If you’re a strata manager, committee member, or property owner trying to get your head around what a strata cleaning service should actually cover, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions we get, and the answer isn’t always obvious because the scope varies depending on the property, the provider, and the contract.
From our experience working with strata properties across Newcastle and NSW, the biggest source of frustration for strata managers and committees is unclear expectations around what’s included and what isn’t. This guide breaks down what a professional strata cleaning service typically covers, so you know what to expect and what to ask for.
Strata cleaning is the professional cleaning and maintenance of common areas and shared spaces within a strata-managed property. This includes everything that falls under common property, which is the responsibility of the owners corporation rather than individual lot owners.
The goal is to keep shared spaces clean, safe, hygienic, and well presented for residents, tenants, visitors, and contractors.
The foyer is the first thing residents and visitors see. Regular cleaning includes mopping or vacuuming floors, wiping down surfaces, cleaning glass doors and panels, and keeping the space tidy and welcoming.
Hallways see constant foot traffic throughout the day. Cleaning includes vacuuming or mopping floors, wiping handrails and high-touch surfaces, dusting light fittings and vents, and spot cleaning walls and doors.
Stairwells collect dust and debris quickly, especially in larger buildings. Regular cleaning includes sweeping and mopping stairs and landings, wiping handrails, and removing cobwebs from corners and ceilings.
Lift interiors need frequent attention due to heavy use. Cleaning includes wiping walls, doors, and control panels, cleaning mirrors and glass, mopping or vacuuming floors, and removing fingerprints and marks from stainless steel surfaces.
Car park cleaning covers sweeping and removing debris, pressure cleaning to remove oil stains and tyre marks, cleaning stairwells and pedestrian access points, and maintaining line marking visibility. Our car park cleaning services can be included as part of your strata cleaning program.
Depending on the property, outdoor cleaning may include garden paths and walkways, BBQ areas and outdoor furniture, pool surrounds and recreational spaces, and bin storage areas.
Waste services are a core part of strata cleaning. This includes emptying bins in common areas, managing recycling and general waste, cleaning bin rooms and waste storage areas, and coordinating with waste collection schedules. Our bin management services cover this in detail.
It’s just as important to understand what falls outside the standard scope.
Strata cleaning typically does not cover cleaning inside individual apartments or units, private balconies or courtyards, repairs or maintenance of building systems, and pest control (though regular cleaning helps prevent pest issues).
If the property needs additional services like window cleaning, carpet cleaning, or pressure cleaning, these are usually quoted separately or included as periodic add-ons to the main contract.
The right cleaning schedule depends on the size of the property, the number of residents, foot traffic through common areas, the standard of presentation required, and the budget allocated by the owners corporation.
Most strata properties have daily, weekly, and periodic cleaning tasks. High-traffic areas like foyers and lifts may need daily attention, while stairwells and outdoor areas can be managed on a weekly or fortnightly schedule.
A good strata cleaning provider should conduct a site assessment before quoting, provide a clear scope of services in writing, offer a structured cleaning schedule tailored to the property, carry appropriate insurance and safety documentation, provide regular reporting and be open to inspections, and communicate clearly with strata managers and committees.
The relationship between a strata cleaning company and the strata manager should be a partnership, not just a supplier arrangement. You can learn more about how we approach this on our strata cleaning services page.
When the scope of a strata cleaning contract is unclear, problems follow. Tasks get missed, standards vary from week to week, and disputes between the cleaning company and the strata committee become common.
A clearly defined scope of services protects both parties. It sets expectations, provides a benchmark for quality, and makes it easier to resolve issues if they arise.
Understanding what a strata cleaning service includes helps strata managers and committees make better decisions, hold providers accountable, and ensure shared spaces are maintained to the standard residents expect.
If you’d like to discuss what your property needs or want a tailored quote, get in touch via our contact page.
