Like any business, there are legal and regulatory requirements you’ll need to address before you can start to make your clients’ lives sparkle.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the licences and permits you may need to start a cleaning business from scratch in the UK, so you can be confident that you’re compliant with all the relevant rules and regulations.
1. Registering Your Business
Before worrying about specific licences, the first step is to get your business officially registered. As a cleaning business owner, you’ll likely be operating as a sole trader, a partnership or a limited company. Here’s what you need to know:
- Sole Trader: If you’re operating on your own, you need to register with HMRC for self-assessment. This lets the tax office know that you’re running a business and need to pay income tax and National Insurance contributions.
- Limited Company: If you’re setting up a limited company, you’ll need to register with Companies House. You’ll also need to have a company name and may need to register for VAT if your turnover exceeds the VAT threshold.
- Partnership: If you plan to go into business with someone, a partnership is another option, but it requires registering with HMRC, and you’ll need to agree on how profits and responsibilities are divided.
2. Public Liability Insurance (Not a Licence, but Essential)
While not a licence per se, public liability insurance is a must-have for any cleaning business in the UK. This insurance protects you in case you cause damage to property or injury while working on a client’s premises. For example, if a cleaner accidentally breaks a laptop, or if a client slips on a wet floor that wasn’t properly signposted, public liability insurance will cover the costs associated with the claim.
3. Waste Carrier (Transit) Licence
If your cleaning business involves removing or disposing of waste—such as cleaning out gutters, clearing rubbish or disposing of commercial waste—you will need a waste carrier licence from the Environment Agency. This is particularly important for businesses dealing with hazardous waste or large amounts of waste.
A waste carrier licence ensures that you are legally allowed to transport waste and dispose of it responsibly. If you don’t have the correct licence, you could face significant fines.
To apply for a waste carrier licence, you’ll need to:
- Apply to the Environment Agency (or equivalent agency in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland).
- Pay a fee (the fee varies depending on the type of licence and the area).
- Keep records of all waste removed and ensure proper disposal in accordance with local regulations.
4. COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) Assessment
If you plan to use cleaning products that could be considered hazardous (such as bleach, ammonia or other strong chemicals), you will need to comply with COSHH regulations. COSHH is a health and safety standard that requires businesses to control and assess the risks associated with hazardous substances.
Although you don’t need a specific licence for COSHH, you’ll need to:
- Carry out a risk assessment: Assess the chemicals you’re using and ensure their safety for both you and your employees.
- Provide training: You and your staff must be trained on the safe use and storage of cleaning products, as well as emergency procedures.
- Provide PPE: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as gloves, goggles or masks, may be required depending on the chemicals you’re working with.
Having a good understanding of COSHH will not only keep you legally compliant but also ensure the health and safety of everyone involved.
5. Health and Safety Considerations
There are no specific “licences” required for general health and safety in a cleaning business, but you do have a legal duty of care to protect the health and safety of your employees and clients.
This includes:
- Ensuring that your cleaning staff are properly trained in safe working practices.
- Providing and maintaining any necessary health and safety equipment, such as non-slip shoes or appropriate gloves.
- Following health and safety guidelines when working in homes or commercial spaces (e.g. making sure wet floors are clearly marked to prevent slips).
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines may be relevant and you may need to conduct risk assessments depending on the specific tasks involved in your cleaning business.
6. Licences for Specific Cleaning Services
If you offer more specialised cleaning services, such as carpet cleaning, window cleaning, or end-of-tenancy cleaning there may be additional local council regulations or industry-specific certifications you need to obtain.
For example:
- Window cleaning: If you plan to use ladders or access equipment over a certain height, there are additional health and safety regulations you must follow.
- Carpet cleaning: You may need to ensure you’re using the correct chemicals and customers may request proof of certain standards or qualifications.
In these cases, you may not need a formal licence, but you should still research any specific rules or certifications that could apply to your services.
Conclusion
By ensuring that you’re properly licenced and insured, you’ll not only avoid fines and legal trouble, but you’ll also build a reputation for professionalism and reliability. Taking care of these early on will help you run your cleaning business smoothly and professionally.
Related reading: How to start an ear cleaning business.