Bonded, insured, licensed: what they mean for a Washington house cleaner

Licensed

The state paperwork to look for is a Washington business license. A business needs one once it grosses $12,000 a year, hires employees, or meets other state triggers. (Washington DOR)

Search the business name on the DOR Business Lookup. A sole owner may hold the license under a personal name, so if you find no match, ask which name the license is under.

Insured

Two kinds of insurance matter in your home:

• General liability pays if the cleaner damages your property. Ask for a certificate and check the business name and dates on it.
• Workers' comp pays if a worker is hurt on your stairs. In Washington, employers buy it from L&I; the state does not allow private workers' comp. (L&I)

L&I warns homeowners that most homeowner policies do not cover workers, and that hiring someone outside a covered business can make you that person's employer in the state's eyes. (L&I F625-084-000)

Bonded

We found no Washington rule that requires a house cleaner to carry a bond, so the word is voluntary. When a cleaner says "bonded," ask three questions: who issued it, for how much, and what has to happen before it pays out.

If they cannot name the bond company, treat the word as advertising.

Carpet and upholstery

IICRC is the cleaning and restoration industry's certification body. A Certified Firm employs at least one IICRC Certified Technician. You can confirm a firm on the IICRC Global Locator or by calling 844-464-4272. (IICRC) Ask whether the technician coming to your house holds the certification, since the firm credential covers the business.

A two-minute check

1. Business license on the DOR lookup.
2. Insurance certificate emailed to you, in the business name.
3. Ask whether the crew are employees and whether the company has an L&I workers' comp account.
4. If they say bonded, get the bond company's name.

Then go back to the full list of cleaners or read how to hire a house cleaner.