Six questions to ask any cleaning agency before you let them into your home. The answers, plus what to listen for.
1. Are your cleaners insured?
The right answer is yes, £5m public liability. Lower limits exist but £5m is the industry standard and is what most landlords and managing agents now require.
2. Are they DBS-checked?
The right answer is yes, enhanced DBS, re-checked every three years. “Basic DBS only” is a red flag for a domestic service.
3. Are they employed or self-employed?
Employed is the better answer for a regular service. Self-employed contractors are cheaper for the agency but rotate more, train less, and have worse continuity.
4. Whose supplies?
Either answer is fine, but the agency should be ready to do both. “We can only use our own products” is a small red flag for clients with allergies, pets, or specific preferences.
5. What’s the cancellation policy?
Industry norm is 24-hour cancellation with no fee, 12-hour with the visit fee. If they require 7-day notice, walk.
6. What if I’m not happy with the clean?
The right answer is tell us within 48 hours and we re-clean free. Anyone who can’t commit to that has no quality-control discipline.