A janitorial contract is a legal document that defines your service relationship. Many facility managers sign after a quick skim, focused on price, and miss the clauses that determine what happens when something goes wrong.
The Essential Sections
Scope of Work
The most important section. It should itemize every task, specify the areas covered, and define frequency for each. Vague language without specifics should trigger a request for a detailed addendum.
Service Frequency and Schedule
The contract should clearly state how often service occurs, which days, and whether timing is fixed or flexible.
Pricing and Payment Terms
Confirm whether pricing is monthly, per-visit, or otherwise structured, and when invoices are issued and due. Look for escalation clauses that allow future increases.
Contract Duration and Renewal
Most contracts run for a set term and auto-renew unless cancelled within a notice window. Mark that date.
Termination Clause
Understand what it costs to exit early, and whether a mutual termination clause exists if service quality falls below standard.
Complaint and Remedy Process
How do you report a problem, and what response time and remedy — a re-clean or credit — can you expect?
Insurance and Liability
Confirm the provider carries general liability and workers’ compensation coverage, and ask for a certificate naming your business as an additional insured.
What to Negotiate
Contracts are starting points, not take-it-or-leave-it documents. Ask about trial periods, mutual termination rights, and performance benchmarks tied to your complaint process.