Old Aberdeen · Aberdeen City

How to Start a Cleaning Business in Old Aberdeen

What you need to know about licensing, insurance and getting started -- specific to Old Aberdeen and the wider Aberdeen City area.

See what's inside the Cleaning Business Launch Kit — £22

Before you start a cleaning business in Old Aberdeen, it's worth knowing exactly what's legally required and what's just commercial expectation. Here's the breakdown for Old Aberdeen and the wider Aberdeen City area.

What the rules say

There's no general licence standing between you and starting a domestic cleaning business anywhere in the UK -- although carrying a client's waste away yourself brings its own registration requirement. As a sole trader, public liability insurance stays optional in law but is expected by most clients and letting agents in practice. The one line that does become a legal requirement is employers' liability insurance, and only once you employ anyone outside your family.

Quick answers

Should I register as a sole trader or a limited company in Old Aberdeen?

Most people starting out in Old Aberdeen begin as a sole trader -- it's simpler to set up and run. A limited company can make sense later as the business grows; the Cleaning Business Launch Kit covers the trade-offs in detail.

Can I subcontract for an agency instead of finding my own clients in Old Aberdeen?

Yes -- many cleaners in Old Aberdeen start by subcontracting through an agency or cleaning company before building a direct client base. Either route has different implications for how you're paid and taxed.

What should I bring to a cleaning job in Old Aberdeen?

Many cleaners bring their own supplies and equipment as standard, though some clients prefer to provide their own. Confirming this with each client in Old Aberdeen before the first visit avoids any confusion.

Do I need a licence to start a cleaning business in Old Aberdeen?

No general licence is required for ordinary domestic cleaning in Old Aberdeen 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.