How do I partner with estate agents for domestic cleaning work in the UK?

Partnering with UK Estate Agents: the fastest route to consistent domestic cleaning work

Estate agents can be one of the most reliable sources of repeat domestic cleaning jobs in the UK. They sit at the centre of property activity: lettings, sales, inspections, property management, landlord needs, tenant changeovers, and “we need this sorted by Friday” situations. If you can become the cleaning company an agent trusts, you can create a steady pipeline of work that’s far less seasonal than relying on one-off residential clients alone.

This article breaks down how to approach estate agents, what services they actually buy, how to price and package your work, and how to run the admin side so you look professional from day one. You’ll also see how to use invoice24 (your free invoice app) as a practical advantage when you’re dealing with agencies that care about paperwork, payment tracking, and clear audit trails.

Why estate agents are such a strong client channel for cleaners

Domestic cleaning work from estate agents tends to come in clusters and repeat cycles. When one tenant leaves, another arrives. When a property is sold, it needs presentation. When a landlord is unhappy, the agent needs a quick fix. That means agents don’t just buy cleaning once—they buy it repeatedly, and they want a supplier who can turn jobs around quickly without drama.

Estate agents also have a professional incentive to maintain standards. A tidy property photographs better, views better, and reduces complaints. For lettings teams, cleanliness is often the difference between a smooth move-in and a week of calls from an angry tenant. For sales teams, a clean home can make viewings feel brighter and more welcoming.

Most importantly, agencies value reliability over novelty. Once they find a cleaner who communicates well, shows up when promised, and handles invoicing properly, they rarely want to shop around. Your goal is to become that “default” cleaner—especially for branch managers and property managers who are juggling dozens or hundreds of properties.

Understand what estate agents actually need (and when)

Before you pitch, get clear on the types of cleaning agencies buy. Estate agents usually aren’t looking for weekly domestic cleaning for homeowners (though they may refer you). They’re mainly buying cleaning services that support the property lifecycle.

Most common cleaning jobs estate agents outsource

End of tenancy cleans: Often the biggest category. These are deeper cleans required when tenants leave, with high expectations and a fixed deadline. They can include ovens, fridges, windows (internal), skirting boards, bathrooms, limescale removal, and sometimes carpet cleaning.

Pre-tenancy “refresh” cleans: Not always a full deep clean—sometimes it’s a quick turnaround to make a property feel presentable. Agents love suppliers who can do these at short notice.

Move-in / move-out cleans for sales: Sellers may want a one-off clean before photos and viewings, or the agent may order it as part of staging.

Show-home style presentation cleans: Light “sparkle” cleans before block viewings or open-house events.

After-maintenance cleans: When trades have been in (plastering, painting, plumbing), dust and mess needs removing quickly.

Landlord complaint cleans: If a tenant has let a property slide or a landlord wants standards raised, property managers may order a targeted clean.

Common area cleaning: In some setups, agents manage blocks and need corridor, stairwell, or communal area cleans.

Timing matters: when agents feel the pain

If you want consistent work, focus on the moments agents are under pressure:

Tenant changeover days: Check-out, cleaning, inspection, check-in. Your ability to slot in and deliver quickly is valuable.

Monday mornings: Many agencies review weekend activity and urgent issues first thing Monday.

End of month: Tenancies often end around month-end. Your capacity planning should reflect this.

Pre-photo schedules: Sales teams might need a property cleaned before the photographer arrives.

Choose the right type of estate agent to target

Not all agencies are equally valuable. Some refer cleaning to tenants and landlords (leads), while others directly place cleaning orders (contracted supplier style). You can pursue both, but your pitch and pricing should match the model.

High-value targets

Lettings-focused branches: More tenant turnover means more end-of-tenancy work.

Property management departments: These teams control budgets and approve supplier lists. They’re the gatekeepers.

Student lettings specialists: Peak season is intense, but volumes can be high. If you can handle the rush, it can be very profitable.

Build-to-rent and corporate lets: Often higher standards, regular cleans, and clearer processes.

Lower-value targets (still useful)

Small sales-only agencies: Less repeat cleaning orders, but they can refer homeowners who want a clean before viewings.

New start-ups: They may not have volume yet, but they can be easy to win if you help them look organised from the start.

Build a service offer that estate agents can say “yes” to

Estate agents are busy. If your offer is confusing or requires a long back-and-forth, they’ll default to whoever is already on their list. Make it easy to understand, easy to book, and easy to pay.

Create a simple “Agent Service Menu”

Think of this as a one-page overview you can email or hand in:

End of tenancy deep clean: Priced by bedrooms or square footage range (give starting prices and clear “from” language).

Sparkle clean: A lighter clean for viewings or move-ins.

After-trades clean: Dust-focused and debris removal (within scope).

Add-ons: Oven clean, fridge clean, internal windows, carpet cleaning (if you offer it), upholstery, mould spot treatment (if trained and insured).

Availability: Your working days, typical lead times, and whether you offer emergency slots.

Service area: Postcodes you cover.

Standards checklist: A short bullet list of what’s included so expectations are clear.

