What Should Be Included in Commercial Cleaning Contracts?

A well-drafted commercial cleaning contract sets the foundation for a successful partnership. It ensures clarity on service frequency, scope of work, pricing models, and performance metrics—so that both parties know exactly what to expect and misunderstandings are avoided.

What Are Commercial Cleaning Contracts?

A commercial cleaning contract is a legally binding agreement that defines the terms and conditions under which commercial cleaning services are delivered to a facility. It outlines the scope of work, service schedule, payment structure, and each party’s responsibilities.

This is a formal, legally binding agreement that clearly defines the expectations, responsibilities, and service standards between a professional cleaning provider and a client. More than just a formality, this contract serves as a critical risk management and operational alignment tool. It outlines the scope of work, frequency of services, payment terms, performance standards, and compliance requirements—ensuring both parties are aligned from day one.

By detailing key deliverables and service expectations, a well-crafted commercial cleaning contract helps prevent service gaps, reduces the likelihood of disputes, and promotes accountability—making it essential for maintaining a clean, compliant, and professionally managed facility. 

For Melbourne managers reviewing commercial office cleaning contracts, a robust agreement should include:

• Parties Involved: Clearly list the legal names and contact details of both the facility (client) and cleaning provider (e.g., ACS Commercial Cleaning Melbourne)
• Scope of Services: Define all cleaning actions (e.g., vacuuming, sanitising, window washing), their specific frequency (daily, weekly, monthly), and any special instructions related to your commercial space.
• Service Schedule: Include days, times, and access protocols for cleaning staff.
• Payment Terms: Specify pricing—hourly, square footage, or flat rate—payment schedule, and accepted methods.
• Contract Duration & Termination: State the contract period and provide clear mechanisms for termination with notice requirements.
• Insurance & Liability: Clarify insurance coverage—public liability, workers’ compensation—and responsibility for accidental damage.
• Confidentiality: Legal protections if cleaners will encounter sensitive business information.
• Supplies & Equipment: Define which party supplies chemicals, tools, or equipment.
• Additional Services & Charges: Procedures and rates for one-off services like carpet cleaning or deep hygiene cleans.

What Facility Managers Must Know About Commercial Cleaning Contracts

When comparing commercial cleaning contracts, the balance between price and service quality matters most:

1. Scope & Task Clarity
   Define all cleaning duties, including regular and specialised tasks, frequency, and potential exclusions. Quality providers like ACS Commercial Cleaning use triple ISO-certified processes that demand precision. 
2. Transparent Pricing
   Clearly outline fee structures—flat rate, hourly, or per-square-metre—and any cancellation or overtime charges. Avoid surprises by understanding their billing model upfront.
3. Dispute Resolution Clauses
   Include steps for mediation or arbitration, referencing relevant Australian statutes to manage conflicts effectively.
4. Health & Safety Compliance
   Ensure alignment with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and that staff are well-trained. ACS Cleaning follows ISO 45001 practices for occupational health and safety. 
5. Renewal & Variation Clauses
   Provide flexibility for contract extensions, scope adjustments, or termination conditions with reasonable notice and documentation.

What Clauses Should Be In Your Cleaning Service Contract?

For Melbourne facility managers evaluating commercial office cleaning contracts, a detailed agreement should include:

• Scope of Work – Clearly list tasks like vacuuming, window cleaning, bin removal, and restocking consumables.
  A well-defined scope of services is critical for ensuring consistent service delivery, accountability, and cost control. To maximise operational efficiency and maintain compliance with industry standards, facility and building managers should:

• • Detail All Cleaning Activities: Clearly outline all routine cleaning tasks, including vacuuming, dusting, sanitising high-touch surfaces, and scheduled waste disposal. Specify frequency (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly) for each task to avoid ambiguity and ensure performance tracking.
  • Address Specialised and High-Sensitivity Areas: Include protocols for cleaning sensitive or specialised zones such as medical treatment rooms, fitness centres, data centres, and food preparation areas. Indicate any industry-specific compliance requirements (e.g., infection control in healthcare).
  • Quantify and Qualify the Service Areas: State the total number of rooms, floor area (in square metres or square feet), and types of spaces (e.g., offices, lobbies, washrooms). Clearly mark any restricted or off-limits areas and define access protocols where necessary.

A comprehensive scope not only sets service expectations but also supports better vendor accountability and simplifies contract management.

