Starting a cleaning business in New York 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 York, including filing fees, licenses, insurance, labor laws, and local tips.
Why Start a Cleaning Business in New York?
New York has nearly 20 million people. It is the fourth most populated state in the country. That creates massive demand for cleaning services.
New York City alone has 8.3 million residents in dense apartments. Long Island has 2.9 million people in suburban homes. Westchester County has one million affluent residents.
Upstate cities like Buffalo, Rochester, and Albany add millions more. Every region needs cleaning help.
New York also has unique niches you will not find elsewhere. Wall Street offices, Airbnb rentals, and high-rise turnovers create steady work. Higher costs come with higher prices and bigger profits.
Read our general How to Start a Cleaning Business guide first. This New York guide adds the state-specific steps you need on top of those basics.
How Do You Choose a Business Structure?
You need to decide how to set up your business. New York offers two main choices for new cleaning companies.
Sole Proprietorship
This is the simplest way to start. You do not need to file with the state. New York treats you as a sole proprietor when you begin doing business.
If you want a business name, file a Doing Business As certificate. File it with your county clerk. The fee is about $25 plus county filing fees.
This lets you operate under a name other than your own.
The downside is you have no personal protection. If something goes wrong, your personal savings and belongings are at risk.
Limited Liability Company
A limited liability company is the better choice for most cleaning businesses. It keeps your personal money separate from your business. If a client sues, your personal savings stay protected.
To form one in New York, file Articles of Organization. You do this through the Department of State website. The filing fee is $200.
You can pay $25 for 24-hour processing. Same-day costs $75. Two-hour processing costs $150.
The Publication Requirement
New York has a unique rule that surprises many new owners. You must publish a notice in two newspapers within 120 days. One must be a daily paper and one must be a weekly.
You run the notice for six weeks in a row. Your county clerk picks which newspapers you use. The cost depends on your county.
Most counties outside the city cost $200 to $350. New York City boroughs cost $800 to $1,900 or more. You also pay a $50 Certificate of Publication filing fee.
This is an extra cost that other states do not have. Budget for it from the start.
Choose a limited liability company. The $200 filing fee is a small price for personal asset protection. You go into people's homes every day — it is worth it.
In New York City, budget an extra $800 to $1,900 for publication.
- dos.ny.gov — File your limited liability company or search existing business names
- dos.ny.gov/publication — Publication requirement details and forms
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 bank account, file taxes, and hire workers. Apply for free at the Internal Revenue Service website.
You get your number right away when you apply online.
New York State Income Tax
New York has a progressive income tax with nine brackets. Rates start at 4 percent and go up to 10.9 percent. The rate you pay depends on how much your business earns.
If you work in New York City, you pay an extra city income tax. This adds 3.078 to 3.876 percent on top of the state tax. This is a major cost that business owners outside the city do not face.
Annual Fees for Your Limited Liability Company
New York charges two ongoing fees. First, you file a Biennial Report every two years for $9. Second, you pay an Annual Filing Fee to the Department of Taxation.
This fee ranges from $25 to $4,500 based on your business income.
Cleaning Services and Sales Tax
Good news for cleaning businesses. Cleaning services are not subject to sales tax in New York. The state sales tax is 4 percent.
Local taxes can add up to 4.875 percent more. But janitorial and cleaning services are excluded.
You do pay sales tax on the cleaning supplies you buy. You do not charge clients sales tax for your cleaning work.
- irs.gov — Apply for a free Employer Identification Number (never pay for this)
- tax.ny.gov — New York Department of Taxation and Finance — business tax information
What Licenses and Permits Do You Need?
New York does not require a state cleaning license. You do not need special permission from the state to offer cleaning services. But you still need to handle a few things.
Business Registration
You must register your business with the Department of State. If you formed a limited liability company, you already did this.
Sole proprietors using a different name must file a Doing Business As certificate. File it with your county clerk for about $25 plus county fees.
Local Permits
Some cities and counties require a local business license or permit. Check with your city or county clerk. Most fees are $50 to $200 per year.
