A commercial cleaning contract is where the difference between a good sales pitch and consistent service actually gets decided. A handful of clauses are worth reading carefully before you sign, whichever provider you choose.
Scope of Work
The scope should name specific areas (lobby, corridors, restrooms, breakrooms) and specific tasks at a specific frequency — not a vague reference to “standard commercial cleaning.” If it isn't in the written scope, it isn't part of the service, and tenant complaints about missed areas are hard to resolve without one.
Frequency and Schedule
Confirm the contract states nightly, weekly, or day-porter coverage explicitly, and whether that frequency adjusts seasonally — monsoon season in the Scottsdale market, for example, often warrants an extra common-area pass during the dust-heavy months.
Term Length and Cancellation
Month-to-month agreements give you more flexibility if service quality slips. Long initial lock-in terms with steep early-termination penalties shift risk onto you. Read the cancellation clause before you need it.
Price Adjustment Language
Understand how and when the contractor can raise rates — annual adjustment on notice is standard; open-ended adjustment language is a red flag.
Insurance and Liability
The contract should reference the contractor's general liability coverage and confirm a certificate of insurance is available on request. See our insured and bonded page for what this actually covers.
Supplies and Equipment
Confirm whether the contractor supplies consumables (restroom paper products, liners, soap) or whether the building is expected to stock them. This is a common source of disputes if it isn't explicit.
Performance and Walkthroughs
A written scope you can hold a contractor to — with an initial 30-day check-in — gives you documentation if a tenant questions the service, and gives your contractor a clear standard to be held to.