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
Mission Espace Propre: 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