Starting a cleaning business in New Hampshire typically costs $1,000 to $5,000 depending on your business structure and insurance needs. Each state has different rules for registration, taxes, and workers' compensation. This guide covers everything you need to start a cleaning business in New Hampshire, including filing fees, licenses, insurance, labor laws, and local tips.
Why Start a Cleaning Business in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire is one of the best states to start a business. It has no income tax on wages. It has no sales tax at all.
These two facts alone save you thousands of dollars each year.
The Granite State also has low startup costs. You can form a limited liability company for just $100. There is no special cleaning license needed.
The state keeps rules simple so business owners can focus on growing.
New Hampshire has strong demand for cleaning services. Vacation rentals around the Lakes Region need turnover cleaning. Ski resorts in the White Mountains bring tourists who fill hotels and cabins.
Southern towns near Boston have busy commuters who need house cleaners.
Read our general How to Start a Cleaning Business guide first. This New Hampshire guide adds the state-specific steps you need on top of those basics.
How Do You Choose a Business Structure?
Your first decision is how to set up your business. New Hampshire gives you two main choices.
Sole Proprietorship
This is the easiest way to start. You do not need to file anything with the state. You simply begin working and earning money.
If you want a business name, you file a trade name with your town clerk. This is also called a Doing Business As name. The cost is small and varies by town.
The downside is no personal protection. If someone sues your business, your personal savings are at risk.
Limited Liability Company
A limited liability company is the better choice for most cleaning businesses. It protects your personal money from business lawsuits. If a client sues, only your business assets are at risk.
To form one in New Hampshire, file a Certificate of Formation. You do this through the Secretary of State website. The filing fee is $100.
Online filing costs $102. You also need to file an annual report each year by April 1. The annual report costs $100.
You can reserve your business name ahead of time. Name reservation costs $15 through the Secretary of State.
Choose a limited liability company. The $100 filing fee is worth the personal protection. You go into people's homes every day.
One accident could put your savings at risk without this protection.
- sos.nh.gov — File your limited liability company or search existing business names
How Do You Get an Employer Identification Number and Tax Accounts?
An Employer Identification Number is a free number from the federal government. You need it to open a business bank account. You also need it to file taxes and hire workers.
Apply free at the Internal Revenue Service website. You get your number right away online.
New Hampshire Tax Advantage
New Hampshire has a huge tax advantage over most states. There is no income tax on wages or salary. There is also no sales tax.
This means you keep more of what you earn.
New Hampshire does have two business taxes. The Business Profits Tax is 7.5 percent. It only applies to business income over $92,000.
The Business Enterprise Tax is 0.55 percent on your enterprise value.
Most new cleaning businesses earn below $92,000 at first. This means your state tax bill starts very low. As your business grows, you benefit from rates that are still lower than most states.
No Sales Tax on Cleaning Services
New Hampshire has no sales tax at all. It is one of only five states with no sales tax. You never collect tax from your clients.
This makes billing simple. Your clients also pay less, which makes your prices more attractive.
No income tax plus no sales tax is rare. Only a few states offer both. This is one of the biggest reasons to start a cleaning business in New Hampshire.
- irs.gov — Apply for a free Employer Identification Number (never pay for this)
- revenue.nh.gov — New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration — business tax information
What Licenses and Permits Do You Need?
New Hampshire keeps things simple. There is no state cleaning license. You do not need a special permit to clean homes or offices.
You must register your business with the Secretary of State. If you form a limited liability company, that registration is part of the filing. If you use a sole proprietorship, file a trade name with your town clerk.
Some cities and towns may require a local business permit. Check with your town or city clerk. Manchester, Nashua, and Concord each have their own permit rules.
The cost is usually small.
New Hampshire has less red tape than most states. No state cleaning license, no janitorial registration, and no special permits. Just register your business and start working.
What Insurance Do You Need?
