NYC homeowner guide
Hiring a Cleaning Service in NYC
A neutral, homeowner-first guide to hiring a cleaning service in New York City: what credentials matter, the difference between recurring, deep, and move-out cleans, what to expect on cost, and how to find a reliable service in your borough.
Quick Takeaways
- Cleaning companies are not city-licensed, but they should carry general liability insurance and be bonded. Ask for proof.
- Define the scope before you book: recurring maintenance, deep clean, and move-out clean are different jobs with different prices.
- Some co-ops and condos require cleaning services to be approved or insured. Check your building rules first.
- NYC apartments vary wildly in size and layout. Always confirm the square footage and any special requests before pricing.
- Reviews and word-of-mouth from neighbors are the strongest signals for cleaners - ask in your building or local groups.
- On ServHom no cleaning company can pay to rank higher, and we surface trust signals where we have them.
Start here: how ServHom is different
Most platforms for finding cleaners either pass your details to a list of companies or rank whoever pays the most. ServHom does neither. We surface cleaning services with verified information and never let anyone pay to rank higher.
Use this guide to hire confidently, then compare local cleaning services and what people actually paid using the links throughout.
What to check before you book
Cleaning is not a licensed trade in NYC, so the main things to verify are insurance and trust signals.
- General liability insurance: protects you if something is accidentally damaged. Ask for a certificate of insurance.
- Bonded: means the company has coverage if an employee steals. Standard for reputable services.
- Background checks: ask whether cleaners are screened. Good services can confirm this.
- Building approval: some co-ops and condos maintain an approved-vendor list or require proof of insurance before any outside service can enter. Check your house rules.
Know what type of clean you need
The three most common types have very different scopes and prices. Being clear upfront prevents misunderstandings and surprise charges.
- Recurring maintenance clean: a regular visit (weekly, biweekly, monthly) to keep a clean home clean. Fastest and cheapest per session once established.
- Deep clean: a thorough top-to-bottom clean, including inside appliances, baseboards, and areas typically skipped during maintenance visits. Usually needed for the first visit or after a long gap.
- Move-out clean: intensive cleaning for a vacant apartment to meet lease requirements. Often includes oven, fridge, and inside all cabinets. Priced higher because the apartment is usually dirtier.
NYC-specific things to know
A few factors make NYC cleaning a little different from the rest of the country.
- Small apartments with poor ventilation: strong chemical cleaners can linger. If you or a family member has sensitivities, ask about the products used or request eco-friendly options.
- Building access and elevator booking: some buildings require a service elevator reservation for cleaning crews. Plan ahead.
- Landlord obligations: NYC landlords are required to keep common areas clean and must provide a clean apartment at the start of a tenancy. If you are a renter, cleaning disputes with your landlord may fall under Housing Court rules.
What cleaning costs in NYC
Prices vary by apartment size, type of clean, and frequency. A studio maintenance clean runs much less than a deep clean for a three-bedroom. Recurring bookings are almost always cheaper per session than one-off visits.
To see and add what real NYC homeowners paid for cleaning services, use the fair-price page linked below.
Cleaning services by borough
Availability and pricing differ across the city. Use the links below to compare vetted cleaning services in your borough.
How Servhom Uses This Guide
This guide becomes the trust education layer that our service pages can link to. It explains what homeowners should check before hiring, while Servhom builds source-labeled provider data, money-blind ranking, and fair-price tools.
FAQ
Does a cleaning company need to be licensed in NYC?
No. Cleaning is not a licensed trade in NYC. However, reputable services carry general liability insurance and are bonded. Always ask for proof of insurance before booking, especially for recurring access to your home.
What is the difference between a deep clean and a regular clean?
A regular (maintenance) clean covers the main living areas: surfaces, floors, bathrooms, and kitchen counters. A deep clean goes further: inside the oven, fridge, cabinets, behind appliances, baseboards, and any areas typically skipped during maintenance visits. A deep clean is usually recommended as the first visit before starting a recurring service.
How much should I tip a cleaning service in NYC?
Tipping is not required but is common for good service. A typical range is $10 to $20 per cleaner per visit for a regular clean, or 15 to 20 percent of the total for a deep clean or move-out clean. If you have a recurring cleaner, holiday tips are also customary.
Can I use any cleaning service in my co-op or condo?
Not always. Some buildings maintain an approved-vendor list or require proof of insurance before outside services can enter. Check your house rules or contact your managing agent before booking, especially for a first-time service.
How do I prepare my apartment for a cleaning service?
Pick up clutter from surfaces and floors so cleaners can actually clean rather than tidy. Secure any valuables. If you have specific requests (avoid certain products, skip certain rooms, focus on one area), communicate them in writing before the visit rather than on the day.