New York City Requirements
If you work in New York City, you face extra rules. Most buildings require a Certificate of Insurance first. The building must be listed as additional insured on your policy.
Set this up with your insurance company before your first job. Many buildings will not let you in without proof.
A surety bond is nearly essential for residential cleaning in New York City. Bonds range from $10,000 to $50,000 in coverage. The premium is $150 to $400 per year.
In New York City, carry your Certificate of Insurance and bond paperwork to every job. Doormen and property managers will ask for proof before letting you work.
- dos.ny.gov — New York Department of State — business registration
- nyc.gov/dca — New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection
What Insurance Do You Need?
Insurance protects you from one bad day ending your business. New York has strict rules about certain types of insurance. 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 York law for all employers with even one employee. This includes part-time workers and family members. New York has some of the strictest requirements in the country
- Surety bond — Protects clients if an employee steals something. Nearly essential for New York City residential work. Costs $150 to $400 per year for $10,000 to $50,000 in coverage
- Commercial auto insurance — Needed if you use a vehicle for business. Required if you drive to job sites with equipment
New York penalizes employers who skip workers' compensation insurance. Fines range from $1,000 to $50,000. You also face $2,000 for every 10 days without coverage.
It is a misdemeanor crime. If you cannot find private coverage, the New York State Insurance Fund provides it.
For more details on each type of coverage, read our Cleaning Business Insurance Guide.
- wcb.ny.gov — New York Workers' Compensation Board — employer requirements
- nysif.com — New York State Insurance Fund — workers' compensation coverage
What Are New York Labor Laws?
New York has strong labor protections. The state favors employees over employers in most disputes. If you plan to hire workers, follow these rules from day one.
Minimum Wage
New York has the highest tiered minimum wage system in the country. The rate depends on where your employee works.
- New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County — $16.50 per hour
- Rest of the state — $15.50 per hour
These rates go up every year. You must pay the rate based on where the employee works. It does not matter where your business is based.
Employee Classification
New York takes worker misclassification very seriously. The state uses a strict test for worker classification. Cleaners who work for a cleaning company are almost always employees.
Do not try to save money by calling employees independent contractors. New York imposes heavy fines for misclassification. You also face back-pay penalties and lawsuits.
Employer Taxes
When you hire employees, you pay these state employer taxes:
- State unemployment insurance — Rates vary based on your experience rating. New employers pay a set rate
- Workers' compensation — Required for all employees, including part-time and family members
- Metropolitan Commuter Transportation Mobility Tax — Applies if your employees work in the New York City metro area
- dol.ny.gov — Current New York minimum wage rates by region
- dol.ny.gov — Worker classification rules and penalties
What Safety Rules Apply?
New York has a partial state safety plan. The state agency called the Public Employee Safety and Health Bureau covers government workers only. Private cleaning businesses fall under federal workplace safety rules instead.
Hazard Communication
You must keep Safety Data Sheets for every cleaning chemical you use. Train your workers on what chemicals they handle. Show them how to use products safely.
Explain what to do if there is a spill or skin contact. This training must happen before they use any product.
Personal Protective Equipment
Give your workers the right safety gear for each job. This includes rubber gloves, eye protection, and masks when needed. You must pay for this equipment.
Injury and Illness Records
If you have more than 10 employees, keep records of workplace injuries. Use federal workplace safety forms to track this. Keep records for at least five years.
- Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration — Workplace safety rules for private employers
- dol.ny.gov/pesh — New York Public Employee Safety and Health Bureau
How Do You Set Cleaning Prices in New York?
New York's high cost of living means you can charge more than most states. But you also have higher costs. Factor in the $200 filing fee, publication costs, higher minimum wages, city taxes, and mandatory insurance.
Typical pricing ranges in New York:
- Home cleaning (hourly) — $40 to $80 per hour depending on your area
- Home cleaning (flat rate) — $150 to $450 for a standard 3-bedroom home
- Deep cleaning — $300 to $600 depending on home size and condition
- Move-in or move-out cleaning — $350 to $700 or more
- Office cleaning — $0.08 to $0.25 per square foot, or $35 to $85 per hour
- Airbnb turnover cleaning — $100 to $200 or more per turnover
Prices at the high end are common in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Westchester. Lower prices are more typical in upstate cities like Buffalo and Syracuse.
