Starting a cleaning business in Vermont 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 Vermont, including filing fees, licenses, insurance, labor laws, and local tips.
Why Start a Cleaning Business in Vermont?
Vermont is the Green Mountain State. It has a small population of about 645,000 people. But it has a strong demand for cleaning services that most people overlook.
Ski resorts bring thousands of visitors each winter. Fall foliage season fills every bed and breakfast in the state. These tourists create steady cleaning work all year long.
Vermont residents also care deeply about the environment. Green cleaning is not just a nice option here. It is what most clients expect.
If you use eco-friendly products, you fit right into the market.
Read our general How to Start a Cleaning Business guide first. This Vermont guide adds the state-specific steps you need on top of those basics.
How Do You Choose a Business Structure?
Your first step is to pick a business structure. This decides how you pay taxes and how much protection you have. Vermont offers two main options for new cleaning companies.
Sole Proprietorship
This is the easiest way to start. You do not need to file anything with the state. Vermont treats you as a sole proprietor the moment you start working.
If you want a business name, you file a trade name. You do this with the town clerk where your business is located. The fee is small and varies by town.
The downside is that you have no personal protection. If something goes wrong, your personal savings 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 safe.
To form one in Vermont, file Articles of Organization. You do this through the Secretary of State website. The filing fee is $155.
This is the same whether you file online or by mail.
You must also file an annual report each year. The annual report costs $45.
Online filings process in about one business day. Paper filings take five to seven business days.
Choose a limited liability company. The $155 filing fee is a small price for protecting your personal assets.
You go into people's homes every day. The liability protection is worth it.
- sos.vermont.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 and file taxes.
Apply for free at the Internal Revenue Service website. You get your number right away online.
Vermont Income Tax
Vermont has a progressive state income tax. The rates range from 3.35% to 8.75%. You pay more as your business earns more.
The tax has four brackets. File your state taxes through the Vermont Department of Taxes.
Cleaning Services and Sales Tax
Good news for cleaning businesses in Vermont. Cleaning services are not subject to sales tax. Vermont has a 6% state sales tax.
Some towns add a 1% local option tax. But most services are exempt from sales tax.
You do not need to collect sales tax on house cleaning or office cleaning. You only collect sales tax if you sell physical products to clients.
- irs.gov — Apply for a free Employer Identification Number (never pay for this)
- tax.vermont.gov — Vermont Department of Taxes — income tax and sales tax information
What Licenses and Permits Do You Need?
Vermont does not require a special state license for cleaning businesses. There is no janitorial registration or cleaning permit. This keeps your startup simple.
You do need to register your business with the Secretary of State. You also need to check with your local town or city.
Some towns require a local business license. Fees vary by location.
What You Do Not Need
Unlike some states, Vermont has no statewide cleaning license. There is no janitorial employer registration. There is no special permit for cleaning companies.
This saves you money and paperwork compared to many other states.
Always check with your local town clerk. Some Vermont towns have their own business permit rules.
Burlington, Montpelier, and Rutland each have different local rules. Call before you start working.
- sos.vermont.gov — Register your business with the Vermont Secretary of State
What Insurance Do You Need?
Insurance protects you from one bad day ending your business. Vermont has specific 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 Vermont law when you have employees. You need it if workers are employed 20 or more weeks per year. It also applies if your quarterly payroll is $1,500 or more
- Surety bond — Protects clients if an employee steals something. Not required by Vermont, but many clients ask for it. Costs $100 to $500 per year
- Commercial auto insurance — Needed if you use a vehicle for business. Vermont requires liability coverage on all vehicles
For more details on each type of coverage, read our Cleaning Business Insurance Guide.
- labor.vermont.gov — Vermont Department of Labor — workers' compensation requirements for employers
What Are Vermont Labor Laws?
Vermont has strong worker protections. If you plan to hire cleaners, you must follow these rules from day one.
Minimum Wage
Vermont's minimum wage is $14.42 per hour. This rate goes up each year based on the cost of living.
Vermont ties its minimum wage to the consumer price index. This means it adjusts on its own every year.
Tipped workers must earn at least $7.21 per hour before tips. Their tips must bring total pay to the full minimum wage.
Vermont does not let cities set their own rates. The state rate applies everywhere.
Employee Classification
Vermont follows strict rules about who counts as an employee. Your cleaners almost always count as employees. They are not independent contractors.
This is because cleaning is the main work of your business.
Hiring cleaners as independent contractors is risky. Vermont can fine you for wrong classification.
You must also pay back wages and taxes. Hire cleaners as employees to stay safe.
