Does a cleaning contract in Quebec need to be in writing?

While the Code civil du Québec does not require all service contracts to be in writing, having a written cleaning contract is strongly recommended. A written contract provides clear evidence of the agreed terms — including scope of work, frequency, price, and termination conditions — and prevents disputes. For commercial cleaning contracts, a written agreement is standard practice. Under article 2098 CCQ, a contract of enterprise or service can be oral or written, but oral contracts are difficult to enforce in the event of a disagreement about the agreed terms.

Is a cleaning company an independent contractor or an employee under Quebec law?

Under Quebec law, a cleaning company or independent cleaner operating as a service provider is typically classified as an independent contractor (prestataire de services) under articles 2098-2129 CCQ, not an employee under articles 2085-2097 CCQ. The key distinction is the absence of a subordination relationship: the cleaning company chooses its own methods and means (art. 2099 CCQ). However, if a client dictates the exact hours, tools, and methods used by the cleaner, a court might reclassify the relationship as employment, triggering obligations under the Act respecting labour standards (Loi sur les normes du travail) and CNESST contributions.

What happens if the cleaning company damages property during service?

Under article 2100 CCQ, a service provider is liable for damages caused by their fault or the fault of their employees during the execution of the contract. If a cleaning company damages a client's property, it must notify the client immediately and compensate for the actual damage suffered. This is why maintaining adequate liability insurance is essential for cleaning companies. The contract should specify the insurance coverage, and clients should request proof of insurance before signing. In the absence of insurance, the cleaning company remains personally liable under the general civil liability rules of articles 1457-1481 CCQ.

Can a client cancel a cleaning contract in Quebec at any time?

Yes. Under article 2125 CCQ, the client (donneur d'ouvrage) may unilaterally terminate any contract of enterprise or service at any time, even if performance has begun. However, the client must compensate the cleaning company for work already performed, expenses actually incurred, and the profit the company would have earned on the remaining work. For contracts with a fixed term, the notice period specified in the contract also applies. This right of unilateral termination is a fundamental feature of Quebec civil law and cannot be excluded by contract.

Are cleaning companies in Quebec required to collect and remit GST/QST (TPS/TVQ)?

Cleaning companies in Quebec with annual taxable revenues exceeding $30,000 must register for and collect both the federal Goods and Services Tax (GST/TPS at 5%) and the Quebec Sales Tax (QST/TVQ at 9.975%). Small suppliers with revenues below this threshold are generally exempt. Cleaning services are taxable supplies under the Excise Tax Act and the Act respecting the Québec sales tax. Clients should confirm whether the cleaning company is registered for GST/QST and whether the contract price includes or excludes applicable taxes.

What personal information protections apply to cleaning services in Quebec?

Cleaning service providers who access client premises must comply with Quebec's Law 25 (Act to modernize legislative provisions as regards the protection of personal information, formerly the Act respecting the protection of personal information in the private sector, L.R.Q., c. P-39.1). This law governs the collection, use, disclosure, and retention of personal information about employees and clients. Cleaning companies must implement reasonable security measures to protect any personal information they access, including client contact details and sensitive documents visible in the premises being cleaned. A confidentiality clause in the contract reinforces these obligations.

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Cleaning Service Contract (Quebec)

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Create a professional Quebec Cleaning Service Contract (Contrat de nettoyage) governed by articles 2098 to 2129 of the Code civil du Québec. This bilingual template covers residential and commercial cleaning services, specifying the scope of work, cleaning frequency, schedule, supplies responsibility, compensation (fixed fee, hourly, or monthly), insurance requirements, confidentiality protections, and termination rights. Includes mandatory CCQ provisions including provider independence (art. 2099), good faith (art. 1375), and unilateral client termination rights (art. 2125). Bill 96 compliant. Download as PDF or Word instantly.

What Is a Cleaning Service Contract (Quebec)?

