In most commercial leases the tenant pays to clean the windows of the premises they occupy, while the landlord arranges cleaning of shared areas and recovers the cost through the service charge. The lease itself decides, so check the repair, decoration and cleaning clauses before you book.
What leases usually say
Many commercial leases contain a clause requiring the tenant to keep the premises clean, including the windows, often inside and out. Shop leases commonly mention the shopfront and sign as well. Leases of whole buildings tend to put all of the window cleaning on the tenant.
Where a building is shared, such as an office block, a shopping parade with flats above, or a business park, the landlord often takes on cleaning of the common parts and outside glass and charges tenants a share through the service charge.
How do you check your own lease?
Look for clauses headed repair, decoration, cleaning or tenant’s covenants, and for a schedule that lists the services covered by the service charge. If windows or common parts are mentioned there, that tells you who arranges the cleaning. If the wording is unclear, ask your landlord or managing agent in writing, or take advice.
What if both sides are cleaning?
It happens more than you would think: a landlord pays for outside glass through the service charge while a tenant also books their own cleaner for the shopfront. A quick check of the lease and a conversation with the agent can save money and avoid two cleaners turning up in the same week.
Shopping parades with flats above
On parades, the shop tenant usually looks after the shopfront, while the flats above may be cleaned by a managing agent for the block. Both can be cleaned on the same visit with separate invoices, which keeps the frontage looking consistent.
Keeping records
Whoever pays, keep a written scope and an invoice for each clean. If there is ever a dispute about the condition of the premises at the end of a lease, records showing regular cleaning are useful. This is general information, not legal advice; if the lease is unclear, a property solicitor can tell you where you stand.
What about the end of a lease?
At the end of a commercial lease, landlords often inspect the premises against the tenant’s obligations, sometimes called a schedule of dilapidations. Dirty or neglected glass, signs and frames can end up on that list. A clean before you hand back the keys is cheap compared with a claim, and a run of invoices showing regular cleaning throughout the lease helps if there is any question about how the premises were kept. Ask your solicitor or surveyor what your own lease requires before you leave.
Quick questions
Can you invoice the landlord and the tenant separately?
Yes. Different parts of the building can be on separate invoices.
Do we have to use the landlord’s cleaner?
It depends on your lease. Some require it for outside glass, many do not.
Is this legal advice?
No. It is general information. Check your lease or ask a property solicitor.