When you pair this with professional admin, you instantly stand out. With invoice24, you can send clean, consistent invoices, include job references, and keep all your agency clients organised in one place—without paying for a bloated accounting suite you don’t need.

Make reliability your product

Cleaning quality matters, but reliability is what wins agency work. Agents will forgive a missed smudge far sooner than they’ll forgive a missed deadline. Your service should be built around predictable outcomes:

Confirmations: Always confirm date, time window, access method, and expected standard.

Key handling: Have a clear process for collecting/returning keys, or for lockbox codes, and log it.

Before-and-after photos: Not glamorous, but hugely persuasive for property managers and disputes.

Job completion message: A short message after finishing with notes (e.g., “Oven cleaned, limescale treated, property ready for inspection”).

Invoice immediately: Agencies love suppliers who invoice quickly and clearly.

Price your work for agencies without undercutting yourself

One of the most common mistakes is offering “agency discount” pricing that wipes out your margin. Estate agent work can be high volume, but it can also be demanding: short deadlines, access issues, and detailed standards. Price for the reality of the jobs you’ll do.

Pricing models that work well

Fixed packages by property size: For example, studio/1 bed/2 bed/3 bed/4+. Agents like predictable budgets.

Hourly with minimum hours: Useful for sparkle cleans or after-trades cleans, but be careful: agents may compare suppliers on headline hourly rates only.

Fixed price plus add-ons: A base clean with optional extras (oven, windows, carpets). This keeps your base competitive while protecting margin on time-heavy tasks.

Protect yourself with clear boundaries

Agency work can creep. What starts as “a quick clean” can become “also remove mould, lift stains, clear rubbish, and deep clean behind appliances.” Avoid disputes by defining what’s included and what costs extra.

Be explicit about:

Heavily soiled properties: When a “deep clean” becomes a restoration clean, you need a different rate.

Rubbish removal: Are you taking it away or just bagging it? Disposal costs should never come out of your pocket.

Biohazards: If there’s animal waste, needles, bodily fluids, or other hazards, you may need specialist handling.

Parking and congestion: Decide how you handle paid parking or difficult access.

How to approach estate agents (without sounding like everyone else)

Agents are constantly pitched. The difference is in how you position yourself: not as “a cleaner,” but as a supplier who solves their operational problems. Keep your outreach short, specific, and easy to action.

Start with local, then expand

Estate agency work is postcode-driven. Start with a tight radius you can service reliably, win one or two branches, and then expand. If you overpromise on distance, you’ll be late, stressed, and less profitable.

Best outreach methods

In-person drop-in (best for local independents): Dress neatly, bring a simple one-page service menu, and ask who handles supplier partnerships.

Email outreach (best for chains and property managers): Short subject line, one paragraph, clear offer, and a call to action.

Phone follow-up: Helpful if you’re respectful of time. Call mid-morning or mid-afternoon—avoid first thing and lunch.

LinkedIn (optional): Find property managers and branch managers, connect, and keep messages practical.

A pitch that works: focus on outcomes

Instead of “We offer cleaning services,” try:

Speed: “48-hour turnaround for end-of-tenancy cleans in your postcodes.”

Standards: “Checklist-based cleans designed for inventory inspections.”

Evidence: “Before/after photos provided on completion.”

Admin: “Clear invoicing with property reference and PO number, sent same day via invoice24.”

That last point matters more than most cleaners realise. Agencies hate chasing invoices, decoding vague descriptions, and reconciling who ordered what. If you make billing painless, you become the safe choice.

Get onto the supplier list: what agents usually ask for

Some agencies can approve you informally; others require onboarding. Be ready with a “supplier pack” so you can respond quickly when they request details.

Your supplier pack checklist

Public liability insurance: Provide proof and renewal date.

Services and coverage area: Postcodes, travel policy, call-out policy.

Pricing menu: Simple, clearly structured.

Availability and lead times: What you can realistically deliver.

References or testimonials: Even a few short ones help.

Risk and access process: Key collection, lockboxes, alarm systems, who to contact on access issues.

Invoicing and payment terms: How you invoice, what information you include, and when payment is due.

Make invoicing a selling point (this is where invoice24 shines)

Estate agents deal with multiple properties and multiple suppliers. If your invoices are inconsistent or missing key details, they get delayed. In agency environments, delayed invoices often mean delayed payment.

Using invoice24, you can create a clean invoicing workflow that matches how agencies operate:

Property reference on every invoice: Include the address or internal property code so accounts can match it instantly.

PO number / job reference fields: If the agency uses purchase orders, adding the PO number reduces back-and-forth.

Line-item clarity: Separate “End of tenancy clean” from add-ons like “Oven clean” or “Internal windows.”

Fast sending: Send invoices as soon as the job is done, while the job reference is fresh.

Client list management: Keep each branch as a separate client so you can track who pays on time and who needs a nudge.

The result is simple: you look organised, the agency trusts you more, and your chances of becoming their go-to cleaner increase.

Offer a referral model as a second lane of work

Even if an agency doesn’t directly order cleans, they can still send you business. Many agents recommend cleaners to tenants moving out, landlords preparing a property, or sellers getting ready for viewings.

