Terms of Service for Essential Cleaning
Effective Date: 01/01/2025
These Terms of Service (“Agreement”) govern all cleaning services provided by Essential Cleaning LLC (“Company,” “we,” “us”) to the customer (“Client,” “you”). By scheduling or receiving our services, you agree to be bound by this Agreement.
1. Definitions
Client: The individual or entity purchasing cleaning services.
Property: The location where the cleaning service will be performed.
Services: Cleaning services as described in a proposal, booking, or written agreement.
Pre-Existing Condition: Any defect, wear, damage, or issue present prior to our service.
2. Services and Payment
Scope of Services: We will perform residential or commercial cleaning as outlined in your confirmed booking or estimate.
Pricing & Estimates: Prices will be disclosed prior to service. Any modifications or additional services must be approved in writing and may result in updated pricing.
Access Fee: If our team cannot access the property at the scheduled time, a fee equal to 50% of the scheduled service price will be charged.
Late Payment: Payment is due on the agreed date. Late payments incur a $25 fee or 2% of the balance, whichever is greater.
3. Scheduling and Cancellations
Cancellation / Reschedule Policy: Minimum 24 hours’ notice is required to cancel or reschedule.
Late Cancellation Fee: Cancellations or reschedules made within 24 hours will be charged 50% of the service fee.
4. Pricing and Adjustments
We reserve the right to adjust service prices, discounts, or promotions at any time.
Confirmed bookings prior to a price change will be honored unless you request modifications, in which case updated pricing will apply.
Notice of general price changes will be provided when possible. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance.
5. Specialized Services
For move-in/move-out, post-construction, or other specialized cleanings, an additional written agreement (“Service Addendum”) will be provided. In case of conflict, the Service Addendum prevails.
6. Insurance, Liability & Damages
Insurance Coverage: Essential Cleaning carries general liability insurance. Claims are subject to coverage limits and exclusions under our policy.
Valuables & Fragile Items: We are not liable for damage to fragile, high-value, sentimental, or collectible items unless disclosed in writing prior to service. Clients are responsible for securing such items.
Accidental Damage: In the rare event of accidental damage caused by our team, you must notify us within 48 hours with photo evidence. We reserve the right to repair or replace the item directly through our vendors or insurance providers.
Exclusions: We do not guarantee restoration of grout, caulking, heavily worn, stained, or mold-infested surfaces, as cleaning may expose or worsen pre-existing conditions.
7. Health & Safety
We may refuse or discontinue service if conditions pose a health or safety risk to our staff, including but not limited to: pest infestations, hazardous materials, animal waste, mold, biohazards, or aggressive behavior from occupants.
8. Refunds & Satisfaction Guarantee
If you are dissatisfied, notify us within 24 hours of service completion.
Refunds are only considered if we fail to deliver the agreed service after review and re-cleaning options have been offered.
Refunds are not guaranteed and remain at the discretion of management.
9. Photos and Marketing
With your prior consent, we may take “before and after” photos for quality assurance and promotional purposes. Photos will not include personal identifiers.
10. Service Modification & Termination
You may terminate future services at any time, subject to our cancellation policy.
We may suspend or terminate services for reasons including non-payment, unsafe conditions, misconduct, or violation of these Terms.
11. Non-Solicitation of Employees
You agree not to hire or solicit any Essential Cleaning employee during your contract term and for 12 months thereafter. Breach of this clause may result in liquidated damages equal to $20,000 or the employee’s annual compensation, whichever is greater.
12. Disclaimer of Warranties
Services are provided “as is” and “as available.” We do not warrant perfect results or outcomes beyond what is reasonably achievable through professional cleaning.
13. Limitation of Liability
Our liability is limited strictly to direct damages up to the total amount paid for the service in question. We are not responsible for incidental, consequential, or punitive damages.
14. Dispute Resolution
Small Claims Court: Either party may pursue qualifying claims in New Jersey Small Claims Court.
Binding Arbitration: All other disputes will be resolved exclusively through binding individual arbitration under the rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA), held in Newark, NJ.
Class Action Waiver: You waive the right to participate in any class action.
Opt-Out: You may opt out of arbitration by sending written notice to our business address within 30 days of your first service.
15. Governing Law
These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of New Jersey.
16. Severability
If any provision is found unenforceable, the remaining terms remain in effect.
17. Entire Agreement
This Agreement represents the entire understanding between Client and Essential Cleaning and supersedes prior agreements. Rights or obligations under this Agreement may not be transferred without written consent.