Montreal has dozens of cleaning services. Prices range widely for the same type of job. Some are excellent, others disappear after a few visits. Here is how to tell the difference before signing anything.
5 questions to ask before hiring
1. Are you insured?
Require proof of general liability insurance - ideally $1 million or more - and workers' compensation. If the cleaning service says "we have insurance" but cannot provide a certificate on request, that is a red flag. If something gets damaged in your home, you need that documentation.
2. Who will come to my home on each visit?
The most important question. Will you always have the same team? Some services send whoever is available - you never know who is ringing your doorbell. Others assign a permanent dedicated team. If you have valuables, access codes, or simply value discretion, the answer to this question changes everything.
3. What is your satisfaction guarantee?
If something is done poorly, what happens? A good service offers a free re-clean without questions. The best offer a full refund if you are still not satisfied after the re-clean. Be wary of providers who cannot clearly explain their policy.
4. Is there a contract?
Many services require 6 or 12-month commitments with cancellation penalties. In a competitive market, a good provider does not need to lock you in - they keep you with quality. Prefer no-contract services or those with flexible terms.
5. How do you communicate if something changes?
Can your cleaner contact you if the visit time changes? Do you receive a report or confirmation after each visit? Proactive communication is one of the most reliable indicators of a service's operational quality.
Red flags to avoid
- ✗Abnormally low prices (under $80 for a 2-bedroom apartment) - often signals rushed work or high team turnover
- ✗No verifiable online presence or reviews
- ✗Unable to provide a certificate of insurance on request
- ✗Contract with cancellation penalties beyond 30 days
- ✗No checklist or visit report
- ✗Refusal to provide a client reference
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if a cleaning company is actually insured?
Ask for a certificate of insurance directly, not just a verbal confirmation. A legitimate provider can produce one on request. If a company hesitates or cannot provide documentation, treat that as a warning sign.
Is it normal to have a different cleaner every visit?
It happens, but it is not ideal. Some companies rotate whoever is available that day, while others assign a dedicated team to your home. If consistency, trust, or home access matters to you, ask specifically about their staffing model before booking.
What should a satisfaction guarantee actually include?
At minimum, a free re-clean if something was missed. Stronger guarantees include a refund option if the re-clean still does not meet expectations. Ask the provider to explain their policy in plain terms rather than accepting a vague answer.
Should I be worried about signing a cleaning contract?
Not automatically, but read the cancellation terms closely. A 6 or 12-month commitment with steep cancellation penalties reduces your flexibility if the service does not work out. Providers confident in their quality often do not need to lock clients in.
How much cheaper is too cheap for a Montreal cleaning service?
There is no single cutoff, but a price well below the going rate for your home size and condition often means rushed visits, high staff turnover, or minimal insurance coverage. Compare a low quote against what is actually included before assuming it is a better deal.
What is the fastest way to compare two cleaning quotes fairly?
Make sure both quotes cover the same scope - same frequency, same rooms, same add-ons like inside appliances or windows. Quotes that look different in price sometimes differ in what they actually include.
Groupe Nettoyage Montréal: every box checked
- Fully insured - certificate available on request
- Permanent assigned team
- Satisfaction guarantee - free re-clean or full refund
- No binding contracts
- Signed visit report after every visit