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House Cleaning License and Insurance Requirements by State (2026 Guide)
Updated April 02, 2026
Residential cleaning is one of the least regulated service businesses in the US. You can be fully legal in every state for under $300 with an hour of paperwork.
What actually matters more than licensing is insurance and bonding. Broken vases, damaged hardwood, and theft allegations can end a business overnight if you’re uninsured. Here’s what’s required state-by-state, plus the business structure and software choices to make in your first week.
Insurance
You need insurance before your first paid job. One accident without coverage could bankrupt you.
| Type | General Liability + Surety Bond |
| Minimum coverage | $1,000,000 liability, $10,000 surety bond |
| Monthly cost | $50 - $100 |
| Annual cost | $600 - $1,200 |
| Where to get it | Next Insurance, Simply Business, Hiscox, Insurance Canopy |
Business Structure
- Recommended: Sole Proprietorship to start, LLC recommended when hiring employees
- Sole Proprietorship: $10 - $50 (DBA filing)
- LLC: $50 - $500 (varies by state)
Licensing by State
Residential cleaning does NOT require a professional license in any US state. You need a general business license, and liability insurance + bonding are strongly recommended. Some states require specific permits for cleaning businesses that use certain chemicals.
No special license required in: California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, Georgia, North Carolina, Michigan, and most other states. Just register your business locally.
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