Employer Taxes
When you hire employees in Vermont, you pay state employer taxes. These include state unemployment insurance.
New employers pay a set starting rate. The rate changes as your business grows.
You must also register with the Vermont Department of Taxes for withholding. This lets you take state income tax from employee paychecks.
Vermont now requires translation services for injured workers who do not speak English. If you have workers who speak another language, you must help them. Provide translation during the workers' compensation process.
- labor.vermont.gov — Vermont Department of Labor — wages, workers' compensation, and employer rules
- tax.vermont.gov — Vermont Department of Taxes — employer withholding and tax registration
What Safety Rules Apply in Vermont?
Vermont runs its own workplace safety program. It is called the Vermont Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
This agency is part of the Vermont Department of Labor. It covers both private and public sector workers.
Vermont is one of the few states with a full state safety plan. This means the state enforces its own rules. It follows all federal standards and adds some of its own.
Hazard Communication Program
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.
Injury Prevention
Keep a safe workplace for your cleaning team. Train workers on how to lift heavy items.
Show them how to avoid slips and falls. Provide the right safety gear for each job.
You must display workplace safety posters in your office. You also need to post a notice about workers' compensation rights. These posters are free from the Vermont Department of Labor.
Using green cleaning products helps with safety rules. Non-toxic products reduce the risk of chemical injuries. They also appeal to Vermont clients who expect eco-friendly cleaning.
- labor.vermont.gov — Vermont Occupational Safety and Health Administration — workplace safety rules
How Do You Set Cleaning Prices in Vermont?
Vermont's cost of living is moderate compared to big cities. But tourism areas command higher prices. Factor in your insurance, taxes, supplies, and travel time between jobs.
Typical pricing ranges in Vermont:
- 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, or $25 to $60 per hour
- Vacation rental turnover — $75 to $200 per turnover
Prices are higher in Burlington, Stowe, and other resort towns. Prices are lower in rural areas. Ski season and fall foliage season let you charge peak rates.
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 Vermont guide.
What Cleaning Niches Are Profitable in Vermont?
Vermont has unique cleaning niches that do well because of the state's tourism and culture. Here are the top options.
Ski Resort and Vacation Rental Cleaning
Vermont is home to famous ski resorts. Stowe, Killington, Sugarbush, and Jay Peak draw thousands of visitors. These resorts have vacation rentals and condos that need cleaning between guests.
Ski season runs from December through March. You can earn $100 to $200 or more per turnover.
The work is fast-paced and steady during peak season. Many resort owners need last-minute cleaning help.
Fall Foliage Tourism Cleaning
Vermont's fall foliage is the state's biggest tourist draw. September and October bring huge crowds.
Bed and breakfast inns and vacation rentals fill up fast. They all need turnover cleaning between guests.
This niche pairs well with ski resort cleaning. Together, they give you two strong peak seasons each year.
Bed and Breakfast and Inn Cleaning
Vermont has many bed and breakfast inns per person. It is one of the top states for inns.
Towns like Stowe, Woodstock, and Manchester have dozens. These properties need regular cleaning on a set schedule.
Build a relationship with a few inn owners. This creates reliable, repeating income all year. Inn owners value consistent, trusted cleaning partners.
Green and Eco-Friendly Cleaning
Vermont is one of the most eco-conscious states in the country. Green cleaning is not a bonus here. It is what clients expect by default.
Use non-toxic, plant-based cleaning products.
Market your green cleaning approach proudly. Vermont residents will choose you over a competitor who uses harsh chemicals. You can also charge a small premium for certified green products.
Burlington and University Market
Burlington is Vermont's largest city. It is home to the University of Vermont and Champlain College.
Student housing needs turnover cleaning each semester. The Church Street area has shops and offices that need regular cleaning.
Burlington also has a growing number of small technology companies. These offices need cleaning services. This niche keeps you busy all year, not just during tourist seasons.
Combine ski season, fall foliage, and summer tourism cleaning. This gives you three strong seasons per year. Use the quieter months for deep cleaning and office contracts.
How Do You Market a Cleaning Business in Vermont?
Getting clients in Vermont follows many of the same steps as anywhere else. But a few strategies work especially well here.
Google Business Profile
This is the most important free marketing step. Set up your Google Business Profile.
Include your town, services, hours, and photos. Ask every happy client to leave a Google review.
Front Porch Forum
Front Porch Forum is Vermont's own online community platform. Most Vermont towns use it. Post helpful cleaning tips and introduce your business.