A Quebec Cleaning Service Contract (Contrat de nettoyage) is a legally binding agreement between a client and a cleaning service provider (prestataire de services de nettoyage), governed by articles 2098 to 2129 of the Code civil du Québec (CCQ) relating to contracts of enterprise or service. This professional document establishes the complete framework for residential or commercial cleaning services, defining the rights and obligations of both parties throughout the duration of the engagement. Under article 2098 CCQ, the cleaning contract is classified as a contract of enterprise or service, whereby the cleaning company undertakes to perform physical cleaning work for the client in exchange for remuneration. The fundamental legal characteristic of this agreement, as stated in article 2099 CCQ, is that the cleaning service provider retains full independence in choosing the means and methods of execution — there is no subordination relationship between the client and the cleaning company. This distinction is critical because it separates the cleaning contract from an employment relationship (governed by articles 2085-2097 CCQ), which would trigger entirely different legal obligations, including labor standards, CNESST contributions, and employment benefits. A properly drafted cleaning contract under Quebec law also incorporates the mandatory principle of good faith set out in article 1375 CCQ, the client's unilateral right of termination under article 2125 CCQ, and the cleaning company's liability for its own fault and the faults of its employees under article 2100 CCQ. For commercial cleaning engagements, the contract also addresses applicable taxes (TPS 5% and TVQ 9.975%), insurance requirements, and privacy protections under Quebec's Law 25 (Act respecting the protection of personal information in the private sector).

When Do You Need a Cleaning Service Contract (Quebec)?

A Quebec Cleaning Service Contract is needed whenever a client engages a professional cleaning company or independent cleaner on a recurring or one-time basis. For residential clients, a cleaning contract is appropriate when hiring a cleaning company or individual cleaner to perform regular housekeeping services, including weekly or bi-weekly cleaning of kitchens, bathrooms, living areas, and bedrooms. Move-in and move-out cleaning services for tenants and landlords require a one-time cleaning contract that specifies the exact scope of work and the expected condition of the property upon completion. Post-renovation cleaning services, which remove construction debris, dust, and materials following renovation or construction work, benefit from a detailed cleaning contract that addresses special handling requirements. For commercial clients, a cleaning contract is essential when hiring a janitorial service for office buildings, retail stores, restaurants, medical clinics, schools, industrial facilities, and other commercial premises. The contract defines the cleaning schedule (daily, weekly, bi-weekly), the areas to be cleaned, the cleaning standards required, and the applicable pricing structure. Specialized cleaning services, including carpet cleaning, window washing, pressure washing, and post-construction cleaning, require contracts that specify the specialized equipment and products to be used. Condominium corporations and property management companies routinely use cleaning contracts to formalize their relationships with cleaning vendors for common area maintenance. Regardless of the size or frequency of the engagement, a written cleaning contract protects both the client and the cleaning company from misunderstandings about the scope, quality, and pricing of the services.

What to Include in Your Cleaning Service Contract (Quebec)

The key elements of a Quebec Cleaning Service Contract include comprehensive identification of both parties, including the client's full legal name, address, and contact information, as well as the cleaning company's full legal name, address, Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ), and contact details. The contract must precisely describe the premises to be cleaned, including the full address, type of property (residential, commercial, industrial, or office), and approximate area in square feet or square meters. A detailed description of the cleaning services to be performed is essential, listing all specific tasks such as vacuuming, mopping, bathroom cleaning, dusting, trash removal, and any specialized services. The cleaning frequency must be clearly stated (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or as-needed), along with the specific schedule of service days and hours. The contract must specify who provides the cleaning supplies and equipment — the cleaning company, the client, or both — and address any restrictions regarding specific products due to allergies or environmental concerns. Compensation terms require careful specification, including the fee type (fixed fee per session, hourly rate, or monthly flat rate), the amount before taxes, applicable taxes (TPS 5% and TVQ 9.975%), and detailed payment terms including due dates and consequences of late payment. The contract duration must be defined as either fixed term (with start and end dates) or open-ended, along with the notice period required for termination by either party. A confidentiality clause protecting client information accessible during cleaning is strongly recommended, particularly for commercial engagements. Insurance provisions must specify the cleaning company's liability insurance details, including the insurer, policy number, and coverage amount. The good faith clause per article 1375 CCQ and the governing law clause referencing Quebec law and CCQ articles 2098-2129 complete the essential elements of the agreement.

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