Putney Vale · Greater London
Cleaning Business Start-Up Guide for Putney Vale
What the law actually requires before you start cleaning for clients in Putney Vale and Greater London.
Explore the full Cleaning Business Launch Kit — £22Putney Vale is as good a place as any in the UK to start a cleaning business -- the trade has few legal barriers to entry. This guide sets out what to sort before your first client visit in Greater London.
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
Do I need a qualification to be a cleaner in Putney Vale?
No qualification is legally required to start cleaning for clients in Putney Vale. Industry training such as BICSc becomes more commercially relevant once you're employing staff or taking on larger recurring contracts.
Should I register as a sole trader or a limited company in Putney Vale?
Most people starting out in Putney Vale 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 Putney Vale?
Yes -- many cleaners in Putney Vale 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 Putney Vale?
Many cleaners bring their own supplies and equipment as standard, though some clients prefer to provide their own. Confirming this with each client in Putney Vale before the first visit avoids any confusion.