Can You Cancel Your Janitorial Contract? Here’s What to Know

At some point, many businesses begin to wonder if they can end their janitorial service contract. Maybe the cleaning isn’t up to standard anymore, or communication has broken down. Canceling your agreement should be a last resort—but sometimes, it’s the only option. So, is it possible to cancel your contract? The answer can be “yes,” “no,” or “maybe.” Let’s take a closer look at what those possibilities mean.

“No” – Some Contracts Are Hard to Break

While it’s not common, there are janitorial contracts that are written in a way that makes canceling very difficult. These contracts can lock a customer into a fixed service period and leave no room to exit early without serious consequences—such as penalties or threats of legal action. If you haven’t signed yet and see this kind of language, it’s a good idea to walk away.

If you’re already locked into a contract like this, try talking with the cleaning company. Sometimes, they’ll agree to a mutual end of the agreement if approached reasonably. But if that doesn’t work, you may need to finish out the term and start planning ahead for a better solution once the contract expires.

“Maybe” – Contracts That Allow Cancellation Under Certain Terms

Many cleaning service agreements include some flexibility. These contracts don’t let you cancel for just any reason, but they do allow for termination if the vendor fails to meet expectations—such as ignoring repeated complaints or failing to fix ongoing issues. In these cases, you usually have to give the provider a chance to correct the problems first.

If your contract includes this kind of clause, make sure to read it closely. Follow the proper steps for giving notice and documenting service failures. If the problems continue, you’ll likely be able to cancel legally and move on to another provider.

“Yes” – The 30-Day Notice Clause (The Most Common Option)

The most typical janitorial contract includes a simple cancellation option—usually a 30-day written notice. This clause allows either you or the cleaning company to end the agreement for any reason, as long as notice is given. If your contract has this feature, you can exit without penalties or legal worries.

Final Thoughts

The most important step is to understand what your contract actually says. Knowing your rights—and your responsibilities—can help you avoid headaches down the line. If anything is unclear, consider speaking to a legal advisor for guidance. Canceling a janitorial contract isn’t ideal, but if the need arises, being informed will help you make the right move.