How to check a cleaning service vets and insures its staff

When you let someone into your home to clean, you're trusting them with access to your space and valuables. A cleaning service that vets its staff properly and carries insurance isn't just being professional—it's protecting you and itself. Many people skip these checks because they assume a friendly recommendation or a good quote means the work is sound. It doesn't. Theft, damage, or injury can happen, and without proof that a service has vetted its team and holds the right cover, you have no recourse.

The difference between hiring someone and hiring a vetted, insured service matters. A solo cleaner might be excellent but typically carries no insurance. A service company should verify who works for it and protect both you and them when things go wrong. Knowing how to check this takes minutes but saves headaches.

What vetting actually means and why it matters

Vetting means the cleaning service has checked that its staff are who they say they are, haven't been convicted of relevant crimes, and are fit to enter homes. Not every service does this. Some take on staff with minimal checks, especially if they're desperate for hands. Others outsource cleaning to contractors with no visibility into their background at all.

Ask the service directly: "What checks do you run on your cleaners before they work in homes?" Legitimate answers include criminal record checks (often done through a screening company), identity verification, and reference checks from previous employers. If the answer is vague—"we trust them" or "they come recommended"—that's a red flag. Ask specifically whether they've done a criminal record check and whether they can confirm the cleaner assigned to you has been through their vetting process.

Many services will show you their vetting policy on request. Some use third-party screening services; others do it in-house. The detail you're after is that someone has independently verified the cleaner's identity and run a criminal check. If a service brushes off the question or says "we don't do formal checks," consider another option.

Insurance: what to ask for and why it protects you

Insurance protects you if a cleaner damages your property or gets injured in your home. Without it, you could end up paying for repairs out of your own pocket or facing a claim if someone is hurt. A professional cleaning service should hold public liability insurance at minimum. This covers damage they cause to your home and property.

Ask to see their insurance certificate before the first visit. A genuine service will provide it without fuss—either in person, via email, or through their online portal. The certificate should show the provider's name, the cover amount (typically R500,000 to R1,000,000 for domestic work, though amounts vary), the period of cover, and the expiry date. Check that it hasn't expired and that it clearly includes public liability.

Some services also carry employers' liability insurance, which covers them if a staff member is injured while working. This doesn't directly cover you, but it shows they take their responsibilities seriously and won't pass costs onto you if an accident occurs.

When you see the certificate, note the insurance company and policy number. Keep a copy for your records. If damage happens later, you'll know exactly how to make a claim without haggling.

Checking references and putting it together

Before booking, ask for references from other clients in your area and phone them. Ask specifically: "Has anything ever been damaged? Have you had any issues with the cleaner's reliability or conduct?" References won't tell you about vetting or insurance, but they'll confirm the service delivers what it promises in your neighbourhood.

Once you've verified vetting and insurance, you have the foundation. Before the first clean, send a brief email confirming the details: the cleaner's name, the date, and that you've seen their vetting confirmation and insurance. This creates a paper trail and shows the service you're paying attention.

When hunting for a cleaning service, prioritise those who openly discuss their vetting process and hand over insurance proof without hesitation. Strove lets you view verified providers' credentials and reviews from other users, making it easier to spot services that take these checks seriously from the start.