Hiring a communal cleaning contractor?

Posted on August 13, 2019 in Cleaning

Finding the right individual or cleaning contractor to look after the common parts to your block of apartments can be a daunting task, and many people don’t know where to begin. Before you hire a communal cleaning contractor read our helpful guide.

One of the best ways to hire a communal cleaning contractor is through the referrals of colleagues, friends or family.

After narrowing down your options, call or email the communal cleaning contractor to schedule an onsite visit to estimate at your convenience. This will give you the opportunity to assess their responsiveness.

Before the scheduled estimate, you should come up with questions to ask during that time and also write down your special instructions to customise your service, which we call a specification.

Before hiring a communal cleaning contractor, be sure to ask these questions:

1. How do they set their rates?

Most cleaning contractors charge an hourly rate for the initial visit, but may also charge by the project, or by the number of employees they send.

Get the cleaning contractor to give you an estimate on how long it will take to clean your property.

Cleaning contractors should give you a flat rate for each subsequent visit depending on the condition of your property, needs and how often you will need the service. Ensure the communal cleaning contactor gives you a written estimate with a detailed specification of works to be carried on each visit before awarding the contract.

If you are having a once a week service ask can the cleaning contractor invoice you on a monthly basis and offer you a period of credit to pay the invoice.

2. Do they conduct a background check on employees?

Most reputable contractors perform background checks on their employees such as DBS checks formally known as Criminal Records Bureau (CRB).

When you hire an independent cleaner, you act as their employer; therefore making you responsible for doing any background screenings. A background check can ensure the safety of you, your tenants and your property by allowing you to know who is entering your property.

Ask your cleaning contractor if the same cleaner can be sent to your property each visit as this will help build a trusting relationship.

3. Health & Safety

Check that the cleaning contractor is fully compliant with health and safety.
An easy way to do this is to check if they are accredited to one of the main health & safety compliance organisation such as SafeContractor, Safe4Site, CHAS etc. as they do all the hard work for you.

4. Are they insured?

Professional cleaning contractors will carry liability insurance and have a policy in place in case something gets broken, damaged or goes missing in your property.

This will provide you with security and peace of mind during the cleaning service. You may want to inform the communal cleaning contractor if you have any tasks that require special care.

In the UK we would recommend a Public Liability Insurance cover of £5,000,000.00.

5. Do they carry Employee Insurance?

Professional communal cleaning contractors that hire employees directly on their payroll (PAYE) will provide their operatives with Employee Liability Insurance in the event that an employee gets injured — so you won’t be liable.

We would advise you check independent self-employed cleaners have the correct insurance as you don’t want to be liable should anything go wrong.

6. Do they bring their own equipment and cleaning supplies?

Ensure your communal cleaning contractor brings their own equipment and cleaning supplies. The cleaning contractor has a legal duty to ensure any equipment used by their operatives is fully compliant and fit (safe) for purpose.

These days, companies can use both conventional and environmentally friendly products. Therefore, make sure to know the distinction beforehand as this could affect the price.

7. Do they have a satisfaction guarantee?

Companies should be open to your suggestions and feedback. They should also be able to provide you with a satisfaction guarantee in the event that you are unhappy with a particular service.

You should be able to openly communicate with them by email or phone to ensure your cleaning needs are being met.

8. What services are included?

Ask what cleaning services are included in a routine visit.

If you’d prefer to take care of the basic day-to-day chores and you really want a cleaning contractor to take responsibility for dusting, window cleaning, skirting board cleaning and floor cleaning maintenance, make sure you let them know as it may affect the cost.

9. How long has the cleaning contractor been in business?

Find out how long the cleaning contractor has been around, and how long the employees have been with the business. A brand-new company (or an old company with all-new employees) may not be the best choice.

10. Can I get all this in writing?

Remember: Getting as many of the details in writing can help you avoid disagreements down the line.

For more information on our communal cleaning services please visit: Communal Cleaning Solutions or call one of our friendly team on 0845 604 1288.