Insurance protects you if something goes wrong on the job. New Hampshire has specific rules about some types of coverage. Here is what you need:
- General liability insurance — Covers property damage and injuries at a client's home or office. Costs $400 to $1,200 per year. Every cleaning business needs this
- Workers' compensation insurance — Required by New Hampshire law for all employers with one or more employees. Buy it from a private insurance carrier. Fines and criminal charges apply if you do not have it
- Surety bond — Protects clients if an employee steals something. Not required by the state. Many clients and property managers ask for it. Costs $100 to $500 per year
- Commercial auto insurance — Needed if you use a vehicle for business. Covers accidents while driving to client homes
For more details on each type of coverage, read our Cleaning Business Insurance Guide.
- dol.nh.gov — New Hampshire Department of Labor — workers' compensation requirements
What Are New Hampshire Labor Laws?
New Hampshire has fewer labor rules than its neighbors. But you still need to follow key laws when you hire workers.
Minimum Wage
New Hampshire follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. There is no state minimum wage above the federal rate. This is the lowest minimum wage in New England.
However, the real market rate is much higher. Most cleaning businesses pay $14 to $18 per hour. You need to pay competitive wages to attract and keep good workers.
The legal minimum is just a floor.
Tipped Workers
New Hampshire allows a tipped wage of $3.27 per hour. The tips must bring the worker up to at least $7.25 per hour. This rarely applies to cleaning businesses.
Most cleaners are not tipped workers.
Employee Classification
New Hampshire uses its own test for worker classification. It checks if a worker is an employee or a contractor. The state looks at how much control you have over the worker.
It also checks if the work is your main business activity.
Cleaning workers who work for your cleaning company are almost always employees. Do not try to call them independent contractors. Misclassifying workers leads to fines and back taxes.
- dol.nh.gov — New Hampshire Department of Labor — wages, hours, and worker classification
What Safety Rules Apply?
New Hampshire does not have its own state safety agency. Federal workplace safety rules cover all employers in the state. The federal office in Bangor, Maine handles New Hampshire cases.
Hazard Communication
You must keep Safety Data Sheets for every cleaning chemical you use. Train your workers on each product. They need to know what chemicals they handle and how to stay safe.
Cover what to do if a spill or skin contact happens.
Injury Prevention
Good safety habits protect your workers and your business. Create simple safety rules for your team. Cover things like how to lift heavy items and how to use ladders safely.
Train new workers before they start cleaning.
Keep records of any workplace injuries. Report serious injuries to the federal safety agency. This is required for all employers.
Cleaning Chemical Safety
Never mix cleaning chemicals. Some combinations create toxic fumes. Bleach and ammonia is the most dangerous mix.
Provide gloves and eye protection for workers who use strong products. Use green cleaning products to reduce chemical risks.
- osha.gov — Federal workplace safety rules and employer requirements
How Do You Set Cleaning Prices in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire pricing is shaped by low taxes and strong seasonal demand. Your costs are lower than in most New England states. But you can still charge strong rates in tourist areas and the southern commuter belt.
Typical pricing ranges in New Hampshire:
- Home cleaning (hourly) — $30 to $55 per hour depending on your area
- Home cleaning (flat rate) — $120 to $300 for a standard 3-bedroom home
- Deep cleaning — $200 to $450 depending on home size
- Move-in or move-out cleaning — $250 to $500 or more
- Office cleaning — $0.06 to $0.15 per square foot
- Vacation rental turnover — $75 to $175 per turnover
Prices run highest in the Lakes Region during summer and the seacoast area near Portsmouth. Southern New Hampshire towns near Boston also support higher rates. Prices are lower in rural areas and the Upper Valley.
Use our Price Calculator to find the right rate for your area. For detailed pricing methods, read our Pricing Guide.
For detailed city-by-city pricing data, see our full Cleaning Business Prices in New Hampshire guide.
What Cleaning Niches Are Profitable in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire has cleaning niches that match its unique geography and tourism patterns. Here are the top options:
Lakes Region Vacation Rental Cleaning
Lake Winnipesaukee, Squam Lake, and Lake Sunapee draw thousands of visitors each summer. Vacation rental owners need fast turnover cleaning between guests. Motorcycle Week in Laconia brings even more visitors.
