Legal Essentials: Licences, Permits & Insurance You Need Before Launching

One overlooked area when starting a cleaning business is legal compliance. Getting this right early protects you, your clients, and your income.

Do You Need a Licence to Start a Cleaning Business?

In most Australian states, cleaning businesses don’t require a specific licence, but there are exceptions depending on:

• Location

• Industry (e.g. medical, childcare)

• Client requirements

Always check local council or industry guidelines.

Insurance You Shouldn’t Skip

At minimum, you need:

• Public Liability Insurance – protects you if property is damaged or someone is injured

• Professional Indemnity (optional but smart) – covers claims of negligence

If you plan to hire:

• Workers Compensation Insurance is mandatory

Background Checks & Trust Signals

Some clients require:

• Police checks

• Working With Children Checks

• NDIS screening

These aren’t just compliance tools — they’re trust builders.

Contracts & Terms

Even solo operators should have:

• Terms & conditions

• Cancellation policies

• Clear service inclusions

This avoids disputes and protects your time.

Compliance isn’t about fear — it’s about confidence.