Changing Cleaning Contractors: What to Check

Before giving notice, read what you signed. Three things affect your timing: the notice period, any minimum term still running, and whether the agreement renews automatically if nobody cancels it.

Check how notice has to be given. Some agreements require it in writing, to a nominated contact or address.

Check what has to be returned or settled as well — equipment, client-supplied stock, or an outstanding invoice. If the terms aren't clear, that is a question for your own adviser, not for a prospective cleaner.

Make a list of what your current cleaner holds: keys, swipe cards, fobs, alarm codes, and any place they appear as a contact on your alarm monitoring list.

Physical items can be returned and counted. Alarm codes cannot, so they need to be changed separately. Former contacts can also be removed from your monitoring list.

Agree the last date with your current provider and the first date with the new one before you give notice, rather than after.

If the two dates can't be made to meet, decide in advance which areas take priority for the days in between.

A written scope can help avoid misunderstandings about what is included.

Before the first service you should have, in writing: which areas are cleaned, the tasks in each, how often, and what is excluded. Anything the previous cleaner did outside the written scope will not carry across unless it is recorded.

That document is also the reference point for any later discussion about what was agreed.

There is no lock-in period. The arrangement is ongoing, and either side can end it with 30 days' written notice.

A written scope is agreed before the first service, recording which areas are cleaned, how often and to what standard.

Keys, alarm codes and access arrangements are documented and handled confidentially.