Do I Need a License or Certification to Operate a House Cleaning Business?
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- Aug 28, 2025
- 3 min read
If you're planning to start a house cleaning business, one of the first questions you'll likely ask is: “Do I need a license or certification to operate legally?” The short answer is: yes, in most cases, you do need a business license—but the exact requirements depend on your state and local regulations.
At Wexford Insurance, we help residential and commercial cleaning professionals protect their businesses with tailored insurance coverage. In this guide, we’ll break down what licenses or certifications you may need to start your house cleaning business and how to stay compliant.
Do You Need a License to Start a House Cleaning Business?
In most U.S. states, you’ll need at least a general business license to legally operate a house cleaning business. This applies whether you’re a solo cleaner, running a maid service, or managing a team that handles Airbnb turnovers or office cleaning.
There is no national or federal cleaning license, and most states don’t require a specific “cleaning license.” However, you may need to register your business and obtain additional permits depending on your services and location.
Common Licenses and Permits for Cleaning Businesses
Here are the most common types of licenses and permits you may need:
1. General Business License
This is the most basic requirement and is issued by your city or county. It allows you to legally operate your business in that area.
2. DBA (Doing Business As) Registration
If you’re operating under a name other than your legal name, you’ll need to register a DBA.
3. Home Occupation Permit
If you’re running your business from home—even just for admin purposes—some cities require a home-based business permit.
4. Sales Tax Permit
If you sell cleaning products directly to customers, you may need a sales tax license (also called a seller’s permit or vendor’s license).
Do You Need a Certification to Clean Houses?
Certifications are not legally required, but they can help you stand out in a competitive market. Consider getting certified in:
Green cleaning practices
OSHA safety standards
Specialized services like post-construction or biohazard cleaning
Special Permits for Certain Services
If your cleaning business offers specialized services, you may need additional permits:
Hazardous waste handling license (for biohazard or medical cleaning)
Pesticide applicator license (if using pest control chemicals)
Pressure washing license (for exterior cleaning in some states)
Always check with your local city hall or county clerk’s office to confirm what’s required in your area.
Why Insurance Is Just as Important as Licensing
Even with the right licenses, your business isn’t fully protected without insurance. At Wexford Insurance, we specialize in house cleaning business insurance tailored to your services.
Here are five types of coverage to consider:
Protects against property damage or injury claims.
Required if you hire employees.
Covers vehicles used for transporting staff and supplies.
Protects your cleaning gear from theft or damage.
Covers damage to your office or storage space.
Final Thoughts
While you may not need a specific cleaning license, you’ll almost certainly need a general business license and possibly other permits depending on your services and location. Pairing proper licensing with the right insurance coverage ensures your business is both legal and protected.
Need help insuring your cleaning business?
Visit Wexford Insurance or call us at 317-942-0549 to explore our specialized insurance programs for residential and commercial cleaning professionals.
