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Starting your own window cleaning business in Australia can be a rewarding venture with plenty of growth potential. Whether you’re looking to launch a solo operation or build a thriving window cleaner company with a team of staff, the demand for reliable window washing services is strong in both the residential and commercial sectors. However, as with any service-based business, success is about more than sparkling clean windows – it’s also about getting your legal, compliance, and operational setup right from the very start.
If you’re considering how to start a window cleaning business, you might feel excited by the opportunities ahead, but also a little daunted by the many steps involved. What registrations are required? Are there specific licences or permits for window cleaners? Do you need insurance, and what legal documents should you have in place to protect your business? The good news is, with some planning and the right legal guidance, you’ll be set up for success and able to focus on building your business with confidence.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential legal steps to starting a window cleaning business in Australia, covering everything from business structure to compliance, insurance, contracts, and more. Let’s help you get your window washing company off the ground the right way.
What Is a Window Cleaning Business?
A window cleaning business (sometimes referred to as a window washing company or window cleaner company) delivers specialised cleaning services for glass surfaces. This can include storefronts, offices, apartment complexes, homes, schools, and even high-rise buildings. Businesses in this industry may operate solo, as family teams, or as growing companies with multiple staff and vehicles.
Window cleaning businesses often offer services such as external and internal window washing, glass door cleaning, screen and track cleaning, and sometimes additional services like solar panel cleaning or pressure washing. Because you’ll often be working on client property – and sometimes at height – it’s important to take compliance, safety, and legal protection seriously.
How Do I Start a Window Cleaning Business in Australia?
Building a successful window cleaning business involves more than purchasing a squeegee and bucket. Here’s a step-by-step roadmap to help you plan and launch your new venture.
1. Research the Market and Write a Business Plan
Before diving in, take the time to research your local market. Ask yourself questions such as:
- Who are your target customers – homes, commercial buildings, or both?
- What are the rates charged by competitors in your area?
- What equipment and supplies will you need to deliver high-quality service safely?
- Will you work alone, or do you plan to hire staff?
- How will you promote your services (online, flyers, referrals)?
A solid business plan will help you clarify your goals, define your services, and identify financial requirements – important for both your own direction and for managing legal compliance.
2. Choose a Business Structure and Register Your Business
The next key step is deciding on your business structure. In Australia, the most common options are:
- Sole Trader: Ideal for solo operators. It’s simple and low cost, but you’ll be personally liable for any business debts.
- Partnership: Suitable for two or more people working together. All partners share responsibility for debts and legal compliance.
- Company (Pty Ltd): A separate legal entity, offering limited liability protection for your personal assets. Setting up a company means extra paperwork but often provides more credibility and strategic benefits for growth.
You’ll need to register for an Australian Business Number (ABN) and register your business name with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) unless you are trading under your own legal name. If setting up a company, you’ll also need to register with ASIC and may want to consider a company constitution as a governance document.
3. Open a Business Bank Account and Set Up Finances
Open a dedicated business bank account (required if operating as a company) to keep your finances separate and organised. This also makes tax time easier and improves your professional reputation with clients. It’s wise to review your tax obligations, including whether you need to register for Goods and Services Tax (GST) (required once your annual turnover exceeds $75,000).
4. Purchase Equipment and Organise Safety Procedures
Depending on your services, you’ll need professional window cleaning tools (such as squeegees, buckets, extension poles, ladders, safety harnesses, and cleaning solutions). Investing in reliable, safety-tested equipment isn’t just a business decision – it’s also about legal compliance with work health and safety (WHS) obligations, covered in more detail below.
5. Set Up Insurance and Risk Management
Accidents can happen when working at client premises or with hazardous equipment. To protect both your business and your clients, consider arranging:
- Public Liability Insurance: Protects you if your work causes injury or property damage to a third party.
- Workers Compensation Insurance: Required by law if you hire employees.
- Income Protection or Equipment Insurance: Optional, but useful for business resilience.
It’s important to discuss your needs with an insurance provider and ensure your policies are up-to-date and tailored to your business activities.
6. Draft Key Legal Documents Before You Start Trading
Before your first day on the job, ensure you have the right legal documents and contracts in place. We’ll cover the essentials further below in this guide.
Do I Need Any Licences or Permits for My Window Cleaning Business?
Unlike some regulated trades, window cleaning isn’t a licensed profession in Australia. However, there are still several compliance steps and permits you may require, depending on your services and where you operate.
- Council Permits: If you operate in public spaces or use footpaths/roads to access worksites, your local council may require a permit or approval. This is especially relevant for commercial or high-rise cleaning in city centres.
- Working at Heights Certification: If your services include cleaning above ground level, you may need to complete “Working Safely at Heights” training and follow all WHS/occupational health requirements.
- White Card or Construction Induction: For jobs at construction sites, you’ll likely need a White Card, showing you’ve completed general construction safety training.
- Water Restrictions/Environmental Permits: Some councils have water conservation laws. If your cleaning methods use large amounts of water, check for relevant regulations.
- Registered for GST: As mentioned, mandatory if turnover exceeds $75,000 per year.
Be sure to check your state/territory and local council rules. What’s required for a window cleaning company in Sydney may differ from Brisbane or Perth.
What Laws Do I Need to Follow as a Window Cleaning Business?