When someone asks for a cleaner, your name comes up. This is like Nextdoor but made for Vermont.
Partner with Property Managers and Inn Owners
Vermont has many vacation rental owners and inn operators. Reach out to them directly.
Offer reliable turnover cleaning with fast response times. One good partnership can fill your schedule for months.
Buy Local Networks
Vermont has a strong "buy local" culture. Join your local chamber of commerce.
Attend farmers markets and community events. Vermont residents prefer to hire local business owners they know and trust.
Thumbtack and Social Media
Thumbtack lets homeowners request quotes directly. Set up a profile for your service area.
Also use Facebook groups for your town. Share before-and-after photos and cleaning tips.
For a complete marketing plan, read our Marketing Your Cleaning Business guide. Also see How to Get Cleaning Clients Fast.
How Much Does It Cost to Start in Vermont?
Vermont is affordable compared to many states. There is no franchise tax and no janitorial registration fee. Here is what to expect.
- Limited liability company filing — $155 (one-time, through the Secretary of State)
- Annual report — $45 per year
- Local business license — $25 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
- Green cleaning products — $50 to $150 extra over standard supplies
What Is on Your Vermont 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 sos.vermont.gov ($155)
- Get an Employer Identification Number — Apply free at irs.gov
- Open a business bank account — Keep personal and business money separate
- Check local permit rules — Contact your town clerk for any local license needs
- Register with the Vermont Department of Taxes — Set up your state tax account at tax.vermont.gov
- Buy general liability insurance — Get at least $1 million in coverage
- Buy green cleaning supplies — Start with eco-friendly products that Vermont clients expect
- Set your prices — Use our Price Calculator and factor in Vermont costs
- Set up your Google Business Profile — This is your most important marketing tool
- Join Front Porch Forum — Connect with your local Vermont community
- Book your first clients — Tell friends, post online, reach out to inn owners
- Get workers' compensation insurance — Required before your first employee starts work
What Are the Best Tips for Vermont?
Here are practical tips from cleaning business owners in Vermont.
- Use green products from day one — Vermont clients expect eco-friendly cleaning. This is not optional in the Green Mountain State
- Plan for seasonal peaks — Ski season and fall foliage bring a rush of work. Hire seasonal help or turn down less profitable jobs during peaks
- Build inn and resort relationships early — These partnerships provide steady, year-round income. Start reaching out before the busy season
- Join the "buy local" movement — Vermont residents strongly prefer local businesses. Put "locally owned" on your marketing materials
- Account for travel time — Vermont is rural. Drive times between jobs can be long. Group clients by area to save time and fuel
- Prepare for winter driving — Snow and ice make travel harder from November through April. Carry emergency supplies in your vehicle
- Network at community events — Small towns mean word of mouth is powerful. Attend farmers markets and local gatherings to meet potential clients
- Get your systems in place early — Use software like MaidProfit for scheduling, quoting, and invoices. This lets you focus on cleaning and growing
What Are the Guides for Nearby States?
Thinking about expanding to a nearby state? Each state has different rules and fees. Check our other New England state guides below.
- How to Start a Cleaning Business in Massachusetts — Biotech and university cleaning, highest filing fees, Cape Cod tourism
- How to Start a Cleaning Business in New Hampshire — No income tax, no sales tax, Lakes Region and White Mountains tourism
- How to Start a Cleaning Business in New York — Largest market, tiered minimum wage, cleaning not taxable
- New Hampshire Cleaning Prices — Hourly rates and city-by-city pricing for New Hampshire
- Massachusetts Cleaning Prices — Hourly rates and city-by-city pricing for Massachusetts
- New York Cleaning Prices — Hourly rates and city-by-city pricing for New York
Where Do You Find Vermont 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.
- Vermont Secretary of State — Register your business, file articles, search business names
- Vermont Department of Taxes — Income tax, sales tax, employer withholding registration
- Vermont Department of Labor — Wages, workers' compensation, workplace safety, unemployment insurance
- Internal Revenue Service — Free Employer Identification Number application
- Small Business Administration — Free counseling and local help 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 Vermont Cleaning Business Today
Vermont is a great state for cleaning businesses. The startup costs are low. There is no special cleaning license needed.
Cleaning services are not taxable. And the demand from tourism keeps growing.
Start by forming your limited liability company and getting your Employer Identification Number. Get insured, buy green cleaning supplies, and set prices that work for your area. Then focus on building relationships with inn owners, resort managers, and local residents.
Every successful cleaning company in Vermont started with one owner and one first client. The steps in this guide give you a clear path. Take action today.