Service agreement template for recurring services — 40 copy-paste blocks
A one-page service agreement prevents most arguments with recurring clients: what’s included, what a late cancel costs, how prices change, and how either side can stop. This page gives you a full plain-text recurring service agreement, a one-page version, and a text-message summary for small jobs, plus scope, payment, scheduling, damage, insurance, and ending clauses, clauses by trade, and the messages to send with it. 40 copy-paste blocks in all. No account, no download, nothing to buy.
Sample wording only, not legal advice. Rules on consumer contracts, fees, and non-solicitation clauses vary by state. Have a local attorney review your version if a lot of money or an unusual clause is involved.
A service agreement covers ongoing work for a client (weekly cleaning, lawn care, pool service, pet care) and the rules that repeat every visit.
An independent contractor agreement is between you and someone you hire, like a helper or a sub. It is not between you and your client. See the independent contractor agreement template.
Big one-time home improvement jobs often have their own legal requirements in many states (written contract, license number, cancellation notice). This page is for recurring services and is not legal advice.
Mistakes that cause disputes
No checklist. The most common complaint, “you didn’t do X,” is often about something that was never included.
Fees you won’t enforce. A $75 late-cancel fee you always waive teaches clients that the agreement doesn’t mean anything. Set fees you’ll actually charge.
Copying a 10-page contract. Clients don’t read it, and that makes it harder to point to later. One to two pages in plain words gets read.
No way out. Long lock-in terms scare away residential clients. Month-to-month with 14 days’ notice is normal and builds trust.
Listing insurance you don’t have, or calling yourself “bonded” when you aren’t. Only list what you can show a certificate for.
Never updating it. Review it once a year and send a short “what changed” note with the new version.
A worked example
Maria runs a two-person cleaning business. A new client, Jordan, books biweekly cleaning. Instead of a long contract, Maria sends the one-page agreement with the checklist attached. The first visit is $260, then $150 per visit. Changes are free with 48 hours’ notice, and either side can end it with 14 days’ notice.
Three months later, Jordan texts that the inside of the fridge wasn’t cleaned. Maria replies kindly that it’s an add-on ($30) and points to the checklist. Jordan adds it for the next visit. In November, Maria sends a 30-day notice that the price goes to $160 in January, exactly as the agreement says. Jordan keeps the service. Nobody argues, because everything was in writing from day one.
Service agreement templates to copy
Start with the full agreement, or use the one-page or text version for small recurring jobs.
Full recurring service agreement (plain text)
Paste into a document or email. Fill in the brackets and delete clauses you don’t need.
RECURRING SERVICE AGREEMENT
Between: [Your business name] (“Provider”) · [phone] · [email]
And: [Client name] (“Client”) · [service address]
Start date: [Nov 9, 2026] Agreement date: [Nov 2, 2026]
1. SERVICES
Provider will perform [service] at the address above every [week / other week / month] on [day], arriving between [9 and 10am]. The checklist attached (Schedule A) shows exactly what is included.
2. PRICE AND PAYMENT
Price per visit: $[ ]. Payment is due [on the day of service / within 7 days of invoice] by [card on file / Zelle / check]. Invoices more than [15] days overdue have a $[25] late fee.
3. SCHEDULING, SKIPS AND CANCELLATIONS
Client may skip or move a visit with at least [48] hours’ notice at no charge. Cancellations with less notice, or a visit Provider can’t do because of no access, are charged [50%] of the visit price.
4. HOLIDAYS AND WEATHER
Visits that fall on [list holidays] move to the nearest open day. Provider may reschedule for unsafe weather and will tell Client as early as possible.
5. ACCESS, KEYS AND PETS
[Key / code / someone home]. Provider keeps keys and codes private and returns keys when this agreement ends. Pets: [secured / OK loose].
6. QUALITY
If something on the checklist was missed, tell Provider within [24 hours] and Provider will come back to fix it at no charge.
7. DAMAGE AND INSURANCE
Provider carries general liability insurance ([insurer], policy #[ ]). Report any damage within [48 hours]. Provider is not responsible for items that were already damaged, improperly secured, or normal wear.
8. PRICE CHANGES
Provider will give at least [30] days’ written notice before any price change.
9. TERM AND ENDING
This agreement is month-to-month. Either side may end it with [14] days’ written notice (text or email is fine).
Signed (Client): ______________________ Date: ________
Signed (Provider): ____________________ Date: ________
One-page service agreement (short version)
For simple recurring jobs where the full version is too much.
SERVICE AGREEMENT — [Business name]
Client: [Name] · [Address]
Service: [Biweekly house cleaning, standard checklist]
Day and time: [Every other Tuesday, 9am–12pm], starting [Nov 10, 2026]
Price: $[150] per visit, paid [same day by card on file]
Skips/changes: free with [48] hours’ notice; later cancels are $[75]
Missed something? Tell us within 24 hours and we’ll come back to fix it.
Price changes: at least 30 days’ notice.
Ending: either of us, any time, with 14 days’ notice.
