Housekeeping Agreement Template

What Is a Housekeeping Agreement?

A housekeeping agreement is a written contract between a property owner (or property manager) and a housekeeper (or cleaning service company) that defines the scope, schedule, and terms of residential or light commercial cleaning services. It covers the specific rooms and areas to be cleaned, the tasks to be performed in each area, the cleaning products and supplies to be used, the frequency of service, the pricing structure, and the responsibilities of each party.

Housekeeping agreements can cover a wide range of service models: one-time deep cleans, weekly or bi-weekly recurring maintenance cleaning, move-in/move-out cleans, vacation-rental turnover cleaning, and ongoing arrangements for large estates or multi-property management companies.

The agreement serves as both an operational guide and a legal document. Operationally, it ensures the housekeeper knows exactly what is expected during each visit, which prevents the common complaint of inconsistent cleaning quality. Legally, it creates enforceable obligations — the housekeeper must perform the agreed tasks to a professional standard, and the property owner must pay the agreed rate and provide a safe working environment.

Many homeowners hire housekeepers as independent contractors rather than employees, which has implications for taxes, insurance, and liability. The agreement should clarify the housekeeper's independent-contractor status to avoid misclassification issues. If the housekeeper is an employee, the agreement should reflect that relationship, including any applicable labor-law protections.

The level of trust involved in a housekeeping relationship is significant. The housekeeper has access to the home, personal belongings, and often the family's daily routine. A written agreement establishes professional boundaries, confidentiality expectations, and property-access protocols that foster a productive, trust-based working relationship.

Why You Need a Housekeeping Agreement

Housekeeping relationships that start without a written agreement often encounter friction within the first few months. A formal agreement prevents the most common issues.

Scope clarity is the single most important benefit. "Clean the house" means different things to different people. One homeowner expects baseboards wiped, ceiling fans dusted, and the inside of the refrigerator scrubbed. Another expects only vacuuming, mopping, and bathroom sanitization. Without a written list of tasks, dissatisfaction is inevitable. The agreement's task checklist eliminates ambiguity.

Quality consistency depends on documented standards. A housekeeper who services multiple homes per day needs a clear reference for what each client expects. The agreement serves as that reference, ensuring every visit meets the same standard rather than declining over time.

Supply and equipment responsibility must be defined. Will the homeowner provide cleaning products and equipment, or will the housekeeper bring their own? If the housekeeper uses their own products, are they eco-friendly, allergen-safe, and suitable for the home's surfaces? The agreement answers these questions.

Property damage and theft concerns are real but manageable with the right protections. A housekeeper who accidentally breaks a vase, scratches a hardwood floor, or damages an appliance needs to have insurance coverage. A housekeeper who is falsely accused of theft needs the protection of documented inventory and incident-reporting procedures. The agreement addresses both scenarios.

Privacy and confidentiality matter for both parties. The housekeeper observes the homeowner's personal life, possessions, and habits. The agreement should include a confidentiality clause that protects the homeowner's privacy. Conversely, the homeowner should respect the housekeeper's personal information and not share it without consent.

Tax and legal compliance is an often-overlooked necessity. In the United States, homeowners who pay a housekeeper more than $2,700 per year (as of 2024, subject to annual adjustment) are generally required to pay employment taxes ("nanny taxes") if the housekeeper is classified as an employee. The agreement helps clarify the worker classification and the resulting tax obligations.

Key Components of a Housekeeping Agreement

• Party identification — Names, addresses, phone numbers, and email for both parties.
• Property description — Address, number of rooms, square footage, and any special features (pets, children, elderly residents).
• Scope of services — Room-by-room task checklist for each visit.
• Deep-cleaning services — Additional tasks performed periodically (windows, oven, refrigerator, baseboards).
• Cleaning schedule — Frequency (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly) and preferred day/time.
• Supplies and equipment — Who provides cleaning products, vacuum, mop, and specialty tools.
• Pricing — Flat rate per visit, hourly rate, or monthly fee.
• Payment terms — Due dates, methods, and late penalties.
• Property access — Keys, codes, and security-system instructions.
• Pet protocol — Handling instructions if pets are present.
• Breakage and damage — Reporting procedure and insurance coverage.
• Confidentiality — Privacy protection for the homeowner.
• Insurance — Liability and bonding requirements.
• Worker classification — Independent contractor or employee status.
• Cancellation policy — Notice period and fees.
• Termination — Conditions for ending the agreement.
• Dispute resolution — Resolution method.

How to Write a Housekeeping Agreement

1. Walk through the home. Tour every room with the housekeeper and discuss expectations for each space. Note any surfaces requiring special care (marble, hardwood, natural stone).