Every window washing company in Australia must comply with a range of laws and standards. Here’s what to consider:
Business Registration and Structure Laws
Your first step is legally registering your business and understanding your obligations under your chosen structure. As a sole trader or partnership, you’re personally responsible for taxes and any debts. As a company, your liability is separate from your personal finances.
Workplace Health and Safety (WHS)
Window cleaning involves physical work, often at heights or with specialised equipment. WHS laws require you to:
- Identify and manage workplace hazards (e.g., falls, chemical use)
- Provide safety training (especially for working at heights)
- Maintain safe systems of work and use appropriate safety gear
- Document your procedures (a WHS policy is recommended, especially as you grow staff)
Learn more about WHS laws for Australian businesses.
Australian Consumer Law (ACL)
As a service provider, you must comply with the Australian Consumer Law (ACL). This covers areas like customer guarantees (your clients have certain rights to quality workmanship and remedies if dissatisfied), advertising, fair contract terms, and complaints handling. Your marketing and sales practices must not be misleading or deceptive.
Employment Law
If you employ staff, you need to comply with relevant workplace laws, including:
- Providing proper employment agreements
- Paying at least minimum wage and following any relevant modern awards
- Complying with the National Employment Standards
- Superannuation, tax, and fair dismissal obligations
Workplace policies (covering safety, bullying, and complaints) are strongly recommended.
Privacy Law
If you collect, store, or use personal information from clients (such as via an online booking system), you need to understand your obligations under the Privacy Act 1988. This may include providing a Privacy Policy and keeping client data secure.
Discover what’s involved in having a legally compliant Privacy Policy.
Intellectual Property (IP)
Your business name, logo, slogan, and even your client list can be valuable intellectual property. Consider registering trade marks to prevent competitors from copying your brand. If you create unique marketing materials, ensure you do not infringe the IP rights of others.
What Legal Documents Will I Need?
Having the right legal documents tailored to your window cleaning business can help protect you against risks, disputes, and costly legal issues. Some of the key agreements and policies to consider are:
- Client Service Agreement / Terms & Conditions: Details your services, pricing, payment terms, cancellations, safety/time expectations, and client responsibilities. Clear client terms can help reduce disputes.
- Quote or Invoice Template: Professional templates outline the terms for each individual job and can reference your full terms and conditions.
- Privacy Policy: If you collect customer data (e.g., online bookings, mailing list), you’ll usually need a compliant Privacy Policy available on your website.
- Employment Agreement: If hiring staff (even casuals), have tailored employment contracts and workplace policies covering safety, conduct, and leave.
- Contractor Agreement: If you outsource work to subcontractors, a contractor agreement clarifies work standards and protects your business relationships.
- Public Liability Insurance Policy: Written confirmation of insurance (not a contract, but a must-have document for serious business).
- Work Health and Safety (WHS) Policy: Documents your approach to health and safety, risk management, reporting procedures, and training. Crucial if you scale up your team.
- Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA): Optional, but useful if you plan to share confidential business information with potential partners or suppliers.
Not every window cleaning business will need every document listed above, but most will require several. Having these documents customised for your circumstances is strongly recommended – off-the-shelf templates may not cover industry-specific risks or requirements.
You can explore more about essential legal documents for small businesses here.
Do I Need to Register a Company for My Window Cleaning Business?
Not necessarily. Many sole traders operate successfully, especially at the beginning. However, if you plan to grow, hire staff, take on larger contracts, or want to protect your personal assets from legal risk, registering a company can be beneficial.
A company structure means your business is a separate legal entity, generally shielding you from being personally responsible for business debts. It can also improve your credibility, help you win commercial contracts, and make it easier to bring in business partners or investors.
You can learn more about the difference between ABN and ACN and when to set up a company over on our blog.
Is Buying an Existing Window Cleaning Business or Franchise Easier?
Purchasing an established business or buying into a window cleaning franchise can be an attractive alternative to starting from scratch. The benefits include an existing client base, recognised brand, established systems, and in the case of a franchise, ongoing support from the franchisor.
That said, buying a business or franchise comes with its own legal complexities:
- Carefully review any business sale agreement or franchise agreement
- Undertake due diligence (review financials, customer relationships, compliance history)
- Understand your rights and obligations under the Australian Consumer Law and the Franchising Code of Conduct
We recommend speaking with a legal expert before entering any business or franchise purchase to ensure you understand exactly what you’re buying and what protections you have as a buyer or franchisee.
Key Takeaways
- Starting a window cleaning business in Australia involves careful planning and compliance with registration, WHS, consumer, and employment laws.
- Choose the right business structure (sole trader, partnership, or company) to suit your growth plans and risk profile.
- Register your business, get an ABN, and ensure you have the correct permits – especially if working in public spaces or at heights.
- Obtain essential insurance (like public liability) and draft robust legal documents (service agreements, privacy policy, employment contracts) tailored to your business model.
- Stay compliant with key workplace health and safety rules, the Australian Consumer Law, and privacy requirements.
- If buying a window cleaning business or franchise, conduct full due diligence and review all sale/franchise agreements with a legal expert.
- Getting legal guidance early can help you avoid common pitfalls and set your business up for sustainable success.
If you would like a consultation on starting a window cleaning business, you can reach us at 1800 730 617 or team@sprintlaw.com.au for a free, no-obligations chat.
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