• Service Schedule – Define exact cleaning times (e.g., after-hours, lunchtimes).
• Payment Terms – List fee rates, invoicing schedules, due dates, and late-payment policies. Clarifying the payment schedule helps to ensure that both parties understand their financial obligations and reduces the risk of late payments. Setting a clear payment schedule is critical for both parties. This section should detail:
  → Payment Terms: Indicate when payments are due (e.g., upon receipt of invoice, monthly).
  → Invoicing Frequency: Indicate how often invoices will be sent (e.g., weekly, bi-weekly, monthly).
  → Acceptable Payment Methods: Identify acceptable forms of payment (e.g., credit card, bank transfer).
• Obligations of Both Parties – Detail site access protocols, health & safety compliance, and notice periods for closures.
• Health & Safety – Reference WHS obligations and internal incident reporting procedures.
• Insurance and Indemnity – Confirm public liability and workers’ compensation coverage and liability rules for damage.
• Termination Clauses – Include notice periods and valid termination causes.
• Dispute Resolution – Outline negotiation, mediation, or arbitration steps.
• Confidentiality – Ensure secure handling of sensitive information encountered onsite.
• Special Checks – Include any working-with-children police checks (especially for schools or care facilities).
• Insurance Compliance – Require proof of insurances (public liability, property damage).

Make provisions for variations if your facility’s needs evolve, and stay compliant with Australian laws:

• Australian Consumer Law (ACL): Prohibits misleading terms and demands fairness in service guarantees.
• Employment Law: Ensure contractor vs. employee arrangements comply with Fair Work regulations.
• Privacy Act 1988: Include a privacy clause if personal data is used or stored.
• WHS Act 2011: Mandate safe workplaces for both staff and cleaners.
• Intellectual Property: Ensure trademarks or branded cleaning methods are protected as needed.

✅ Best Practices

• A strong commercial cleaning contract protects your commercial space with clear, enforceable terms.
• Essential clauses: scope of services, schedule, pricing, safety, insurance, confidentiality, variation, and dispute resolution.
• Prioritise quality over cheapest price—Triple ISO-certified providers like ACS Cleaning offer consistent, compliant service with transparent pricing.
• Ask the right questions and require evidence of certifications, insurance, and client testimonials.
• For more information on employment law matters—such as clarifying contractor versus employee status—consult guidance from the Fair Work Ombudsman about contract cleaning. You can access detailed guidelines via the Fair Work Ombudsman’s contract cleaning page or visit  https://www.fairwork.gov.au/find-help-for/contract-cleaning.

By focusing on value and clarity, Melbourne facility and building managers can secure commercial cleaning contracts that support clean, safe, and efficient business environments—year after year.

5 Essential Questions Every Facility Manager Should Ask Before Hiring a Commercial Cleaner in Melbourne

Choosing the right commercial cleaning partner can significantly impact the health, safety, and professional image of your facility. When evaluating commercial cleaning contracts in Melbourne, ask targeted questions to ensure you’re partnering with a provider that prioritises your facility’s standards.

In a city like Melbourne, where compliance, cleanliness, and operational standards are high, making the right decision goes far beyond just comparing quotes.

As an established leader in facility maintenance, we understand that commercial cleaning is not the same as residential cleaning—and that misconceptions can lead to costly oversights. That’s why we’ve outlined the five critical questions every facility or building manager should ask before signing a cleaning contract.

1. What Types of Cleaning Services Do You Offer?

Cleaning requirements can vary significantly depending on your industry, facility type, and compliance needs. It’s essential to work with a provider that offers a comprehensive suite of services, from daily cleaning to more specialised solutions.

A well-rounded provider—like ACS Commercial Cleaning—offers:

• Routine office and facility cleaning
• Periodic deep cleaning
• Disinfection services for high-risk areas
• Gym, medical, and industrial-grade cleaning
• Washroom hygiene, recycling, and waste management
• Window and high-access cleaning

Make sure the cleaning contractor can support your day-to-day operational needs as well as scheduled and emergency deep cleans.

2. How Are Your Cleaning Staff Trained and Supervised?

The quality of your cleaning outcomes depends heavily on the expertise and consistency of the personnel on-site.

Ask whether the cleaning company:

• Provides structured training aligned with Australian commercial cleaning standards
• Delivers ongoing upskilling to keep up with health regulations and evolving techniques
• Implements site-specific induction and OH&S (occupational health and safety) protocols
• Conducts regular quality audits and performance reviews

At ACS Cleaning, training and compliance are non-negotiable. Our team is fully briefed on infection control, workplace safety, and industry-specific best practices—ensuring your facility is cleaned to the highest professional standard.

