How to Switch Commercial Cleaning Companies
Most switches go wrong on timing: a week with no cleaning, or keys that never come back. Here's how to change companies in about six weeks without either.
1. Read your contract first
- Notice period. Often 30 days, given in writing.
- Renewal date. Some contracts renew automatically, and notice has to arrive a set number of days before that date.
- How you can end it. At any time ("for convenience"), or only for cause, usually after the company has had a chance to fix the problems.
- Fees. Any early termination fee, and what the final invoice can include.
- Ownership. Who owns the supplies and equipment in your building.
2. Line up the new company before you give notice
Send the same scope to each company you're considering, with our janitorial RFP template and a checklist for your type of building, and walk each one through the building. Set the new start date as the day after the old company's last day, so the building is never left uncleaned.
3. Give written notice
Send it the way the contract asks: email, letter or certified mail. Keep a copy and get confirmation that it was received.
Notice of Termination: Cleaning Services
4. Hand over the building
Keys and alarm codes are what get missed. List them before the last week, and change the codes after the last visit.
Cleaning Company Handover Checklist
Before you give notice
Giving notice
The last weeks with the current company
Changeover day
The first month with the new company
A six-week timeline
| When | What |
|---|---|
| Days 1 to 10 | Read the contract, send your scope to replacement companies, hold walkthroughs, choose one. |
| Day 10 | Give written notice. Agree the new company's start date as the day after the last day of service. |
| Days 10 to 40 | The current company finishes its notice period. List keys, codes, supplies and equipment. |
| Day 40 | Changeover: collect keys, change codes, and hand the new company the scope of work. |
| Day 47 | Walk the building with the new company's supervisor. |
5. The first month with the new company
Walk the building with their supervisor after the first week, agree how often they'll inspect it, and check the first invoice against the proposal. Our hiring guide lists the contract terms worth asking for this time.
Frequently asked questions
How much notice do I need to give my cleaning company?
Whatever your contract says; 30 days is common. Some contracts renew automatically and need notice 30 to 90 days before the renewal date, so check that date first.
Can I end a cleaning contract early because of poor service?
Usually, if the contract lets you end it for cause. Put the problems in writing, give the company the time to fix them that the contract allows, and give notice if they don't.
Who keeps the cleaning supplies when we switch?
Supplies you paid for stay with you, and equipment the cleaning company owns leaves with it. Agree a list before the last day so nothing is argued over.
Line up the new company first
Send your building details. One licensed local company walks through and sends a written proposal before you give notice.
- Free, no obligation
- One company contacts you, not five
- Licensed, bonded and insured
- A written, itemized proposal