How to Hire a House Cleaner in San Francisco: What to Ask Before You Book
Inviting a cleaning team into your home is a significant act of trust. You're giving someone access to your personal space, your belongings, and often your home's key. Before you book, asking the right questions protects you and ensures you're hiring a service that deserves that trust. Here's what you should know.
Are They Licensed and Insured?
This is the first and most important question. In California, cleaning businesses must be registered as a business entity with the state. Liability insurance protects you if anything is damaged during a visit. Workers' compensation insurance protects you if a worker is injured in your home — without it, you could potentially be liable. Ask for proof of insurance before booking.
Is the Team Background-Checked?
Professional cleaning companies background-check their employees. This is standard practice for anyone working in residential homes. Ask directly whether employees are background-checked and what the process includes. Staffing agencies and cleaning apps may use 1099 contractors who haven't been vetted — know what you're getting.
Do They Bring Their Own Supplies?
Most professional cleaning companies bring their own supplies — cleaners, mops, vacuums, microfiber cloths — as part of the service. This ensures quality and consistency. If a company asks you to supply everything, that's worth questioning. If you have preference for specific products (for environmental reasons, allergies, or personal preference), ask whether they can accommodate.
Is It an Employee or a Gig Worker?
Many cleaning 'apps' and platforms connect you with independent contractors rather than employees. The difference matters: employees are supervised, trained, insured through the company, and subject to consistent quality standards. Independent contractors may vary significantly in quality and are not the company's legal responsibility in the same way. Know what you're booking.
What's the Satisfaction Guarantee?
A professional cleaning company should stand behind their work. Ask what happens if you're not satisfied with the result. A reputable company will offer to return to address any missed areas, not argue with you. 'We guarantee our work' should mean something specific — find out what it means.
How Is Pricing Determined?
Cleaning pricing should be transparent and based on the size and condition of your home. Be skeptical of extremely low quotes — they either indicate low quality or, more commonly, bait-and-switch pricing that escalates after the first visit. Ask how pricing is calculated, what a first-time deep clean costs versus recurring visits, and whether there are any additional fees.
Quick Tips
- Ask for references from clients in your neighborhood or similar home type
- A reputable company won't hesitate to provide insurance documentation if asked
- Trust your instincts — if communication before booking is unclear or unprofessional, the service will be too
- Get pricing in writing before the first visit
- Don't hire based on price alone — the cheapest option is rarely the best value
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be licensed as a cleaning company in California?
In California, cleaning businesses should be registered as a business entity (LLC, corporation, or DBA) and carry appropriate insurance. Ask for their business license number and insurance certificates.
Is Brittney Jani Services licensed and insured?
Yes. We are a licensed and insured business. We carry liability insurance and workers' compensation, and we're happy to provide documentation.
What if something gets damaged during cleaning?
Our insurance covers accidental damage during service. We handle damage claims directly and professionally.
Need Help With Your Home?
Brittney Jani Services — professional house cleaning in San Francisco and the Bay Area for over 10 years.