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 York guide.
What Cleaning Niches Are Profitable in New York?
New York has unique cleaning niches that do especially well. Here are the top five options:
New York City High-Rise Residential Cleaning
New York City has 8.3 million people living in dense apartments. Building management companies control access. You need a Certificate of Insurance to get inside most buildings.
Move-in and move-out cleaning is constant in this busy market. Build relationships with building managers for steady referrals.
Airbnb and Short-Term Rental Turnovers
New York City has over 40,000 short-term rental listings. Hosts need fast turnovers between guests. Premium rates are common in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens.
You can charge $100 to $200 or more per turnover. The work is steady and often last-minute. That means less competition from big companies.
Corporate Office Cleaning
Wall Street and Midtown Manhattan have massive commercial real estate markets. After-hours cleaning is the norm. Specialized floor care and executive suite cleaning pay well.
Corporate contracts provide stable monthly income. This niche requires more startup capital. But it offers better long-term returns.
Upstate Tourism and Vacation Rentals
The Catskills, Hudson Valley, Finger Lakes, and Adirondacks draw millions of visitors. Vacation rental owners and boutique hotels need regular cleaning. This niche is seasonal but less competitive than the city.
Combine it with residential cleaning during the off-season. That gives you year-round income.
Post-Construction Cleanup
New York City has constant construction and renovation. New developments need thorough cleaning before anyone moves in. This niche pays premium rates and requires special equipment.
There is less competition than standard home cleaning. But the work is physically demanding.
New York City is extremely competitive. Consider starting in Long Island, Westchester, or an upstate market. You can expand to the city later once you build experience.
How Do You Market a Cleaning Business in New York?
Getting clients in New York follows many of the same steps as anywhere else. But a few strategies work especially well here.
Google Business Profile
This is the single most important free marketing step. Set up your Google Business Profile with your city name, services, and photos. Ask every happy client for a Google review.
Building Relationships
In New York City, relationships with building managers and doormen are gold. Drop off business cards at buildings in your target area. Offer a free trial cleaning for building common areas.
Once you are the trusted cleaner in one building, word spreads fast.
Partner with Real Estate Agents and Property Managers
New York has one of the busiest real estate markets in the country. Agents need move-out cleaning for listings. Property managers need regular cleaning between tenants.
Offer them special rates or a referral bonus. One good partnership can keep you busy for months.
Nextdoor and Local Facebook Groups
New York residents are active on Nextdoor and local Facebook groups. Join groups for your service area. Share helpful cleaning tips.
When someone asks for a cleaner, your name will come up. Do not spam. Focus on being helpful first.
Thumbtack and Yelp
Both platforms are popular in New York for finding local services. Thumbtack lets homeowners request quotes directly. Yelp reviews carry a lot of weight.
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 York?
New York is more expensive to start in than most states. The publication requirement adds a cost no other state has. Here is a breakdown of what to expect:
- Limited liability company filing — $200 (one-time, through the Department of State)
- Publication requirement — $200 to $2,550 or more (depends on county; New York City boroughs are $800 to $1,900 or more)
- Certificate of Publication — $50 (one-time filing fee)
- Biennial Report — $9 every two years
- Annual Filing Fee — $25 to $4,500 per year (based on income)
- Local business license — $50 to $200 per year (varies by city)
- General liability insurance — $400 to $1,200 per year
- Workers' compensation insurance — Varies (only if you have employees)
- Surety bond — $150 to $400 per year (nearly essential in New York City)
- Cleaning supplies and equipment — $200 to $500 to start
- Marketing (initial) — $100 to $500
What Is on Your New York Startup Checklist?
