Georgia doesn't require a state license for house cleaning, so vetting is up to you. Ask for a certificate of general liability insurance, whether the company is bonded, whether cleaners are employees or subcontractors, and what screening it does. Get a written scope, price and cancellation policy, and check reviews and complaint history before you hand over a key.
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Letting someone into your home on a regular basis takes trust. Because Georgia doesn't require a state license for residential cleaning, there's no single government credential to check. That puts the vetting on you. The good news is that a handful of questions and documents will tell you a lot about a company. This guide walks through what to ask, what to verify and how to set up the relationship so it goes smoothly.
Company or independent cleaner?
You'll generally choose between a cleaning company with a team of cleaners and an independent cleaner who works alone or with a helper. Both can be excellent. The main differences:
- Companies often carry insurance and bonding, handle scheduling and backup coverage when a cleaner is sick, and use standard checklists. You may see different cleaners over time.
- Independent cleaners may offer more flexibility and the same person every visit. Insurance and backup coverage vary widely, so ask.
There's also a tax angle. If you hire an individual directly and control how and when the work is done, the IRS may consider that person your household employee. If you pay a household employee more than an annual threshold, you may owe Social Security and Medicare taxes and have other filing duties. IRS Publication 926, the Household Employer's Tax Guide, explains the rules. Hiring a company that employs its own cleaners generally keeps those obligations with the company, but a tax professional can confirm for your situation.
Insurance and bonding
These are the two most important questions to ask:
- General liability insurance typically covers accidental damage to your property or injuries to others caused by the company's work. Ask for a certificate of insurance and check that the company name matches and the policy dates are current. You can call the insurer listed to confirm the policy is active.
- Bonding, often called a janitorial or fidelity bond, is typically aimed at theft by the company's workers. Bond terms vary; some require a criminal conviction before paying a claim. Ask what the bond covers and how a claim works.
- Workers' compensation covers cleaners who are hurt on the job. Georgia generally requires businesses with three or more employees to carry it. If a cleaner without coverage is injured in your home, questions about who pays can get complicated, so it's worth asking.
Employees or subcontractors?
Ask whether the people who will clean your home are employees of the company or independent subcontractors. Neither is automatically better, but it affects who is responsible for screening, training, insurance and taxes. If the company uses subcontractors, ask whether its insurance and bond extend to them.
Screening and training
- Does the company run background checks? Which kind, and how recently?
- How are new cleaners trained, and does a supervisor check their work?
- Will the same cleaner or team come each time?
- How does the company handle keys, alarm codes and lockboxes? Who has access to them?
Check the business itself
A few quick checks can confirm you're dealing with an established business:
- Business registration. Corporations and LLCs register with the Georgia Secretary of State, and you can search its online business database for the company's name and status.
- Local business license. Many Georgia cities and counties require businesses to hold a local business license or occupation tax certificate. Requirements vary by location, so ask if the company has one where it is based.
- Reviews and complaints. Read recent reviews on more than one site, and pay attention to how the company responds to complaints. Look for patterns, such as repeated no-shows or damage disputes, rather than a single bad review.
- References. For recurring service, it's reasonable to ask for a couple of current customers you can contact.
Get the details in writing
Before the first visit, get a written quote or service agreement covering:
- What's included in each visit, ideally as a checklist, and which items are add-ons
- The price, how it's calculated, and when and how you pay
- The cancellation and rescheduling policy, including any lockout fee if the crew can't get in
- The re-clean or satisfaction policy and how quickly you need to report a problem
- How damage or breakage is reported and handled
- Whether the company brings supplies, and whether it can use your products or fragrance-free options
Red flags
- Unwilling to provide proof of insurance
- Pressure to pay in full, in cash, well before the work is done
- A quote that's far below others with no explanation of what's left out
- No written policy for cancellations, damage or complaints
- Vague answers about who will actually be in your home
Setting up for success
Start with a walkthrough so the cleaner understands your priorities, any delicate surfaces like natural stone or antique wood, and rooms that are off-limits. Put away cash, jewelry, medications and important documents. Tell the company about pets and allergies. After the first few visits, give specific feedback; most good companies welcome it and adjust.
Tipping customs vary. Some households tip regular cleaners occasionally or at the holidays, and others don't. Ask the company whether tips go directly to the cleaners.
Want help getting started? Request a house cleaning company and we'll pass your request to an independent, insured company serving your area. You're never obligated to hire anyone, so ask every question on this list.
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Frequently asked questions
Do house cleaners need a license in Georgia?
Georgia doesn't require a state license for house cleaning. Many cities and counties require a local business license or occupation tax certificate, so it's reasonable to ask whether the company has one.
What does it mean if a cleaning company is bonded?
A bond, often called a janitorial or fidelity bond, is typically aimed at theft by the company's workers. Terms vary, and some bonds require a conviction before paying, so ask what it covers and how a claim works.
Am I an employer if I hire a cleaner directly?
Possibly. If you hire an individual and control how the work is done, the IRS may treat them as a household employee. IRS Publication 926 explains the rules, and a tax professional can confirm your situation.