- Big Multifamily Vendors: A platform connecting property managers to cleaning providers with tailored solutions and eco-friendly options. Monthly costs range from $400 to $5,000+.
- Hunter Best Cleaning: A Los Angeles-based company with 35 years of experience offering customized services with a focus on staff training and quality control.
- Anago Cleaning Systems: Franchise-based cleaning with flexible service plans, advanced disinfection programs, and comprehensive staff training.
- Professional Maintenance Systems (PMS): A California-based company with 40+ years of experience, offering services like electrostatic spraying and rigorous quality control.
- The Cleaning Authority: Franchise network specializing in apartments and condos, using a Detail-Clean Rotation System® and eco-friendly products.
Quick Comparison Table
| Vendor | Core Services | Staff Training & Reliability | Quality Control Methods | Certifications & Compliance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Multifamily Vendors | Routine and deep cleaning; eco options | Vetted vendors, background checks | Standardized reporting | Platform compliance standards |
| Hunter Best Cleaning | Turnover cleaning, common areas | Ongoing training, background checks | Inspections, customer feedback | OSHA-compliant |
| Anago Cleaning Systems | Cleaning schedules, disinfection plans | Franchise training, local oversight | Multi-point inspections | CDC, EPA, OSHA standards |
| Professional Maintenance Systems | Full-service janitorial, floor care | Monthly training, strict screening | Daily inspections, 3M partnerships | CIMS, CIMS-Green Building certified |
| The Cleaning Authority | Maintenance, move-in/out cleaning | 2-week training, daily evaluations | Detail-Clean Rotation System® | Bonded, insured, eco-friendly |
Professional cleaning services are often more cost-effective than in-house teams, helping reduce vacancies, improve tenant retention, and maintain property value. Choose a vendor that aligns with your property’s needs to maximize these benefits.
HOW TO GET A CONTRACT CLEANING APARTMENT COMPLEXES
1. Big Multifamily Vendors
Big Multifamily Vendors serves as both a vendor directory and an industry hub, connecting property managers with trusted cleaning and janitorial providers for large apartment complexes. Beyond matchmaking, they also share valuable guidance on effective maintenance practices for multifamily properties.
Scope of Services Offered
The network provides tailored commercial cleaning solutions, ranging from routine janitorial tasks to specialized deep-cleaning services. These offerings are designed to fit various schedules, budgets, and property requirements [2].
Through the vendor network, property managers can access services for regular upkeep of public spaces like lobbies, hallways, elevators, and shared amenities [5]. For those prioritizing sustainability, eco-friendly cleaning options are increasingly available, reflecting the rising demand among environmentally conscious tenants and property managers [2][3].
Pricing depends on several factors, including the size of the property, layout, staffing needs, and foot traffic. Smaller spaces typically cost between $400 and $1,000 per month, while larger complexes may exceed $5,000 monthly [4].
Staff Reliability and Training
To ensure dependable service, Big Multifamily Vendors mandates thorough background checks for all cleaning staff [7].
Leading providers also prioritize training programs to enhance employee performance and minimize turnover [8][9]. For example, companies like CBRE offer paid training and certification opportunities, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining high standards [10].
This focus on reliability is further reinforced by comprehensive quality control measures.
Quality Control Practices
Big Multifamily Vendors emphasizes the importance of clear contractual agreements as a cornerstone of quality control. Property managers are encouraged to ensure contracts detail all services, schedules, payment terms, and responsibilities. Such clarity helps avoid disputes and ensures consistent service delivery [6].
2. Hunter Best Cleaning
With an impressive 35 years of experience, Hunter Best Cleaning has been a trusted name for apartment and condo complexes throughout the Los Angeles area. This kind of longevity stands out in an industry where most cleaning companies last only about two years [11].
Scope of Services Offered
Hunter Best Cleaning focuses on customized commercial cleaning specifically designed for multifamily properties. Their services are tailored to meet the unique needs and budgets of each property [11]. Before finalizing any agreement, they offer a free walk-through - either in person or virtually - to evaluate the property's requirements [11]. This personalized approach ensures that clients receive services that match their expectations, delivered by a skilled and dependable cleaning team.
Staff Reliability and Training
The company places a strong emphasis on training its staff to handle the detailed demands of commercial cleaning [11]. Maricela, the Training Manager, oversees this process to ensure high standards are consistently met [12]. To maintain their quality, Hunter Best Cleaning is always bringing in new trainers and staff members, reinforcing their commitment to reliable service [12].
