Common areas are the first thing residents, owners and prospective buyers see, and the first thing your council hears about when something slips. Whether you are switching providers or putting cleaning out to quote for the first time, a clear contract prevents the most common headaches. Here is what a good agreement should spell out.
1. A detailed scope, area by area
A vague scope like “clean common areas weekly” causes disputes. A good contract lists exactly what is cleaned and where:
- Lobbies and entrances
- Hallways and corridors
- Elevators, including the tracks and the panels people touch
- Stairwells and landings
- Common washrooms
- Garbage and recycling rooms
- Amenity rooms such as the gym, party room and pool area
- Mailrooms and lounges
- Parkades and underground parking
- Common area windows and entrance glass
2. A frequency for each area
Not everything needs the same frequency. Busy lobbies and elevators may need daily attention or several visits a week, while stairwells and garbage rooms might be weekly and parkades monthly. Spelling this out avoids the “I thought that was included” conversation.
3. Accountability and reporting
Your council needs answers at meetings, not excuses. Look for:
- One point of contact
- Consistent crews, not a rotating cast of strangers in your building
- Clear reporting so you can show council what is being done
- A defined process for issues raised by residents
4. Insurance, bonding and compliance
Anyone entering your building should be vetted. Confirm the provider is bonded, insured and WorkSafe BC covered, because this protects the strata from liability. Ask for proof, not just a claim.
5. Transparent, predictable pricing
Councils need a budget they can approve and defend. A good provider gives you a clear, itemised quote after a walkthrough, a fixed figure rather than a moving target.
How we approach it
We have kept Okanagan strata properties spotless since 2005, working hand in hand with strata managers and councils. Our team is CIMS Expert certified and works to the ISSA Standards of Clean, we are bonded, insured and WorkSafe BC covered, and every program starts with a free walkthrough and an itemised quote your council can approve with confidence.
Managing a building in Kelowna, West Kelowna, Vernon or Penticton? See our strata cleaning services or ask for a free strata walkthrough today.