Do You Need a License to Clean Houses? (All States)
The information contained in this article is provided for information purposes only, not intended as legal advice.
You’ve convinced yourself to start a cleaning business. Now the next step is to set it up. This begs the question, do you need licenses and permits to clean houses or to start a cleaning business?
Generally, you don't need specialized training or certification to clean houses. However, you will need both a vendor's license and a Doing Business As (DBA) registration before starting your cleaning business. Make sure you have both of these licenses before offering your services.
No matter where you live, this article breaks down the licenses and permits you need to start a cleaning business in the most lucrative States of America. You can jump to a section using the quick navigation tab.
What Licenses Are Needed to Start a Cleaning Business?
There are two licenses you need to start a cleaning business: a vendor’s license and a Doing Business As (DBA) registration. Make sure you have both of these licenses before offering your services. At a high level, business licenses allow your company to legally do business in your state.
Here are the two licenses you need before starting a cleaning business explained:
- Vendor’s license - A vendor's license gives a business permission to run the business and provides the authority (and obligation) to collect any sales tax. (source)
- Doing a Business As (DBA) registration - Registering for a DBA allows you to do business under a fictitious name instead of your personal name. Your DBA is different from your name as the business owner, or your business's legal, registered name.
So, if Mary Johnson wants to start a cleaning business, her business will operate under her own name, unless Mary chooses to register her DBA name as “Mary Johnson’s Cleaning Service.” After registering her DBA, Mary’s full name is not legally attached to her business’s name.
To obtain a DBA registration for your cleaning business, you need to get it from your county administration office or office of the county clerk. You need to fill out paperwork and pay a fee when you file a DBA.
You can do all of this with a local or county agency, but some states require you to file with a state agency instead of or in addition to the county. Once the application is processed, your business will be formally registered. Once your DBA application is approved, your vendor's license will be issued.
Not only do you run the risk of facing penalties, but not getting a business license can increase your supply cost. Wholesalers (who you need supplies from) usually sell their products only to licensed businesses. As you may already know, you need a lot of supplies and equipment to start a cleaning business.
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If this is your first attempt at creating a successful cleaning business, having a blueprint can help you avoid mistakes that can slow down your success. I highly recommend this course by House Cleaning University. The founder is able to help you make up to $2,000 per week while continuing to grow month after month.
Do I Need a License to Clean Houses in Texas?
While you do not need a general business license to clean houses in the State of Texas, a cleaning business (janitorial, maid service, upholstery cleaning, carpet cleaning, and auto detailing) requires these following permits according to the Texas Business Licenses & Permits Guide:
- Air Permits
- Air Permits by Rule
- Industrial Wastewater and Stormwater Regulations
- Petroleum Storage Tank Registration
- Private Well or Public Water System
The information contained in this article is provided for information purposes only, is not intended as legal advice. For more information or assistance, don’t hesitate to contact the Business Permit Office at 512-936-0100 or the Texas Economic Development’s website.
Do I Need a License to Clean Houses in Ontario or Toronto?
All businesses in Ontario and Toronto, Canada need to secure the proper licenses, permits and inspections prior to opening or operating. Here are the municipal, provincial, and federal requirements for a cleaning business in Canada (cleaning, exterior, building cleaning, and janitorial):
- Municipal requirements:
- Municipal Operating License (Building Cleaner License)
- Zoning Requirements
- Sign Permits
- Municipal requirements:
- Business Registration
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) Training (if applicable)
- Municipal requirements:
- Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)
- Environment and Climate Change Canada Permits (if applicable)
Do I Need a License to Clean Houses in Oregon?
Starting 2018, a cleaning business (employers that provide janitorial or cleaning services to other parties) must be licensed as a Property Services Contractor by the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BLI).
Additionally, residential cleaning service providers requires training on workplace harassment and discrimmination. the Oregon BLI has detailed compliance assistance in the form of a handbook for property services contractors which includes a detailed description of the licensing process.
For more information on the licensing requirements, visit the Oregon BLI website.
Do I Need a License to Clean Houses in California?
Once you’ve established a business structure and file your tax and employer identification documents, a cleaning business requires licenses or permits in order to operate in the State of California.
This website helps you in finding the appropriate permit information for your business. It also provides you contact information for the various agencies that administer and issue these permits. All you have to do is to select a city or county, then enter the business type (cleaning).
Do I Need a License to Clean Houses in Virginia?
Virginia does not have a statewide business license requirement.
While Virginia does have a license and/or certification requirements for specific business activities, a cleaning business is not one of them. As long as you have a vendor’s license and a Doing Business As (DBA) registration, you can start your cleaning business in the State of Virginia.
Do I Need a License to Clean Houses in Florida?
To start a cleaning business in Florida, you need at least a business license, an EIN, a DBA registration, and seller’s permit. The cleaning business must be registered by the Department of Revenue in Florida in order to operate. Then, the state will issue you a business license if you are running a cleaning business.
Related: Step-by-step guide to start a cleaning business in Florida
Do I Need a License to Clean Houses in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, there is no general license required to start or own a business.
According to Oklahoma Commerce, cleaning services (commercial and janitorial, home or residential, construction sites outside or inside, and special sanitizing services) do not require a state license in Oklahoma. However, licenses for these activities may still be required by counties and municipalities.
Do I Need a License to Clean Houses in Illinois?
In Illinois, most business are required to be registered and/or licensed by the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR). If your cleaning business has plans to hire employees, buy or sell products wholesale or retail, or manufacture goods, you must register with the IDOR.
Additionally, a cleaning business is required to have an Air Pollution Control Permit issued by the Environmental Protection Agency. For more information, check the registration, licenses, and permits section of the State of Illinois government’s website.
Do I Need a License to Clean Houses in Arizona?
In Arizona, not all businesses are required to have a license. However, some businesses must have more than one license. If you’re starting a cleaning business in Arizona, here are the basic types of tax licensing:
- Transaction Privilege Tax License – A transaction privilege tax (TPT) license is required for businesses selling a product or engaging in a service subject to transaction privilege tax in the state.
- Withholding Tax Registration – As an employer, you must withhold employment taxes from your employee’s wages. To do so, you need an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
- Regulatory (Professional/Special) Licensing/Permits – Special licenses, certification, permits, etc. may be required for certain businesses or professions. Business regulations vary by state, local and federal government, and by industry.
- Local Business/Occupational License/Permit(s) – Each Arizona city or town in which a business operates may require licensing. For additional information, including contact information and links to download license applications, click here.
If all this sounds complicated, all you need is a blueprint
And there you have it, the answer to the question: do you need a license to clean houses? Hopefully, this list of licenses needed to start a cleaning business has been helpful to you.
Starting a cleaning business, no matter where you are, should not be difficult. However, trying to start your own house cleaning business without the help of someone who has already done it is like driving at night with sunglasses and no headlights – it’s a recipe for DISASTER.
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If you are new to this, I recommend a proven blueprint like this House Cleaning University course, where you will learn how to earn $2,000 a week even on a shoe-string budget. Good luck!