3. What Cleaning Products and Techniques Do You Use?

Not all cleaning products or techniques are created equal. Especially in sensitive or high-traffic environments, the right solutions make all the difference in maintaining hygiene, safety, and indoor air quality.

Confirm whether your cleaning partner uses:

• Eco-certified, hospital-grade disinfectants
• Microfibre cloths and HEPA-filter vacuums for dust and allergen control
• Specific protocols for high-touchpoint disinfection
• Products compliant with environmental and workplace safety standards

ACS Commercial Cleaning prioritises sustainability and safety, offering green cleaning solutions tailored to your workplace needs.

4. Are You Fully Insured, Certified, and Can You Provide References?

Professionalism should be non-negotiable. A reputable cleaning company should be able to quickly provide:

• Valid public liability insurance and workers compensation cover
• Certifications in infection control, green cleaning, and safe work practices
• Referrals or case studies from similar businesses or facilities

5. What’s Your Pricing Structure—and Are There Any Hidden Costs?

Seek transparency on base rates, after-hours fees, emergency cleans, and confirm there are no hidden charges. A transparent, predictable pricing model is essential for facility managers who need to budget with confidence.

Look for a provider that:

• Offers detailed quotes outlining all inclusions
• Explains costs for additional services like deep cleans or emergency callouts
• Can tailor packages to suit your facility’s size, hours of operation, and risk profile

ACS Commercial Cleaning provides clear, upfront pricing—with no surprises. Our service agreements are built to align with your operational needs, compliance obligations, and long-term cost control goals.

Choose a Cleaning Partner That Understands Your Facility

By asking the right questions, you can confidently choose a cleaning contractor that not only meets your expectations—but raises them.

We support Melbourne’s leading facilities with reliable, certified, and scalable cleaning services. If you’re a facility or building manager seeking a commercial cleaning company that understands your compliance, health, and presentation standards, we’re ready to help.

A well-documented commercial cleaning contract isn’t just about legal protection—it’s a foundation for a trust-based, results-driven partnership. It aligns both parties on what matters most: maintaining a clean, safe, and professionally managed environment.

ACS Commercial Cleaning provides clear, comprehensive service agreements that give facility and building managers peace of mind right from the start. Contact us to learn more about how we structure our contracts for long-term success and compliance.

📞 Contact ACS Commercial Cleaning at Tel. No. 03 9114 9778 for a tailored cleaning proposal or book online 24/7 using our free quote form.

FAQs: Commercial Cleaning Contracts for Facility and Building Managers

1. What is the purpose of a commercial cleaning contract?

A commercial cleaning contract is a legally binding agreement designed to establish clear expectations, service standards, and responsibilities between the cleaning provider and the client. For facility and building managers, it ensures operational alignment, risk mitigation, and consistent service delivery—while providing a framework for accountability and dispute resolution.

2. How can I ensure my cleaning contract is legally enforceable?

To ensure your cleaning contract holds legal weight:

• Include clearly defined terms and conditions, including scope of services, frequency, pricing, and performance benchmarks
• Ensure both parties review and sign the agreement
• Verify that the contract complies with local regulations and industry-specific requirements
• Specify dispute resolution processes and termination clauses

3. Can a commercial cleaning contract be modified after it’s been signed?

Yes—commercial cleaning contracts can and often should be updated or amended as your facility’s needs evolve. However, any modifications must be:

• Documented in writing
• Signed by both parties
• Clearly dated and added as a formal addendum to the original agreement

Regular reviews and structured amendments help ensure your cleaning services remain aligned with your operational goals and compliance standards.

 

 

 

Why Choose ACS Commercial Cleaning?

✔ Triple ISO-certified for quality, safety, and environmental responsibility
✔ Eco-friendly cleaning products and sustainable practices
✔ Fully customisable cleaning schedules tailored to your facility’s layout
✔ Competitive pricing with flexible service options
✔ Free inspections and no-obligation quotes

Trusted by Melbourne’s Leading Facilities

Secure peace of mind with a transparent commercial cleaning contract—contact ACS Cleaning today.

📞 If you are looking for commercial cleaners near you, call ACS Commercial Cleaning today at Tel. No. 03 9114 9778 for a free consultation regarding your tailored cleaning plan. You may also book online 24/7 using our free quote form.