Most commercial cleaning relationships fail on paper long before they fail in the building. A good contract doesn't just set a price — it defines the work, the standard, how performance is measured, and how either side exits. Here's the facility manager's checklist for New York.
Scope: Task-by-Task or It's Just Vibes
- Demand a line-item task list with frequencies ("restrooms 5×/week," "high dust monthly")
- Separate recurring service from project work (deep cleans, floor restoration, windows) with rate cards
- Spell out consumables: who buys, who restocks, at what reporting cadence
Service Level Terms That Mean Something
- Start and coverage guarantees: named crew lead, supervisor QC cadence, and what happens when a cleaner calls out tonight
- Inspections and remedies: monthly walk with report; documented fix windows on deficiencies
- Insurance: COI naming your entity (and landlord, for NYC towers) refreshed annually
Money and Exit
- Annual escalators tied to a named index (NYC labor costs move — 3–5% is honest; cap it)
- 30–60 day termination-for-convenience on both sides — a vendor confident in their service accepts this
- A pilot period with an agreed evaluation scorecard before full term
We sign these terms ourselves — it's how we prefer to work. Ask for a sample agreement with your quote, and read our guide on vetting vendors first.
📍 Archin Unity serves clients nationwide with four core facility services:
🏢 Commercial Cleaning | 🪟 Window Cleaning | ❄️ Cold Room Cleaning | 💧 Water Damage Restoration
Need facility services for your business? Contact us for a free quote →