Guides / Legal set-up
Legal requirements for a cleaning business in the UK
There's no general licence to run a cleaning business, but there are rules: registering with HMRC, controlling hazardous chemicals, handling client data, consumer cancellation rights, and employer duties once you hire.
| Area | The rule in brief | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Tax | Register for Self Assessment once takings pass £1,000 in a tax year | Registering |
| Chemicals | COSHH: control exposure to hazardous cleaning products | COSHH |
| Insurance | Employers' liability compulsory once you employ anyone; public liability strongly advised | Insurance |
| Data | Protect client data; most businesses must pay the ICO fee | Data protection |
| Consumer law | 14-day cancellation rights for most domestic bookings | Cancellations |
| Employing | Right-to-work checks, payroll, minimum wage, pensions | Hiring |
The full detail, worked examples and templates are in The Clean Start. Or work out your rate with the free price calculator.
The methods on this page are the book's own, not legal rules.
Related
Get the free legal set-up checklist
Everything a UK cleaning business needs in place before the first paid job, and before the first employee. One page, each item linked to its official source.
We'll also send a few short emails about pricing and setting up. Unsubscribe any time. See the privacy notice.