2. Create a room-by-room task checklist. List the specific tasks for each room (e.g., Kitchen: wipe counters, clean sink, mop floor, wipe appliance exteriors, empty trash).

3. Identify deep-cleaning tasks. Separate regular cleaning tasks from periodic deep-cleaning tasks (oven cleaning, window washing, carpet shampooing, refrigerator cleanout) and specify how often deep cleaning occurs.

4. Set the schedule. Choose the frequency (weekly, bi-weekly), preferred day, and approximate arrival time. Address schedule changes and rescheduling procedures.

5. Determine supply responsibility. Decide whether the homeowner or the housekeeper provides cleaning products and equipment. If the housekeeper provides products, specify any restrictions (eco-friendly, fragrance-free, pet-safe).

6. Set pricing and payment terms. Agree on a flat rate per visit, an hourly rate, or a monthly fee. Define when payment is due and accepted methods.

7. Establish access and security procedures. Determine how the housekeeper will enter the home and any alarm-system protocols.

8. Include insurance, liability, and confidentiality clauses. Require the housekeeper to carry liability insurance (or confirm the cleaning company's coverage) and include a confidentiality provision.

9. Clarify worker classification. State whether the housekeeper is an independent contractor or an employee, and ensure the arrangement complies with applicable labor and tax laws.

10. Review and sign. Both parties review, sign, and retain copies. Provide keys and access information.

Free Housekeeping Agreement Template

HOUSEKEEPING SERVICE AGREEMENT

Date: _______________

Property Address: _______________

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PARTIES

This Housekeeping Service Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into by and between:

Homeowner: _____________ ("Owner"), residing at _____________

Housekeeper: _____________ ("Housekeeper"), doing business as _____________ (if applicable), with a mailing address of _____________, Phone: _____________, Email: _____________, insured under Policy No. _____________ (if applicable)

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CLAUSE 1 — PROPERTY DESCRIPTION

The services under this Agreement shall be performed at the Property Address described above. The home consists of:

• Bedrooms: _____
• Bathrooms: _____
• Kitchen(s): _____
• Living/common areas: _____
• Other areas included: _____________
• Approximate square footage: _____
• Pets: [ ] Yes (type/number: ___) [ ] No
• Occupants: _____ adults, _____ children

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CLAUSE 2 — SCOPE OF SERVICES

Standard Cleaning (each visit):

Kitchen:

• Wipe and sanitize countertops and backsplash
• Clean sink and faucet
• Wipe appliance exteriors (stove, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher)
• Clean stovetop
• Mop floor
• Empty trash and replace liner
• Wipe cabinet fronts (as needed)

Bathrooms:

• Clean and sanitize toilet, tub/shower, sink, and countertops
• Clean mirrors
• Mop floor
• Empty trash and replace liner
• Replenish towels (if available)

Bedrooms:

• Make beds (change linens: [ ] every visit [ ] every _____ visits [ ] Owner changes)
• Dust surfaces (nightstands, dressers, shelves)
• Vacuum or mop floors

Living/Common Areas:

• Dust all surfaces (tables, shelves, entertainment center, decor)
• Vacuum carpeted areas and rugs
• Mop hard floors
• Spot-clean mirrors and glass
• Fluff and arrange cushions

General (all areas):

• Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures (reachable height)
• Vacuum/mop stairs
• Empty all trash bins
• Spot-clean doors and light switches

Deep Cleaning (performed every _____ visits or upon request — additional fee of $_____/visit):

• Interior window cleaning
• Oven and refrigerator interior cleaning
• Baseboard wiping
• Blind and shutter cleaning
• Cabinet interior organization
• Carpet deep clean (if equipment available)

Excluded Services:

• Exterior window cleaning
• Heavy lifting or furniture moving (over 25 lbs)
• Laundry service (unless agreed: [ ] included [ ] additional $_____)
• Pet care
• Organizing/decluttering (unless agreed separately)
• Hazardous cleaning (mold remediation, biohazard)

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CLAUSE 3 — CLEANING SCHEDULE

Cleaning shall be performed [ ] weekly [ ] bi-weekly [ ] monthly, on _____________ (day of week) at approximately _____________ (time). The Housekeeper shall notify the Owner at least 24 hours in advance of any schedule change. Rescheduled visits shall occur within the same week when possible.

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CLAUSE 4 — SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT

Cleaning supplies and equipment shall be provided by: [ ] Owner [ ] Housekeeper [ ] Housekeeper (with cost included in service fee) [ ] Housekeeper (billed separately at cost plus ___%).

