West Dulwich · Greater London
Cleaning Business Start-Up Guide for West Dulwich
What the law actually requires before you start cleaning for clients in West Dulwich and Greater London.
Get the step-by-step Cleaning Business Launch Kit — £22If you're weighing up a cleaning business in West Dulwich, you're looking at one of the UK's most accessible trades to get going in. Here's what matters before you start taking bookings around Greater London.
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
Can I subcontract for an agency instead of finding my own clients in West Dulwich?
Yes -- many cleaners in West Dulwich 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 West Dulwich?
Many cleaners bring their own supplies and equipment as standard, though some clients prefer to provide their own. Confirming this with each client in West Dulwich before the first visit avoids any confusion.
Do I need a licence to start a cleaning business in West Dulwich?
No general licence is required for ordinary domestic cleaning in West Dulwich 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 West Dulwich?
Most new cleaning businesses in West Dulwich 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.