Dunbar · East Lothian
Cleaning Business Start-Up Guide for Dunbar
What the law actually requires before you start cleaning for clients in Dunbar and East Lothian.
Get the step-by-step Cleaning Business Launch Kit — £22Before you start a cleaning business in Dunbar, it's worth knowing exactly what's legally required and what's just commercial expectation. Here's the breakdown for Dunbar and the wider East Lothian area.
What the rules say
No general licence is required to run an ordinary domestic cleaning business in the UK -- though specific sub-activities, such as carrying waste away from a client's property, have their own registration requirements. Public liability insurance isn't a legal requirement for a sole trader, but it's near-universal in practice and often expected by clients and letting agents. Employers' liability insurance becomes a legal requirement the moment you take on any non-family staff.
Quick answers
What should I bring to a cleaning job in Dunbar?
Many cleaners bring their own supplies and equipment as standard, though some clients prefer to provide their own. Confirming this with each client in Dunbar before the first visit avoids any confusion.
Do I need a licence to start a cleaning business in Dunbar?
No general licence is required for ordinary domestic cleaning in Dunbar or anywhere else in the UK. If you plan to carry waste away from a client's property yourself, check whether you need to register as a waste carrier.
How do I find my first cleaning clients in Dunbar?
Most new cleaning businesses in Dunbar start with word-of-mouth, local Facebook groups, and a Google Business Profile. The Cleaning Business Launch Kit includes a full marketing workbook with practical steps for building a client base from a standing start.
Can I run a cleaning business from home in Dunbar?
Yes -- most domestic cleaners are sole traders who travel to clients, so you don't need commercial premises in Dunbar to get started.