You can structure a referral partnership that feels ethical and straightforward:

Preferred supplier listing: You’re the cleaner they recommend first.

Tenant information sheet: The agent gives tenants your booking details and a simple “move-out clean checklist.”

Landlord pack add-on: Your service menu included in landlord onboarding materials.

Referral partnerships can create a steady flow of leads. The key is to make the agent look good: fast response, polite communication, and clear expectations. When the agent feels safe referring you, they’ll do it repeatedly.

Delivering jobs the way agencies love

Winning the partnership is only half of it. The real game is delivering in a way that reduces headaches for property managers.

Use a checklist that matches inspections

Many disputes in end-of-tenancy cleans come down to “You didn’t do X” rather than the general standard. A checklist helps you deliver consistently and provides a shared understanding of what a clean includes.

Include areas that frequently get flagged:

Bathrooms (limescale, grout, taps), kitchen (oven, splashback, cupboard fronts), floors and edges, skirting boards, internal glass, light switches, and high-touch points.

Communicate like a supplier, not a casual contractor

Short messages that answer the agency’s unspoken questions make you stand out:

Before the job: “Booked for Thursday 10am–2pm. Collecting keys from reception at 9:30am. Please confirm parking instructions.”

If there’s an issue: “Property is heavily soiled beyond standard EOT clean. I can proceed at the agreed rate for standard scope, or quote for restoration tasks (estimated extra 2–3 hours). Please advise.”

After completion: “Completed 1pm. Oven and internal windows done. Photos available. Invoice sent via invoice24 with ref: 12 High Street.”

Handle access smoothly

Access problems destroy profitability. Create a routine:

Confirm access the day before: Keys, codes, alarms, concierge instructions.

Arrive early for key pickup: Build buffer time into your schedule.

Document access notes: If a key doesn’t work or the property is occupied, record it and notify immediately.

Payment terms and getting paid on time

Agency payment cycles vary. Some pay fast, others run monthly payments, and some pay on strict terms like 14 or 30 days. Your goal is to prevent delays caused by admin issues and to set expectations early.

Set terms clearly (but stay flexible where it makes sense)

Typical approaches include:

Pay on completion: More common for referral work with private clients.

7–14 days: Common for small local agencies and independents.

30 days end of month: More common for larger firms.

Whichever you choose, make it explicit on your invoice and in your initial agreement. And keep it consistent. Agencies appreciate predictability.

Use invoice24 to keep your accounts tidy

Late payments often happen because invoices are missing information or get lost in the chain. A clean invoicing system helps you avoid both.

With invoice24, you can:

Standardise invoice format: Same layout every time so agency accounts teams know where to look.

Track invoices by client: Each branch or property management department stays organised.

Send invoices promptly: Faster invoicing reduces “we’ll deal with it later” delays.

Reduce admin time: Less time chasing paperwork means more time doing paid work.

Preventing disputes: quality control that protects your reputation

In agency cleaning, one bad experience can remove you from the supplier list. Protect yourself with simple quality controls.

Do a final walkthrough every time

Before leaving, walk each room and check the common fail points: mirrors, taps, toilet base, oven glass, splashback, skirting edges, and floors near thresholds. It takes minutes and saves callbacks.

Use photos strategically

You don’t need to photograph everything, but key areas help:

Kitchen: Hob, oven, sink, worktops.

Bathrooms: Shower screen, taps, toilet, sink.

Floors: High-traffic areas.

Any pre-existing issues: Damage, mould, staining, heavy limescale, broken fittings.

Photos support your invoice, justify add-on charges, and help agencies settle disputes quickly.

Upsell without being pushy: add-ons agents actually value

Agencies love add-ons when they reduce follow-up issues. If you offer them in a structured way, you increase your revenue per job without sounding salesy.

High-value add-ons

Oven cleaning: Frequently required and time-consuming—price it fairly.

Internal windows: Especially in city flats where light matters.

Fridge/freezer: Often neglected by tenants.

Carpet cleaning: If you can do it or have a partner, it’s a strong differentiator.

Mattress cleaning: Useful for furnished rentals.

Offer bundles for simplicity

Agents don’t want to build a quote from scratch. Bundles work well:

EOT Plus: End of tenancy clean + oven + internal windows.

Move-in Ready: Sparkle clean + kitchen focus + bathroom descaling.

Bundle pricing also makes invoices clearer, which keeps accounts teams happy—again, a quiet advantage that helps you stay on the supplier list.

Scale the partnership: from one branch to multiple

Once you’ve delivered a few successful jobs for one branch, ask for introductions to other branches or the central property management team. This is where agency partnerships become a growth engine.

How to ask for expansion

Keep it low-pressure:

“If you have other branches in these postcodes that need reliable end-of-tenancy cleans, I’m happy to support them too. I can send the same service menu and invoicing format for consistency.”

Consistency is what larger groups want. If you can replicate the same experience branch to branch, you become a scalable supplier.

Common mistakes to avoid

Undervaluing your time: