Cleaning Services Licensing in Quebec
No specific licence or trade certification is required for residential cleaning services in Quebec. Business registration is required.
Key facts
At a Glance
Key licensing facts for cleaning services in Quebec
Trade Classification
Unregulated Trade
No Licence Required
Certification
RBQ contractor licence; CCQ competency certificates on regulated sites
Red Seal
Not available
Permits
Generally not required
Insurance
Recommended
The details
Licensing Requirements
What it takes to qualify
Credentials, training, and coverage for this trade
- Certification: RBQ contractor licence; CCQ competency certificates on regulated sites
- No Red Seal endorsement for this trade
- Liability insurance is recommended
No specific licence or trade certification is required for residential cleaning services in Quebec. Cleaning businesses must be registered with the Registraire des entreprises du Québec. Employees should be trained in WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) / SIMDUT (Système d'information sur les matières dangereuses utilisées au travail) for handling cleaning chemicals. GST/QST registration is required if annual revenue exceeds $30,000. Liability insurance is strongly recommended.
Regulatory Body
Registraire des entreprises du Québec (business registration)
How to Verify
Ask for proof of liability insurance and whether their employees are bonded. Check online reviews and references.
Buyer beware
Red Flags to Watch For
Warning signs when hiring a cleaning services
No liability insurance - cleaning involves accessing your entire home
Extremely low pricing that suggests uninsured workers or no proper employment
No criminal background check policy for employees entering your home
Unwilling to provide a detailed cleaning checklist of what is included
Before you sign
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
A few minutes now saves you later
Ask these before signing any contract
- Do you carry liability insurance, and what does it cover?
- Are your employees bonded and background-checked?
- What cleaning products do you use, and do you offer eco-friendly options?
- What exactly is included in your standard vs. deep cleaning service?
- What is your cancellation policy and satisfaction guarantee?
Pricing accuracy notice
Prices shown here are planning estimates, not quotes or guarantees. Actual pricing varies by project scope, materials, site conditions, urgency, location, taxes, permits, and individual contractor pricing. Always request a detailed written quote before hiring.
Last reviewed June 21, 2026. Benchmarks use Canadian home-service market data, with Ontario data used where province-specific pricing is not available.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cleaning services in Quebec need a licence?
No specific licence or trade certification is required for residential cleaning services in Quebec. Cleaning businesses must be registered with the Registraire des entreprises du Québec. Employees should be trained in WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) / SIMDUT (Système d'information sur les matières dangereuses utilisées au travail) for handling cleaning chemicals. GST/QST registration is required if annual revenue exceeds $30,000. Liability insurance is strongly recommended.
How can I verify a cleaning services's credentials in Quebec?
Ask for proof of liability insurance and whether their employees are bonded. Check online reviews and references.
What are the red flags when hiring a cleaning services?
(1) No liability insurance - cleaning involves accessing your entire home (2) Extremely low pricing that suggests uninsured workers or no proper employment (3) No criminal background check policy for employees entering your home (4) Unwilling to provide a detailed cleaning checklist of what is included
What questions should I ask before hiring a cleaning services?
(1) Do you carry liability insurance, and what does it cover? (2) Are your employees bonded and background-checked? (3) What cleaning products do you use, and do you offer eco-friendly options? (4) What exactly is included in your standard vs. deep cleaning service? (5) What is your cancellation policy and satisfaction guarantee?
Should my cleaning services have insurance?
While not legally required, it is strongly recommended that cleaning services carry liability insurance. Ask for proof of coverage before hiring.
Does my cleaning services contractor need an RBQ licence?
In Quebec, most contractors performing construction work must hold an RBQ (Régie du bâtiment du Québec) licence. You can verify any contractor's licence on the RBQ's online Licence Holders' Registry at rbq.gouv.qc.ca. Always ask for the licence number and verify it before hiring.
How much does a cleaning services cost in Quebec?
Typical pricing for cleaning services in Quebec ranges from $30-$55/hour per cleaner. Home size and number of rooms, type of cleaning (standard, deep, move-in/out, post-construction), frequency (one-time vs. recurring with discounts), current condition of the home, number of bathrooms, whether you have pets, and location within Ontario. Toronto rates are at the higher end. Recurring service (weekly or bi-weekly) typically costs 10-20% less per visit than one-time cleaning. These figures are planning estimates, not quotes or guarantees; request a detailed written quote before hiring.
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Important disclaimer
- This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or professional advice.
- Licensing rules vary by trade and project and change over time. Always confirm requirements directly with the relevant regulator (for example ESA, TSSA, RBQ, CMEQ, CMMTQ, BSP, Skilled Trades Ontario, or PEO) before relying on this information.
- This site is not affiliated with any municipal, provincial, or federal government body.
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