A good commercial window cleaning contract is short and plain: a list of exactly what is cleaned, how often, what the cleaner needs from you, the price per visit, how you are invoiced, how a missed clean is rebooked and how either side can change or end it.
What should the scope say?
The scope is the most important part. It should list which elevations are cleaned, whether frames and sills are included, whether inside glass is part of it, and anything that is excluded, such as roof glazing, skylights or glass above a certain height. If your building has an atrium, canopy or conservatory, it should say whether that is in or out.
A scope written after a site visit is far more reliable than one written from a phone call. On a survey the cleaner can see the access, count the panes, check the height and spot anything that needs special care, like old glass, film-coated panes or windows over a busy entrance.
How is the price usually set?
Most commercial window cleaning is priced per visit, based on the amount of glass, height, access and frequency. A fixed price per visit is easy to budget and easy to check. Watch out for quotes that add extras on the day, such as charges for door glass or upper floors that were not mentioned in the scope.
If you have several sites, each one should have its own line and its own invoice. That matters for blocks of flats, franchise branches and anyone who recharges costs to tenants.
Do you need a long fixed-term contract?
Not usually. For most small and mid-sized sites a rolling arrangement works well: an agreed schedule that either side can change or end with reasonable notice, often a few weeks. Longer terms are more common for large estates and public sector tenders.
If you manage a residential block, note that long-term agreements can trigger service charge consultation rules, which is covered in our guide for landlords and managing agents.
What happens if a clean is missed?
Weather is the usual reason. Pure water cleaning works in light rain, but heavy frost, high winds or snow can stop a visit. The contract should say how the clean is rebooked, usually within a few days, and that you are only invoiced for cleans that actually happen.
Access is the other reason: a locked gate, a car parked against a wall, or building work. A named contact on your side and a direct phone number on ours sorts most of these on the day.
What paperwork should you ask for?
Ask for a written scope and price, a clear invoice after each visit, and any safety information your organisation needs, such as a method statement or details of insurance. Larger organisations and schools often have their own contractor forms. Ask on day one so nothing holds up the first clean.
Quick questions
Is a verbal agreement enough?
It works for some small shops, but a short written scope avoids arguments about what was meant to be cleaned.
Can we change the frequency later?
Yes. A good contract makes it easy to change one part of the schedule with notice.
Are we charged if the weather stops a clean?
You should only be invoiced for cleans that happen. Missed visits are rebooked.
