{"id":9916,"date":"2023-02-12T14:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-02-12T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/?p=9916"},"modified":"2024-05-17T17:40:16","modified_gmt":"2024-05-17T17:40:16","slug":"how-to-start-a-cleaning-business-in-california","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/how-to-start-a-cleaning-business-in-california\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Start a Cleaning Business in California [2024 Guide]"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 id=\"heading-1\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why Start a Cleaning Business in California?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Looking to start a cleaning business in California? California is an awesome location for cleaning businesses because of its dense population, diverse industries, and booming economy. There\u2019s a thriving tourism industry that creates an on-going demand for cleaning services. And if you\u2019re interested in a niche market, California&#8217;s commitment to sustainability and green living has led to an increased demand for eco-friendly cleaning services.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This article will provide all the essential information you need to know on how to start a home cleaning company in the state of California, including necessary permits, training for staff, equipment needed, insurance requirements, and more. Let&#8217;s get started!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-inline-notice uagb-inline_notice__align-left uagb-block-ae9f35b6\"><h4 id=\"heading-2\" class=\"uagb-notice-title\">A quick note:<\/h4><div class=\"uagb-notice-text\"><p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The contents of this article are meant to help you grow your cleaning business, but should not be taken as legal advice. Always consult with an attorney and\/or accountant to help make legal and financial decisions. If you need help finding a professional in your area, see what other cleaning business owners recommend in our <\/span><\/i><a rel=\"noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/zenmaidmastermind\" target=\"_blank\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ZenMaid Mastermind.<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We suggest reading these articles first if you haven\u2019t already:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/10-steps-to-start-cleaning-business\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"731\" data-id=\"13243\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/How-to-start-a-cleaning-business-1-1024x731.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13243\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/How-to-start-a-cleaning-business-1-1024x731.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/How-to-start-a-cleaning-business-1-300x214.png 300w, https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/How-to-start-a-cleaning-business-1-768x549.png 768w, https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/How-to-start-a-cleaning-business-1.png 1120w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/what-legal-business-structure-do-i-need-for-my-cleaning-business\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"731\" data-id=\"13240\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Cleaning-business-structure-1024x731.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13240\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Cleaning-business-structure-1024x731.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Cleaning-business-structure-300x214.png 300w, https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Cleaning-business-structure-768x549.png 768w, https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Cleaning-business-structure.png 1120w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-55293d08 default uagb-is-root-container\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-container uagb-block-34ef3265\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-marketing-button uagb-marketing-btn__align-center uagb-marketing-btn__align-text-center uagb-marketing-btn__icon-after uagb-block-e8d60bae wp-block-button\"><a href=\"https:\/\/get.zenmaid.com\/?via=magazine\" class=\"uagb-marketing-btn__link wp-block-button__link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><p class=\"uagb-marketing-btn__title\">start your free zenmaid trial<\/p><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M384 320c-17.67 0-32 14.33-32 32v96H64V160h96c17.67 0 32-14.32 32-32s-14.33-32-32-32L64 96c-35.35 0-64 28.65-64 64V448c0 35.34 28.65 64 64 64h288c35.35 0 64-28.66 64-64v-96C416 334.3 401.7 320 384 320zM488 0H352c-12.94 0-24.62 7.797-29.56 19.75c-4.969 11.97-2.219 25.72 6.938 34.88L370.8 96L169.4 297.4c-12.5 12.5-12.5 32.75 0 45.25C175.6 348.9 183.8 352 192 352s16.38-3.125 22.62-9.375L416 141.3l41.38 41.38c9.156 9.141 22.88 11.84 34.88 6.938C504.2 184.6 512 172.9 512 160V24C512 10.74 501.3 0 488 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><p class=\"uagb-marketing-btn__prefix\">Get access to Premium Features for FREE for 14 days<\/p><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"heading-3\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><em>Do I Need a Cleaning License in California?<\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In California, there is no state-wide licensing requirement for starting a cleaning business. However, some cities and counties within the state may have local regulations and business license requirements that must be met.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"3147\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/EIN-infographic-1-1.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13241\" style=\"width:400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/EIN-infographic-1-1.png 1000w, https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/EIN-infographic-1-1-95x300.png 95w, https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/EIN-infographic-1-1-325x1024.png 325w, https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/EIN-infographic-1-1-768x2417.png 768w, https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/EIN-infographic-1-1-488x1536.png 488w, https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/EIN-infographic-1-1-651x2048.png 651w, https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/EIN-infographic-1-1-300x944.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 id=\"heading-4\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">File\/Register Your Business with California<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The cost of registering a business in California can vary depending on the type of business structure you choose and the specific requirements of your local government. In general, the following fees are commonly associated with registering a business in California:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b>LLC:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> A limited liability company (LLC) must file Articles of Organization with the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sos.ca.