You can earn $75 to $175 per turnover with steady work all summer.
White Mountains Ski and Tourism Cleaning
Bretton Woods, Loon Mountain, Cannon Mountain, and Waterville Valley are major ski destinations. Cabins and vacation homes need cleaning year-round. Ski season, summer hiking, and fall foliage all bring tourists.
October is the busiest month for foliage visitors.
Southern New Hampshire Commuter Belt
Nashua, Manchester, Salem, Derry, and Londonderry are full of Boston commuters. These workers earn higher incomes. They want house cleaners because they have long work days.
No income tax draws people from Massachusetts, so the population keeps growing.
Seacoast and Beach Cleaning
Portsmouth, Hampton, Exeter, and Dover make up the seacoast area. Historic Portsmouth draws tourists year-round. Hampton Beach vacation rentals need summer cleaning.
Restaurant and hotel cleaning also stays busy in this region.
Bed and Breakfast and Inn Cleaning
New Hampshire has hundreds of bed and breakfast stays and inns. They are packed in the White Mountains and Lakes Region. Demand peaks during fall foliage, ski season, and summer.
Many owners hire outside cleaners rather than full-time staff.
New Hampshire has four distinct tourist seasons. Summer brings lake visitors. Fall brings foliage tourists.
Winter brings skiers. Spring is the slow season. Plan your marketing around these cycles to stay busy all year.
How Do You Market a Cleaning Business in New Hampshire?
Getting clients in New Hampshire takes a mix of online and local strategies. Here is what works best in the Granite State.
Google Business Profile
This is your most important free marketing tool. Set it up with your town name, services, and photos. Ask every happy client for a Google review.
Most people search online before hiring a cleaner.
Nextdoor and Local Facebook Groups
New Hampshire towns are tight-knit. Nextdoor and Facebook groups are very active. Join groups for your service area.
Share helpful cleaning tips. When someone asks for a cleaner, your name will come up.
Partner with Vacation Rental Owners
Reach out to vacation rental owners in the Lakes Region and White Mountains. They need reliable cleaners for guest turnovers. One good partnership can fill your summer schedule.
Offer fast turnaround times to stand out.
Connect with Real Estate Agents
New Hampshire's real estate market stays active. Agents need move-out cleaning for listings. Property managers need regular cleaning between tenants.
Offer a referral bonus for each new client they send you.
Seasonal Marketing
Time your marketing to match the tourist seasons. Promote vacation rental cleaning before summer. Offer deep cleaning specials before the holidays.
Market to ski lodge owners before winter. This keeps your schedule full all year.
For a complete marketing plan, read our Marketing Your Cleaning Business guide. Also check out How to Get Cleaning Clients Fast.
How Much Does It Cost to Start in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire is one of the cheapest New England states to start a cleaning business. No income tax and no sales tax keep your costs low. Here is a breakdown:
- Limited liability company filing — $100 (one-time, $102 online through the Secretary of State)
- Name reservation — $15 (optional, through the Secretary of State)
- Annual report — $100 per year (due by April 1)
- Local business permit — $0 to $100 per year (varies by town)
- General liability insurance — $400 to $1,200 per year
- Workers' compensation insurance — Varies by payroll (only if you have employees)
- Cleaning supplies and equipment — $200 to $500 to start
- Marketing (initial) — $100 to $500
What Is on Your New Hampshire Startup Checklist?
