How do you switch commercial cleaning companies without a gap in service?

Read your current contract's notice clause first, get the new company's written scope and start date before you give notice, then send written notice timed so the old service's last night falls right before the new first night. Hand over keys and alarm codes in a documented exchange, and change codes once the old company is out.

By JCIL Services Inc. · Published October 12, 2026

Step 1: What does your current contract say about ending it?

Find the term and termination section and note four things: how much notice is required, whether it must be in writing and to which address, whether the contract renews automatically, and whether there is a fee for ending early. If renewal is automatic, there may be a window when notice is accepted. Put the last possible notice date on your calendar.

Step 2: Why get the new scope before giving notice?

You want to know exactly what the new company will do, and when it can start, before the old one stops. Ask for a walkthrough and a written scope that lists each area, each task and how often. Compare it line by line with what you have now. Gaps you find at this stage are cheap to fix; gaps you find after the old company leaves are not.

Step 3: How do you time the notice and the start date?

Step 4: How do you hand over keys and alarm codes safely?

• List every key, card and fob the old company holds, and get each one back.
• Delete or change the old company's alarm user code and door codes after its last night.
• Give the new company its own code rather than sharing one, if your system allows.
• Write down who holds what, with dates.

Step 5: What else gets forgotten in a switch?

• Supplies on site. Who owns the vacuum, the chemicals and the paper stock in the closet?
• Consumables ordering. If the old company restocked paper and soap, someone needs to take that over on day one.
• Periodic tasks. When were carpets or floors last done? Tell the new company.
• Special instructions. Rooms not to enter, the plant that shouldn't be watered, the alarm quirk.
• Final invoice. Check it against the notice period your contract states.

Should you tell the current company why you are leaving?

Unless your contract requires a stated reason, you generally don't need to give one; follow its notice requirements. A short, factual reason still helps. If the problem is fixable and you would rather stay, raising it in writing before you give notice gives them a fair chance to correct it. If you have already decided, keep the notice short and stick to the contract's requirements.

How does switching to JCIL work?

Book the walkthrough before you give notice. You'll have a written scope to compare side by side. Your service starts once the agreement is signed and the first month is paid, so plan that step inside your notice period. If you ever leave us, the same logic applies: office cleaning is month to month, with 30 days' written notice.

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