Here is a step-by-step list to follow. Complete each item before moving to the next:
- Choose your business structure — Form a limited liability company at dos.ny.gov ($200)
- Complete the publication requirement — Publish in two newspapers for six weeks within 120 days
- File your Certificate of Publication — Submit to the Department of State ($50)
- Get an Employer Identification Number — Apply free at irs.gov
- Open a business bank account — Keep personal and business money separate
- Register with the Department of Taxation — Set up your state tax account at tax.ny.gov
- Get your local business license — Apply through your city or county
- Buy general liability insurance — Get at least $1 million in coverage
- Get a surety bond — Nearly essential if you work in New York City
- Buy cleaning supplies — Start with the basics and upgrade as you grow
- Set your prices — Use our Price Calculator and factor in New York costs
- Set up your Google Business Profile — This is your most important marketing tool
- Book your first clients — Tell friends, post on Nextdoor, join Thumbtack
- Get workers' compensation insurance — Required before your first employee starts work
What Are the Best Tips for New York?
Here are practical tips from successful New York cleaning business owners:
- Start solo to keep costs low — New York's publication costs and city taxes add up fast. Work alone until you have enough clients to justify hiring
- Consider starting outside the city — Long Island, Westchester, and upstate markets have less competition and lower startup costs. Publication costs are much cheaper outside New York City
- Build relationships with doormen — In New York City, doormen are gatekeepers. A good relationship means referrals to other tenants in the building
- Get your Certificate of Insurance set up right — Many buildings in New York City need to be listed as additional insureds. Ask your insurance company to make this easy to add
- Plan for transit — In the city, parking is expensive and unreliable. Many cleaners use public transit and ship supplies to a storage unit. Budget time for travel between jobs
- Target Airbnb hosts early — With over 40,000 short-term rentals, this is a huge market. Offer fast turnovers and flexible scheduling
- Keep detailed records — New York has strict tax reporting rules. Track every dollar from day one. New York City extra taxes make this even more important
- Get your systems in place early — Use software like MaidProfit for scheduling and invoices. This lets you focus on cleaning and growing
Where Do You Find New York Government Resources?
Here is a complete list of every government website mentioned in this guide. Bookmark these. You will need them as your business grows.
- New York Department of State — Register your business, file articles, search names
- New York Department of Taxation and Finance — State income tax, sales tax, annual filing fees
- New York Workers' Compensation Board — Workers' compensation requirements for employers
- New York State Insurance Fund — Workers' compensation coverage if private carriers deny you
- New York Department of Labor — Minimum wage, worker classification, labor law compliance
- New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection — City-specific business rules and permits
- Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration — Workplace safety rules for private employers
- Internal Revenue Service — Free Employer Identification Number application
- Small Business Administration — Free counseling and local assistance for small businesses
What Are the Guides for Nearby States?
Thinking about expanding to a nearby state? Each state has different rules and fees. Check our other northeastern state guides below.
- How to Start a Cleaning Business in Pennsylvania — $125 filing fee, no publication requirement, lower costs
- How to Start a Cleaning Business in New Jersey — $125 filing fee, dense suburban market, high demand
- How to Start a Cleaning Business in Connecticut — Affluent suburban market, high per-capita income
- How to Start a Cleaning Business in Vermont — Tourism and vacation rental niches, lower competition
- How to Start a Cleaning Business in Massachusetts — Strong Boston metro market, strict labor laws
- New Jersey Cleaning Prices — Hourly rates and city-by-city pricing for New Jersey
- Connecticut Cleaning Prices — Hourly rates and city-by-city pricing for Connecticut
- Massachusetts Cleaning Prices — Hourly rates and city-by-city pricing for Massachusetts
- Pennsylvania Cleaning Prices — Hourly rates and city-by-city pricing for Pennsylvania
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 York Cleaning Business Today
New York has more rules than most states. But it also has more people, higher demand, and higher prices. The extra effort pays off with a bigger market and better earnings.
Start by forming your limited liability company and completing the publication requirement. Get your Employer Identification Number and insurance. Set prices that cover New York's higher costs.
Then focus on getting your first clients. Use Google, building relationships, and local partnerships. Take action today.
Every successful cleaning company in New York started with one owner. The steps in this guide give you a clear path to follow.