If the Owner has preferences for specific products (eco-friendly, fragrance-free, pet-safe), the following products shall be used: _____________

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CLAUSE 5 — PRICING AND PAYMENT

[ ] Per-Visit Rate: $_____________ for standard cleaning

[ ] Hourly Rate: $_____________ per hour (estimated _____ hours per visit)

[ ] Monthly Rate: $_____________ for _____ visits per month

Deep cleaning: additional $_____________ per session.

Payment is due: [ ] At each visit [ ] Weekly [ ] Bi-weekly [ ] Monthly, on the _____ of the month.

Accepted methods: ________. Late payments accrue a fee of $ per week.

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CLAUSE 6 — PROPERTY ACCESS

Access method: [ ] Key provided [ ] Lockbox (code: ___) [ ] Smart lock (code: ___) [ ] Owner present [ ] Other: _____________

Security system: [ ] Yes (disarm code: ___; rearm upon leaving: [ ] Yes [ ] No) [ ] No

The Housekeeper shall lock all doors, close all windows, and secure the property upon departure. The Housekeeper shall not allow unauthorized persons into the property.

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CLAUSE 7 — BREAKAGE AND DAMAGE

The Housekeeper shall promptly notify the Owner of any breakage or damage that occurs during the cleaning visit, whether caused by the Housekeeper or discovered as pre-existing. For items damaged by the Housekeeper's negligence, the Housekeeper shall reimburse the Owner for the reasonable replacement cost or submit a claim under the Housekeeper's liability insurance.

The Owner shall inform the Housekeeper of any fragile, valuable, or irreplaceable items that require special care.

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CLAUSE 8 — INSURANCE AND LIABILITY

The Housekeeper shall maintain: [ ] General liability insurance ($_____ minimum) [ ] Bonding [ ] Both [ ] None (Owner assumes risk).

The Housekeeper shall exercise reasonable care while performing services. The Housekeeper shall not be liable for damage resulting from normal wear and tear, pre-existing conditions, or the Owner's failure to disclose fragile items.

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CLAUSE 9 — CONFIDENTIALITY

The Housekeeper shall keep all information about the Owner's household, personal affairs, daily routines, security arrangements, and possessions strictly confidential. This obligation survives termination of this Agreement.

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CLAUSE 10 — WORKER CLASSIFICATION

The Housekeeper is engaged as: [ ] Independent Contractor [ ] Employee.

If engaged as an independent contractor, the Housekeeper is solely responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and compliance with applicable laws. The Owner shall issue IRS Form 1099-NEC if annual payments exceed the applicable threshold.

If engaged as an employee, the Owner shall comply with applicable employment laws, including wage, hour, and tax withholding requirements.

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CLAUSE 11 — PET PROTOCOL

If pets are present during cleaning visits, the Owner shall: [ ] Confine pets to a designated area [ ] Allow pets to roam freely [ ] Other: _____________

The Housekeeper shall: [ ] Clean pet areas (food bowls, litter box, pet beds) [ ] Not clean pet areas.

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CLAUSE 12 — CANCELLATION POLICY

The Owner must provide at least _____________ hours' notice to cancel a scheduled visit. Visits cancelled with less than the required notice will be billed at ___% of the regular rate.

The Housekeeper must provide at least _____________ hours' notice if unable to perform a scheduled visit. The Housekeeper shall offer a makeup visit within the same week when possible.

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CLAUSE 13 — TERMINATION

Either Party may terminate this Agreement with _____________ days'/weeks' written notice. The Owner shall pay for all services performed through the termination date. The Housekeeper shall return all keys and access devices upon termination.

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CLAUSE 14 — DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Any dispute arising under this Agreement shall be resolved through mediation. If mediation is unsuccessful, either Party may pursue legal remedies in the courts of the state where the Property Address is located.

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CLAUSE 15 — GOVERNING LAW AND ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of _____________. This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the Parties. Amendments must be in writing and signed by both Parties.

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SIGNATURES

Owner: ___________________________ Date: _______________

Printed Name: ___________________________

Housekeeper: ___________________________ Date: _______________

Printed Name: ___________________________

How to Use This Template

1. Download the template in Word or PDF format.

2. Walk through the home with the housekeeper and complete the property description in Clause 1.

3. Customize the task checklist in Clause 2 by adding or removing tasks for each room based on your specific needs.

4. Set the cleaning schedule in Clause 3 with the preferred day, time, and frequency.

5. Determine supply responsibility in Clause 4 and note any product preferences.

6. Enter pricing in Clause 5 and choose the payment model and schedule.

7. Arrange home access in Clause 6 and provide keys, codes, or lockbox information.

8. Verify insurance in Clause 8 and determine the appropriate coverage level.

9. Clarify worker classification in Clause 10 to ensure tax and legal compliance.

10. Have both parties sign and retain copies. Provide access arrangements and a copy of the task checklist.