Private cleaning help or cleaning company?

You can get help from a cleaning business or directly engage a private individual. Both can work well, but the responsibility and practical follow-up differ.

When you buy from a cleaning company

The business is responsible for its employees, wages, taxes, employer duties, and organization. You normally receive an invoice for the service.

All businesses offering cleaning services in Norway must be approved by the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority. It is illegal to purchase cleaning services from a business that is not approved. Check their status in the cleaning register before entering into an agreement.

A company can often offer:

• substitute in case of illness or vacation
• customer service and established routines
• standardized agreements
• equipment and products
• several types of cleaning

Nevertheless, ask who normally comes to your home, and how personnel changes are handled.

When you engage a private individual

If you pay a private individual directly for work in your home, you may incur duties as a private employer. The Norwegian Tax Administration has its own rules and a simplified reporting scheme. Thresholds and duties can change, so always check current information with the Tax Administration before entering into an agreement.

Clarify among other things:

• whether the person works as a self-employed individual or receives wages from you
• who is responsible for tax and reporting
• scope of work and payment
• cancellation, vacation, and illness
• insurance and damage
• key and access

Comparison

| Topic | Cleaning Company | Private Individual Directly | |---|---|---| | Payment | Usually invoice | Can be wages or invoice if self-employed | | Approval | Must be in the Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority's register | Rules depend on how the work is organized | | Substitute | Often possible | Usually not | | Continuity | Can vary among employees | Often the same person | | Administration | The business handles employees | You may incur employer duties |

What suits you?

Choose based on your need for continuity, flexibility, and how much administration you desire. Regardless of the model, price, tasks, access, and responsibility should be in writing.

Get offers from relevant cleaning companies

Checklist before you choose

1. 1Check identity or organization number.
2. 2Clarify whether payment is wages or an invoice.
3. 3Check cleaning approval when buying from a business.
4. 4Request a written price and task description.
5. 5Agree on handling of damage, keys, and cancellation.
6. 6Do not accept a payment model that involves hidden or unreported work.