Is Your Janitorial Provider Cutting Legal Corners? The Risks of Worker Misclassification

While many commercial cleaning companies operate with integrity, some bend the rules to reduce costs. A common issue in the industry is mislabeling employees as independent contractors. This tactic might help the company avoid taxes and benefits—but it can be illegal and exploitative, especially for vulnerable workers.

A Closer Look: Jan-Pro’s Practices in DC

A major example took place in Washington, DC in 2022. The city’s Attorney General investigated Jan-Pro, accusing the company of running a complex franchising model that misrepresented janitors as independent contractors. These workers signed so-called “franchise” contracts with the belief they were launching their own businesses.

In reality, Jan-Pro controlled when, how, and where they worked—conditions that clearly made them employees, not contractors. Because of this misclassification, the workers missed out on legal protections like paid leave and proper wages. Many earned far less than the law requires.

What This Means for Your Business

Hiring a cleaning vendor that misclassifies its workers might seem like a non-issue—but it can create serious problems for your company:

• Reputation Risks: Public lawsuits or news coverage could link your brand to unfair labor practices.
  

• Unexpected Service Loss: If the vendor is hit with legal action, they might disappear overnight, leaving you without cleaning support.
  

• Low Standards: Underpaid workers may be rushed or stressed, leading to incomplete or poor-quality cleaning.
  

• Value Alignment: If ethical sourcing and fair treatment matter to your organization, your vendors should reflect those values too.
  

Can Janitorial Companies Use Contractors Legally?

Yes—but with limits. It’s lawful to use independent contractors if the workers truly operate independently. That means they control their own schedules, choose how the work gets done, and provide their own tools.

Companies that follow the rules can’t direct tasks or supervise contractors like employees. If a cleaning provider says they use independent contractors, ask for clarity on how much control they have over those workers and how they ensure fair treatment.

Choosing the Right Kind of Cleaning Partner

Your safest option is to work with a janitorial company that directly hires and manages its employees. These businesses take responsibility for their teams, offer training and benefits, and follow labor laws. They’re more likely to deliver dependable, consistent results.

Though companies using independent contractors might offer lower rates, the potential for legal trouble or poor service often outweighs the savings. Choosing a vendor that respects labor laws and treats its workers fairly helps protect your business and supports a stronger, more ethical supply chain.

Looking for a trustworthy cleaning provider that meets those standards? We’d be glad to work with you.

Thinking About Ending Your Janitorial Contract? Read This First

If you're not happy with your current janitorial service, you might be wondering whether you can cancel your contract. It's a common question for business managers. While ending an agreement shouldn’t be your first step, sometimes service problems or lack of follow-through make it necessary. Can you break your contract? The answer isn’t always simple—it could be “yes,” “no,” or “possibly.” Here's how to figure out which applies to your situation.

“No” – When You’re Stuck in a Strict Contract

There are a few contracts out there that are very hard to get out of. These agreements may have strict terms that lock you in for a set amount of time and threaten legal or financial penalties for ending the deal early. While these types of contracts aren’t typical in the janitorial industry, they do exist.

If you’re already in one of these, your best option is to reach out to the cleaning company and ask if they’re open to a peaceful termination of the agreement. If they’re not willing to cooperate, you may have no choice but to finish out the contract and avoid this kind of situation in the future.

“Maybe” – Contracts That Allow Cancellation for Specific Issues

Most janitorial agreements fall into this middle category. These contracts don’t give you total freedom to cancel, but they do allow it under certain conditions—usually related to service problems. For example, if the cleaning team isn’t performing well and doesn’t fix the issues after being notified, you may have grounds to end the agreement.

If you think your contract falls into this group, read the terms carefully. Make sure you understand the process for reporting issues and giving the vendor time to respond. If they don’t improve, you’ll have a stronger case for moving on—and you’ll be doing it by the book.

“Yes” – The Standard 30-Day Cancellation Clause

The most common type of janitorial contract includes a simple way out—a 30-day written notice. This means either side can cancel the contract at any time, for any reason, as long as a notice is given in writing. If your current agreement includes this clause, you can cancel without penalty or legal stress.

Know Your Rights Before You Act

No matter what kind of contract you have, understanding what it says is the first step. If you’re unsure about anything in the agreement, it’s smart to consult a legal expert. Canceling your janitorial contract isn’t something you want to rush into, but if it becomes necessary, knowing the right steps can save time, money, and hassle.

4 Questions Every Manager Should Ask a Cleaning Company Before Signing a Contract

Switching to a new cleaning service can feel like a gamble. What if they fall short? What if the changeover is full of problems? You need a janitorial company that helps make your job easier—not harder. That means finding a partner who provides dependable, no-hassle service.

To help you make a smart decision, here are four key questions you should ask any cleaning company you're thinking about hiring. These questions won’t cover everything, but they’ll reveal a lot about how the company operates and whether they’re a good fit for your facility.

1. How Do You Select, Train, and Pay Your Cleaning Staff?

The quality of your cleaning service depends on the quality of the workers doing the job. That’s why it’s essential to ask how a company hires its staff, what kind of training they receive, and how well they’re paid.

Look for a cleaning provider that performs thorough background checks, offers hands-on training, and pays their employees a fair wage. These factors help ensure you’re getting reliable workers who take pride in their job. A company that invests in its people is more likely to deliver steady, professional service.

2. What System Do You Use to Manage Service Quality?

Some cleaning companies take a basic approach—send a team in and wait to hear if there are any complaints. But you should expect more than that. A quality-focused vendor will have a detailed service system in place to keep standards high from day one.

Ask what their onboarding process looks like. Do they create a plan for your facility? How often do supervisors visit your location? Will you have regular check-ins or meetings to review service and discuss improvements? A proactive system is a strong sign the company is serious about customer satisfaction.

3. Who Will Oversee the Work at My Facility?

You’ll want to know who is managing the team cleaning your space. Is there a local manager you can call if something goes wrong? Is someone regularly checking the work to make sure everything’s up to standard?

Find out how the company is organized on an operational level. Who does inspections? Who responds to issues or special requests? Who manages the cleaners directly? A clear management structure helps ensure nothing falls through the cracks.

4. Can You Share References from Similar Businesses?

Most companies will offer references, but you’ll want to ask for ones that are truly relevant to your situation. Cleaning a small office is very different from maintaining a busy warehouse, hospital, or manufacturing plant.

Ask for references from companies that are similar in size and industry to yours. Speaking with businesses that have the same cleaning needs can give you real insight into how the company performs in situations like yours.

Taking the time to ask these four questions can help you avoid surprises and find a janitorial partner who delivers steady, high-quality service. With the right provider in place, you can trust that your facility will be well cared for—day in and day out.