A written agreement prevents the scope from expanding through casual requests and gives both sides a reliable reference for schedule, payment, access, and standards. The format may differ for an employee and an independent cleaning business, but the practical details still need to be clear.
Identify who is providing the service
Record the household client or employer, the individual or business providing the work, service address, start date, and whether substitutes or team members are allowed. If another person may attend, require advance identification and approval.
Do not rely only on the words “contractor” or “employee.” The real relationship—including control, tools, financial risk, and independence—determines obligations. Check current tax and provincial employment guidance.
Attach a room-by-room scope
List rooms and recurring tasks, periodic rotation tasks, exclusions, and the result expected. Separate ordinary maintenance from deep cleaning, organization, laundry, ironing, cooking, errands, outdoor work, or hazardous cleanup.
Include a process for changing priorities when the booked time cannot cover everything.
Set schedule and price
State visit frequency, arrival window, expected duration, hourly or fixed price, minimum visit, first-clean rate, taxes if applicable, and payment timing. Cover late cancellation, holidays, missed access, bad weather, and approval for additional hours.
If the worker is an employee, include gross pay, overtime, deductions, vacation, public holidays, and other statutory terms as applicable.
Define supplies and safe methods
List who provides the vacuum, tools, protective equipment, and products. Note prohibited products and care instructions for delicate surfaces. State that products remain labelled and chemicals are never mixed.
Identify tasks requiring specialized equipment or services rather than improvisation.
Protect access and privacy
Document keys, alarm codes, parking passes, and the process for loss or return. Explain cameras, private rooms, documents, photographs, Wi-Fi, and confidentiality. Limit access to what is necessary for the work.
Address damage and incidents
Require prompt reporting of broken items, spills, surface damage, injuries, hazards, or security concerns. Explain how the household and provider document and discuss an incident. Do not create an automatic deduction clause that conflicts with applicable law.
If a business states that it is insured or bonded, record the details to verify rather than treating the word as proof.
Clarify communication
Name the person who sets priorities and receives schedule updates. Choose a method for visit notes, supply requests, and photographs when needed. Household members should not independently add tasks without adjusting time or scope.
Review and ending terms
Set a review after the first two or three visits. Include notice, final payment, return of property, deletion of access codes, and confidentiality after the arrangement ends. Legal minimums override any less favourable contract term.
Give both sides a signed copy and update it when the home, frequency, price, or duties materially change. Follow it with a practical first-day housekeeping orientation.