How to bid on apartment complex cleaning contracts in 2026. Per-unit pricing ($45–$95/unit), common area rates, turnover scheduling, and how to land your first property manager.
Apartment complex cleaning contracts are some of the most valuable recurring revenue in the cleaning industry. A complex with 50 units turning over 30% annually generates 15 unit-turnover cleans per year plus common area maintenance — all from a single property manager relationship.
This guide covers how to structure your bid, what to charge per unit, and how to land your first apartment complex contract.
Apartment complexes need two distinct cleaning services: unit turnover cleaning (cleaning individual apartments between tenants) and common area maintenance (hallways, lobbies, laundry rooms, fitness centers, leasing offices).
Unit turnover cleaning is the highest-value service. Every unit must be cleaned between tenants to a move-in-ready standard — similar to move-out cleaning but to a specific property management standard. Expect deep cleaning rates: $85–$195 per unit depending on size.
Common area maintenance is recurring scheduled cleaning — daily, 3×/week, or weekly. Priced per sq ft per visit ($0.08–$0.15) or as a monthly flat rate based on scope.
2026 per-unit turnover rates: - Studio: $65–$90 - 1-bedroom: $85–$130 - 2-bedroom: $120–$175 - 3-bedroom: $160–$225
These rates assume units are in typical condition between normal tenants. For units with heavy damage, excessive soiling, or pet damage, add a 50–100% premium and get written approval before starting. Always inspect the unit before starting any turnaround with unusual conditions.
For volume (10+ units per month from a single property), offer a 5–10% volume discount. This signals professional partnership behavior and wins contracts against competitors who price each unit individually.
Common area rate benchmarks: - Hallways and corridors: $0.06–$0.10/sq ft/visit - Lobby and leasing office: $0.10–$0.18/sq ft/visit - Fitness center: $0.12–$0.20/sq ft/visit (higher touch surfaces) - Laundry room: $45–$85 per visit (small space, intensive cleaning) - Parking garage (sweeping): $0.02–$0.05/sq ft/visit
Present common area cleaning as a monthly flat rate: '3× per week common area maintenance for [property] — lobby, hallways (Floors 1–3), and fitness center = $1,840/month.' Monthly flat rates are easier for property managers to budget and invoice.
Direct outreach: Call or email property managers at apartment complexes with 50–200 units. Find contacts on LinkedIn, Google, or the complex website. Opening: 'I run a professional cleaning service specializing in apartment turnovers and common area maintenance. We're currently working with [X] properties in [city]. I'd love to schedule a 15-minute walkthrough — are you the right person to speak with about cleaning contracts?'
Real estate networking: Attend local apartment association meetings (National Apartment Association affiliates). Property managers who meet you in person and trust you are far more likely to hire you than those who receive a cold email.
Respond to RFPs: Large apartment management companies post requests for proposals (RFPs) for cleaning contracts. Search '[city] apartment complex cleaning RFP' and your state's apartment association job board.
Your first contract: Target a 50–100 unit complex. Large enough to be meaningful revenue, small enough to manage with a small team. Once you have one reference property, add it to every bid proposal: 'We currently maintain [Property Name], a [X]-unit complex in [city]. Happy to provide a reference from the property manager.'