Quality Control Practices
Hunter Best Cleaning employs a two-step quality control process to guarantee customer satisfaction. After each cleaning session, they perform internal inspections and follow up directly with clients to confirm their satisfaction [11]. This hands-on approach allows them to quickly address any concerns, helping them build lasting relationships with multifamily property clients in Los Angeles's competitive market.
3. Anago Cleaning Systems
Anago Cleaning Systems operates through a franchise model, offering tailored cleaning solutions for apartment buildings across the country. Their goal? To keep common areas spotless while minimizing any inconvenience to residents [13].
Scope of Services Offered
Anago franchisees specialize in customized cleaning and disinfection services for apartments and condos. Their offerings range from everyday maintenance to one-time tasks like commercial floor cleaning [13]. They work closely with property managers to design reliable cleaning schedules that cover all areas of a building, including staff-only spaces like back offices and laundry rooms, without disturbing residents. A standout feature of their service is the Protection+ Disinfection® program, which provides three distinct service plans. These plans are tailored to fit the building’s size, level of service required, and budget [14]. All franchisees are bonded, insured, and experienced in handling both residential and commercial cleaning needs, with their expertise bolstered by thorough staff training [13].
Staff Reliability and Training
To ensure top-notch service, AnagoUniversity™ offers franchisees access to over 60 training videos covering everything from business operations to advanced cleaning techniques [15]. Their training is divided into three stages:
- Initial Training: Focuses on franchise sales, customer service, and using cloud-based software.
- Field Training: Includes hands-on guidance and site visits from Field Representatives during the franchisee’s first two years.
- Ongoing Support: Provides 24/7 access to the Corporate Support Team, along with regional conferences, webinars, and annual seminars [15].
Safety is a priority, with franchisees adhering to strict regulatory standards, including those set by APIC, CDC, JCAHO, HIPAA, and OSHA, ensuring a safe and compliant work environment [14][17].
Quality Control Practices
Anago maintains high cleaning standards through a multi-point inspection system and regular client feedback [16]. Their signature 10-Step Disinfection Process uses CDC-, EPA-, and Health Canada-approved cleaning agents, delivering consistent results across all franchise locations [18][20]. The Protection+ Disinfection program offers three levels of service:
- Protection+ BLUE: Focuses on disinfecting high-touch areas like door handles, coffee pots, and railings with EPA-approved products that eliminate 99.9% of germs [21].
- Protection+ PLATINUM: Provides a more advanced cleaning designed to achieve clinical-level disinfection, also eliminating 99.9% of germs [17][21].
Frequent inspections and detailed checklists ensure that cleaning standards are upheld and customer expectations are consistently exceeded [19].
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4. Professional Maintenance Systems
Professional Maintenance Systems (PMS) has been a trusted name in cleaning large apartment complexes across California for over 40 years. With a workforce of 1,400 employees managing more than 42 million square feet of facilities, PMS has built its reputation on a proactive and solution-oriented approach to cleaning [22][24].
Scope of Services Offered
PMS provides a wide range of apartment cleaning services tailored to meet the needs of the Los Angeles area and the broader California market. Their services cover everything from high-traffic common areas to specialized cleaning for fitness centers, elevators, flooring, and lobbies. To ensure thorough sanitization, PMS employs electrostatic spraying technology, which is particularly effective for high-touch surfaces like gym equipment and lobby fixtures. They use EPA-approved, hospital-grade germicides capable of eliminating 99.9999% of food-borne bacteria. Additionally, PMS offers emergency COVID-19 disinfecting services through their dedicated Special Teams Division [22][23]. All of these services are delivered by a highly trained and skilled team.
Staff Reliability and Training
With an average employee tenure of five years among its 1,400 staff members, PMS emphasizes reliability and professionalism. The company enforces strict training and screening protocols to uphold high safety, security, and hygiene standards [24][25]. Safety is a core focus, reinforced through monthly check-ins and quarterly safety training sessions. During health crises, PMS implements measures like daily COVID-symptom questionnaires and is prepared to conduct contact tracing for employees when necessary [25].
Quality Control Practices
PMS takes a science-driven approach to cleaning, combining routine surface maintenance with deep sanitization methods. Partnering with 3M Science, they use a documented floor care management system that ensures measurable and consistent results, keeping apartment lobbies and common areas looking polished [26]. To maintain high standards, PMS uses customized electronic Inspection Scorecards and undergoes third-party audits to monitor and improve cleaning performance. Any issues are addressed promptly to ensure client satisfaction [22][25][26].
Certifications and Compliance
PMS holds CIMS Certification, which validates their adherence to safe disinfection practices and established cleaning protocols. They have also earned the CIMS-Green Building with Honors Certification, meeting stringent criteria in areas like service quality, human resources, health and safety, environmental responsibility, and management practices. Furthermore, PMS has developed a COVID-19 Safety Plan to tackle the challenges of health emergencies, demonstrating their dedication to compliance and the well-being of residents [26].
5. The Cleaning Authority
The Cleaning Authority has made a name for itself with its wide-reaching franchise network and tailored cleaning services for a variety of living spaces. With more than 225 locations across the United States, this franchise-based cleaning service specializes in apartments and condominiums of all sizes [29].
Scope of Services Offered
The Cleaning Authority provides a range of cleaning options for apartments, condos, and multifamily properties. Their services include both regular maintenance cleaning and more intensive deep-cleaning sessions, all guided by their proprietary Detail-Clean Rotation System® [27]. Standard offerings cover essential tasks like sanitizing countertops, sinks, toilets, and bathtubs; dusting surfaces (even those tricky-to-reach spots like ceiling fans); vacuuming carpets and rugs; and cleaning floors of various types, including wood, vinyl, and tile. They also cater to specific needs like move-in/move-out cleaning and offer flexible scheduling to accommodate tenant turnover [27].
Staff Reliability and Training
To ensure dependable service, The Cleaning Authority has a rigorous hiring and training process. New hires undergo a two-week training program, guided by experienced Team Leaders, to meet the company's high standards. Quality Inspectors perform daily evaluations and provide ongoing training, creating clear paths for career growth. This dedication to employee development has resulted in strong, long-term staff relationships. A great example is Quality Inspector Nemesis Silva, who joined in 2011 while pursuing her Associate's Degree and has since advanced to training new employees.
"I know I work Monday through Friday and that's it. I get to spend my weekends doing what I love and spending time with my family."
- Nemesis Silva, Quality Inspector [28]
Quality Control Practices
The Cleaning Authority places a strong emphasis on quality control. Their Detail-Clean Rotation System ensures that every area of a property is addressed thoroughly. Routine cleaning is performed weekly, while deeper cleaning tasks are rotated throughout the month. Daily staff inspections help maintain consistent standards, and the company backs its work with a satisfaction guarantee: if an area doesn’t meet expectations, it will be re-cleaned the next day at no additional cost [30] [31]. This structured approach allows the team to focus on high-traffic areas and address specific concerns from residents effectively.
Certifications and Compliance
The Cleaning Authority is committed to using eco-friendly cleaning products across all its services. Additionally, the company is fully bonded and insured, offering property managers peace of mind when hiring them for large apartment complexes [27].
Vendor Comparison Table
When managing a large apartment complex, choosing the right cleaning vendor can make a big difference. To simplify your decision-making process, this table compares vendors across essential factors like services, staff reliability, quality control, and certifications. Here's how they measure up:
| Vendor | Core Services | Staff Reliability Features | Quality Control Methods | Key Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Multifamily Vendors | Comprehensive property management solutions, including cleaning coordination | Vetted vendor network with performance tracking | Multi-vendor oversight and standardized reporting | Platform compliance standards |
| Hunter Best Cleaning | Apartment turnover, common areas, porter services, post-construction cleanup | Background checks and ongoing training programs | Regular inspections and customer feedback systems | OSHA training compliance |
| Anago Cleaning Systems | Franchise-based cleaning tailored for multifamily properties | Franchise owner accountability with local oversight | Master franchise quality standards and regular audits | Franchise certification requirements |
| Professional Maintenance Systems | Full-service janitorial, floor care, carpet cleaning, and specialized maintenance | Comprehensive screening, including drug testing and reference checks | Daily supervisor inspections and performance tracking | Industry-standard certifications |
| The Cleaning Authority | Detail-Clean Rotation System®, move-in/move-out, and maintenance cleaning | Two-week training program with Quality Inspector evaluations | Daily staff inspections, satisfaction guarantees, and re-cleaning policies | Bonded and insured; eco-friendly product certification |
This comparison highlights critical differences to help property managers make informed choices.
For example, The Cleaning Authority focuses on a proprietary cleaning system and guarantees satisfaction with re-cleaning policies, while Big Multifamily Vendors consolidates multiple services into one platform for streamlined management. On the other hand, Anago Cleaning Systems uses a franchise model, ensuring local accountability, and Professional Maintenance Systems emphasizes rigorous background checks and daily performance reviews.
Staff training varies significantly. The Cleaning Authority offers a two-week training program with next-day satisfaction guarantees, while Professional Maintenance Systems prioritizes daily inspections and thorough employee screening.
Certifications also set vendors apart. Some exceed basic bonding and insurance requirements, with certifications like OSHA compliance and eco-friendly product endorsements. Additionally, technology integration plays a role: certain vendors provide real-time monitoring and automated tracking, while others rely on traditional methods.
Statistics reinforce the importance of certifications. For example, 78% of companies with CIMS/CIMS-GB certification reported reduced employee turnover, and 85% saw fewer workplace injuries, showcasing the benefits of robust standards [32].
Conclusion
Choosing the right cleaning and janitorial vendor for large apartment complexes is a decision that can directly impact the success of your property. Clean, well-maintained properties not only attract more interest but also justify higher rents and help reduce vacancies [33]. The data backs this up: 58% of buyer's agents agree that deep cleaning and effective staging can significantly influence how a property is perceived [36].
Keith Gillispie from REI Automated highlights the deeper impact of cleanliness on tenant satisfaction and retention:
"Tenants judge the quality of management by cleanliness... adding scheduled deep cleans between turnovers significantly improved retention rates. Little things like that stack up fast."
Cleaner living environments also lead to better reported health among residents compared to those in cluttered spaces [36]. This creates a positive cycle where both tenants and property owners benefit.
Regular professional cleaning offers more than just aesthetic value. It helps prevent pest issues, reduces allergens, extends the lifespan of fixtures, and ensures compliance with health regulations - all while cutting down on repair costs [35][1]. These advantages emphasize the importance of partnering with the right vendor.
The vendors featured in this guide each bring something unique to the table. Whether you opt for Big Multifamily Vendors for their all-in-one platform, The Cleaning Authority with its Detail-Clean Rotation System®, or Anago Cleaning Systems for their locally accountable franchises, the key is to align your property's needs with the vendor's expertise. With the right partner, you can ensure your property remains clean and its market value protected.
Outsourcing to professional cleaning services is often more cost-effective than maintaining an in-house team [34][35]. It eliminates expenses like salaries, benefits, and equipment while guaranteeing consistent quality. As a property management expert from Mindful Cleaning explains:
"In the world of property management, cleanliness is more than just a courtesy. It's a crucial aspect that can significantly impact the value and reputation of a property."
Ultimately, investing in experienced, certified vendors who understand the complexities of large apartment complexes pays off. Your tenants’ satisfaction, your financial bottom line, and your property’s reputation all depend on making the right choice.
FAQs
What should I look for when choosing a cleaning service for a large apartment complex?
When selecting a cleaning service for your large apartment complex, it's important to consider their experience, dependability, and quality control methods. Opt for companies that have well-trained staff, established cleaning procedures, and routine inspections to maintain consistently high standards.
You might also want to seek recommendations from other property managers and review the company’s history with similar multifamily properties. Focus on vendors who are familiar with the specific challenges of larger complexes, such as maintaining common areas and handling quick apartment turnovers, to ensure the service runs efficiently and meets your needs.
What are the costs and benefits of hiring professional cleaning services versus managing an in-house janitorial team?
Hiring professional cleaning services for large apartment complexes generally costs between $20 and $50 per hour, with deep cleaning sessions typically falling in the range of $100 to $200. In contrast, running an in-house cleaning team comes with added expenses like salaries, benefits, training, and equipment, which can quickly drive up the total cost.
While having an in-house team allows for greater control, professional cleaning services often provide better cost management due to their specialized skills and ability to operate at scale. For large multifamily properties, outsourcing cleaning tasks can be a more efficient and budget-friendly choice, delivering excellent results without the hassle of overseeing an internal team.
How do cleaning companies guarantee reliable staff and high-quality services for large apartment complexes?
Cleaning companies maintain their reputation for reliability and quality by focusing on thorough training, routine performance checks, and strict quality control processes. Staff members are trained to stick to standardized cleaning methods, use the right equipment and protective gear, and follow safety protocols to deliver consistent, professional results.
To keep standards high, many companies perform inspections before and after cleaning to catch and resolve any issues right away. They also have systems designed to manage busy times, like apartment turnovers, ensuring fast and efficient service without cutting corners. These efforts not only reduce tenant complaints but also create a clean and welcoming space for residents.
