What to Look for in a Commercial Cleaning Contract (Before You Sign)

As the owner of a commercial cleaning company, I’ve reviewed countless contracts—ours and others. And let me tell you: not all cleaning agreements are created equal. At Palm Coast Building Maintenance, we believe transparency is everything. Whether you’re hiring us or another provider, it’s important to understand exactly what you’re signing up for before you commit.

If you’re reviewing commercial cleaning contracts, here’s what to look for—and what to avoid—to ensure your business gets the service it deserves.

1. Clear Scope of Work

The first thing we include in every Palm Coast Building Maintenance agreement is a detailed scope of work. This section outlines exactly what services will be performed, how often, and where.

What to look for:

  • Specific cleaning tasks (e.g., restroom sanitizing, floor mopping, trash removal)
  • Frequency of service (daily, weekly, etc.)
  • Locations or areas covered (e.g., lobby, breakroom, hallways)

Red flag:
If the contract says something vague like “general cleaning,” that could mean anything—and often results in unmet expectations.

2. Frequency and Schedule of Service

Not all buildings need the same level of cleaning. At Palm Coast, we offer 5–7 day cleaning schedules depending on your needs. Make sure your contract includes a cleaning schedule that matches your business operations.

Cleaning contract tip:
Confirm whether cleaning will happen before, during, or after business hours—and who is responsible for unlocking or securing the building.

3. Terms of Payment and Billing Clarity

A professional contract should clearly explain the billing cycle, accepted payment methods, late payment terms, and any additional fees.


What we include:

Our clients in Broward County and Palm Beach County always receive upfront pricing and no surprise charges. Invoices are sent on a consistent schedule, and everything is clearly outlined in writing.

4. Staffing, Supervision, and Security

You should know exactly who will be in your building and how they are vetted. We provide trained, background-checked team members and assign a dedicated account manager for every site.


Ask questions like:

  • Are cleaners employees or subcontractors?
  • Are they insured and bonded?
  • Who do I contact if there’s an issue?

Red flag:
If a contract doesn’t mention staffing qualifications or points of contact, it could lead to communication problems down the road.

5. Supplies, Equipment, and Materials

Not all cleaning providers include supplies in their pricing. At Palm Coast Building Maintenance, we provide all equipment and eco-friendly products unless otherwise agreed.

Cleaning contract tip:
Make sure your agreement specifies who supplies cleaning chemicals, paper products, and trash liners.

6. Cancellation Terms and Exit Clauses

While no one wants to think about parting ways, it’s essential to know how to exit the agreement if things don’t go as planned. Every contract should include a termination clause that allows for reasonable notice by either party.

Red flag:
Long-term contracts with no early-out option or heavy cancellation penalties can lock you into poor service. Always look for fair and flexible terms.

7. Insurance and Liability Coverage

A reputable commercial cleaning company will carry general liability insurance, workers’ compensation, and bonding.

What to expect from Palm Coast:
We provide full documentation to every client and are happy to list you as a certificate holder on our insurance policy.

Trust the Contract—and the People Behind It

At Palm Coast Building Maintenance, we’ve been serving businesses throughout Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and Delray Beach since 1999. Our contracts are written to protect both parties, but more importantly, we let our service speak for itself.

If you’re evaluating commercial cleaning contracts, we’re happy to walk you through our process and show you how we make transparency a priority from day one.

Let’s Build the Right Cleaning Plan—On the Right Terms

If you’re ready to partner with a company that values integrity, communication, and results, contact Palm Coast Building Maintenance today. We’ll provide a clear, straightforward proposal tailored to your building’s needs—with no fine print or surprises.

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