and payment terms
State the price for each visit or service, when payment is due, how it is paid and what happens with late payments. If you take deposits for one-off jobs, say whether they are refundable. If prices can change, explain how much notice you give.
5. Cancellations and rescheduling
Set a notice period for cancellations, usually 24 or 48 hours, and what is charged inside that window. Include what happens if you need to reschedule, so customers know you will give them the same courtesy.
6. Damage, breakages and insurance
Explain how customers report damage, the time frame for reporting it and how it will be handled. Note that you hold public liability insurance and what it covers. Ask customers to point out fragile or valuable items before the first clean.
7. Satisfaction and re-cleans
If something is missed, how long does the customer have to let you know, and will you come back to fix it? A simple re-clean promise builds trust and stops refund requests.
8. Safety, pets and chemicals
Ask about pets, allergies and hazards up front. State which products you use and whether customers can request alternatives. Your team's safety matters too, so reserve the right to stop work in unsafe conditions.
9. Ending the agreement
How either side can end a recurring agreement and how much notice is needed. Keep it simple and fair. Customers sign more easily when leaving looks easy.
10. Signatures
Get the agreement signed before the first clean. Digital signatures are faster than paper and keep everything in one place, attached to the customer's record.
Make it part of your onboarding
The best time to send the agreement is the moment a customer says yes, alongside a welcome message and anything else you need from them. When that happens automatically, nothing gets missed and the customer gets a professional start. We cover how that works in how to automate your cleaning business.
Free templates
Grab our terms and conditions template and other business documents for free, or get the full library with the AETOS 30-day free trial ($97/month after your 30-day free trial, cancel anytime).
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a contract for regular house cleaning?
Yes. A short agreement for recurring clients sets expectations and protects you if there is a dispute about scope, access or payment.
Is a digital signature legally valid in Australia?
Electronic signatures are generally accepted for this kind of agreement, but get advice for your own situation and keep a copy of every signed version.
Should commercial clients get a different contract?
Usually, yes. Commercial work often needs more detail on scope, hours, security, insurance and invoicing terms.