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">California Secretary of State<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which costs $70<\/span> to apply. Your annual fee will depend on your income level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b>Sole Proprietorship or Partnership: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you are operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership, you will need to obtain a business license from your local government, which typically costs between $50 and $100 in California.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b>Corporation:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Incorporating a business in California requires filing Articles of Incorporation with the California Secretary of State, which costs $100, as well as obtaining a business license from your local government, which typically costs between $50 and $100.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"536\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/22-1024x536.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9920\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/22-1024x536.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/22-300x157.png 300w, https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/22-768x402.png 768w, https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/22.png 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"heading-5\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Business license requirements in California<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">California does not require a business license for general house cleaning businesses. But as things often change, check with the state\u2019s licensing needs when registering a new business.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be sure to also check with your individual county, city, or local municipality. Requirements can vary and some may need a general business tax, licensing, or other filing requirements for business. Search for special filing requirements <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sos.ca.gov\/business-programs\/special-filings\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">right here.<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can also call your local municipality office and inquire if this is required.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re planning to hire employees, you will need to register with the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/edd.ca.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">California Employment Development Department<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and obtain workers&#8217; compensation insurance to protect your employees and your business.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"heading-6\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting business insurance\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For a breakdown of why you need insurance, the different kinds of insurance to consider, plus the difference between insurance and bonding, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/how-to-get-cleaning-business-insurance\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">read this guide first<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is recommended to have business insurance when starting a cleaning business in California. Business insurance can help protect your business and personal assets in the event of a lawsuit or other legal claim. Common types of business insurance to look into for cleaning businesses include general liability insurance, worker&#8217;s compensation insurance, and commercial property insurance. You can learn more about getting business insurance for your cleaning company at this <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.insurance.ca.gov\/01-consumers\/105-type\/95-guides\/09-comm\/commercialguide.cfm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Commercial Insurance Guide.<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/get.zenmaid.com\/?via=magazine\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><img alt=\"\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"457\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Get-organized-from-day-one-2-1024x457.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13242\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Get-organized-from-day-one-2-1024x457.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Get-organized-from-day-one-2-300x134.png 300w, https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Get-organized-from-day-one-2-768x343.png 768w, https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Get-organized-from-day-one-2-1536x686.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Get-organized-from-day-one-2-2048x914.png 2048w, https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Get-organized-from-day-one-2-1920x857.png 1920w, https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Get-organized-from-day-one-2-1280x571.png 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"heading-7\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Other Resources<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.calchamber.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">California Chamber of Commerce<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/zenmaidmastermind\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The ZenMaid Mastermind<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Why Start a Cleaning Business in California? Looking to start a cleaning business in California? California is an awesome location for cleaning businesses because of its dense population, diverse industries, and booming economy. There\u2019s a thriving tourism industry that creates an on-going demand for cleaning services. And if you\u2019re interested in a niche market, California&#8217;s [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":9921,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"How to start a cleaning business in California","_seopress_titles_desc":"Learn how to start a cleaning business in California. From licenses to insurance, here are the steps to get your California cleaning business up and running!","_seopress_robots_index":"yes","footnotes":""},"categories":[125],"tags":[378,376,366],"class_list":{"0":"post-9916","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-business","8":"tag-business-license","9":"tag-cleaning-license","10":"tag-starting-a-cleaning-business"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9916","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9916"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9916\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13044,"href":"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9916\/revisions\/13044"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9921"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9916"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9916"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zenmaid.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9916"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}