Follow these steps in order. Complete each one before moving on:
- Choose your business structure — Form a limited liability company at sos.nh.gov ($100)
- Get an Employer Identification Number — Apply free at irs.gov
- Open a business bank account — Keep personal and business money separate
- Check local permit needs — Call your town or city clerk
- Buy general liability insurance — Get at least $1 million in coverage
- Buy cleaning supplies — Start with the basics and upgrade as you grow
- Set your prices — Use our Price Calculator and factor in your local market
- Set up your Google Business Profile — This is your most important marketing tool
- Book your first clients — Tell friends, post on Nextdoor, reach out to rental owners
- Register with the Department of Revenue — File when your income reaches the tax threshold at revenue.nh.gov
- Get workers' compensation insurance — Required before your first employee starts
- File your annual report — Due by April 1 each year ($100 at sos.nh.gov)
What Are the Best Tips for New Hampshire?
Here are practical tips from successful New Hampshire cleaning business owners:
- Use the tax advantage in your marketing — No sales tax means lower prices for clients. Highlight this when competing with Massachusetts companies
- Start solo to keep costs low — Low startup fees and no income tax mean more profit. Work alone at first to keep costs down
- Build vacation rental partnerships early — Contact rental owners on Lake Winnipesaukee and the White Mountains before summer starts. Lock in contracts while other cleaners are still planning
- Plan for seasonal demand changes — Summer and fall are the busiest times in tourist areas. Use the slow spring months to market to year-round residents
- Target the southern commuter belt — Nashua and Manchester residents earn more because they work in Boston. They will pay premium rates for good cleaning
- Offer eco-friendly cleaning — New Hampshire residents care about the outdoors. Green cleaning appeals to this market and sets you apart
- Network with bed and breakfast owners — Many small inns prefer to hire local cleaners. One contract can mean steady weekly work
- Get your systems in place early — Use software like MaidProfit for scheduling and invoices. Good systems let you focus on cleaning and growing
What Are the Guides for Nearby States?
Thinking about expanding across the border? Each state has different rules and fees. Check our other New England state guides below.
- How to Start a Cleaning Business in Maine — Acadia tourism, coastal vacation rentals, aging population market
- How to Start a Cleaning Business in Massachusetts — Biotech and university cleaning, high minimum wage, Cape Cod tourism
- How to Start a Cleaning Business in Vermont — Full state safety plan, eco-conscious market, ski resort cleaning
- Vermont Cleaning Prices — Hourly rates and city-by-city pricing for Vermont
- Maine Cleaning Prices — Hourly rates and city-by-city pricing for Maine
- Massachusetts Cleaning Prices — Hourly rates and city-by-city pricing for Massachusetts
Where Do You Find New Hampshire Government Resources?
Here is a complete list of every government website mentioned in this guide. Bookmark these for quick access as your business grows.
- New Hampshire Secretary of State — Register your business, file formation documents, search names
- New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration — Business Profits Tax, Business Enterprise Tax, and filing information
- New Hampshire Department of Labor — Wages, workers' compensation, and labor law information
- Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration — Workplace safety rules (covers all New Hampshire employers)
- Internal Revenue Service — Free Employer Identification Number application
- Small Business Administration — Free counseling and local assistance for small businesses
What Other Guides Can Help Your Business?
These free guides cover topics every cleaning business owner needs. They work hand-in-hand with this state guide.
- How to Price Cleaning Services — Set profitable rates with flat-rate and hourly formulas
- Cleaning Business Insurance Guide — General liability, bonding, and the coverage you need
- How to Get Cleaning Clients Fast — Fill your schedule with paying clients
- Marketing Your Cleaning Business — Online and offline strategies that bring real results
- Cleaning Business Taxes and Deductions — Every deduction you can claim and how to file
- How to Get Cleaning Contracts — Find and win residential and commercial contracts
- How to Hire and Train Cleaning Staff — Where to find workers and how to keep them
Start Your New Hampshire Cleaning Business Today
New Hampshire makes it easy to start a cleaning business. No income tax, no sales tax, and low startup fees give you a head start. The rules are simple and the demand is strong.
Start by forming your limited liability company and getting your Employer Identification Number. Buy insurance, set your prices, and get your first clients. The Lakes Region, White Mountains, and southern commuter belt all need good cleaners.
Every successful cleaning company started with one owner and one first client. The steps in this guide give you a clear path. Take action today.