Legal Must-Haves Before Your First Contract.
Before taking on your first cleaning client, it’s important to make sure your business is legally protected. Having the right documents and registrations in place will save you from future problems and help you present yourself as a professional, credible cleaning service. Here are the essential legal must-haves you should set up before signing your first contract:
1️⃣ Register Your Business Properly
Make sure your business is officially registered in the UK — either as a sole trader, partnership, or limited company.
This ensures you can operate legally and invoice clients without issues.
2️⃣ Public Liability Insurance
This is non-negotiable. Public liability insurance protects you if:
A client’s property is damaged
You accidentally cause an injury
Something goes wrong during a clean
Most commercial clients will not work with you without valid proof of insurance.
3️⃣ Employer’s Liability Insurance (If Hiring)
If you plan to hire even one staff member, UK law requires employer’s liability insurance.
It protects you if an employee gets injured or becomes ill while working for you.
4️⃣ Professional Cleaning Contract
Never start work without a written agreement.
Your cleaning contract should include:
Scope of work
Pricing
Payment terms
Cancellation policy
Access and keys
Liability and responsibilities
Frequency of cleaning
This protects both you and your client from misunderstandings.
5️⃣ Risk Assessment & Health and Safety Policies
Clients — especially commercial ones — often require a basic risk assessment and health & safety statement.
It shows that you work safely and comply with UK legal obligations.
6️⃣ Record-Keeping & Tax Compliance
Set up a simple system for:
Invoices
Receipts
Mileage
Equipment purchases
Staff payments
This keeps you compliant with HMRC and makes tax season easier.
Final Thoughts
Before you rush into your first cleaning contract, make sure your business is legal, protected, and professionally documented.
The right legal foundation gives your clients confidence and gives you peace of mind.