Client signature/date: ____________ Provider: ____________
Agreement summary by text (small recurring jobs)
When a written “yes” by text is enough. Keep a screenshot.
Hi Alex, here’s a summary of what we agreed, so we both have it:
• Weekly dog walks, Mon–Fri, 30 min, between 11am and 1pm
• $25 per walk, invoiced every Friday, due within 7 days
• Skip a walk free with 24 hours’ notice
• Either of us can stop with 14 days’ notice
Reply YES if that all looks right and we’ll start Monday, Nov 9.
Email to send the agreement for signature
Short, with what to do and by when.
Subject: Your service agreement — starts Nov 9
Hi Jordan,
Thanks again for choosing us! Attached is the service agreement for your biweekly cleaning. It covers the checklist, price, how to skip a visit, and how either of us can end it. There are no surprises in it; it’s everything we talked about.
If it looks good, please sign it (an e-signature or a reply saying “I agree” is fine) by Friday, Nov 6, so I can lock in your Tuesday spot.
Questions are welcome.
[Your name]
[Business name] · [phone]
Scope and access clauses
What’s included, what isn’t, supplies, keys, and pets.
What’s included (Schedule A checklist)
A checklist prevents most disputes. Be specific about rooms and tasks.
SCHEDULE A — STANDARD VISIT CHECKLIST
Kitchen: counters, sink, stovetop, outside of appliances and cabinets, floor.
Bathrooms: toilet, tub/shower, sink, mirror, floor.
All rooms: dust reachable surfaces, vacuum, mop hard floors, empty trash.
Not included unless added: inside oven or fridge, inside cabinets, windows, laundry, walls, moving heavy furniture.
Not included and add-on pricing
Say what costs extra before the client asks for it on the day.
Add-on services are not part of the regular price and are only done when Client asks in advance: inside oven $[35], inside fridge $[30], interior windows $[5] per window, laundry $[20] per load. Provider will confirm the price before doing any add-on.
Supplies and equipment
Who brings what, and the “client’s products” exception.
Provider supplies all cleaning products and equipment. If Client wants specific products used (for example, fragrance-free or for a stone surface), Client will provide them, and Provider will use them as labeled.
Keys, codes and alarm
Privacy and return of keys in writing.
Client will provide [a key / door code / lockbox code] for entry. Provider will keep all keys and codes confidential, will not label keys with the address, and will return all keys within [7] days after this agreement ends. Client may change codes at any time and will tell Provider before the next visit.
Pets and people at home
Safety, not judgment. Covers aggressive pets and who can be home.
Client will tell Provider about any pets before the first visit. Pets that may bite, escape, or get in the way must be secured during visits. Provider may stop a visit if a pet makes it unsafe, and this counts as a lockout. An adult (18+) must be present if minors are home during a visit.
Price and payment clauses
Per-visit price, payment terms, late fees, first visits, and price changes.
Price, frequency and first visit
A first “deep” visit is often priced separately. Say so.
The first visit is a detailed visit priced at $[260] because it takes longer. After that, the regular price is $[150] per visit for [biweekly] service. If Client changes the frequency, the per-visit price may change, and Provider will confirm the new price in writing first.
Payment terms and card on file
When it’s due and how it’s paid.
Payment is due on the day of service. Client authorizes Provider to charge the card on file through [payment processor] after each visit, and will receive a receipt by email. Client may change the payment method at any time by giving written notice.
Late payment
Only if you’ll really enforce it. Clear and fixed.
Invoices not paid within [15] days of the due date have a one-time late fee of $[25]. If an invoice is more than [30] days overdue, Provider may pause visits until the balance is paid.
Price changes
Ties into your yearly price review.
Provider may change prices no more than once every [12] months and will give Client at least [30] days’ written notice by text or email. If Client does not agree to the new price, Client may end this agreement before the new price takes effect, without a cancellation charge.
Skipped visits and vacation holds
How skips are billed for a recurring slot.
Client may skip up to [2] visits per calendar year for vacation at no charge, with [7] days’ notice. Additional skips keep Client’s regular slot only if paid at [50%] of the visit price; otherwise the slot may be offered to another client.
Tips and gifts (optional clause)
Some businesses state a policy so staff and clients know.
Tips are never expected and never included in the price. If Client chooses to tip, 100% goes to the person who did the work.
Scheduling, quality, damage and insurance clauses
Cancellations, lockouts, holidays, weather, re-do windows, damage, and insurance.
Cancellation and lockout
The clause clients ask about most. Keep it short.
Client may cancel or reschedule a visit at no charge with at least [48] hours’ notice. With less notice, or if Provider arrives and cannot get in (no key, no answer, wrong code), Client will be charged [50%] of the visit price. Provider will wait at least [15] minutes and try to contact Client before leaving.
Holidays
List them, so nobody guesses.
Provider is closed on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Visits on those days move to the nearest open day that week, or are skipped at no charge if no day is open.
Weather and safety
Keeps a weather reschedule from turning into an argument.
Provider may reschedule a visit when weather or road conditions make travel or work unsafe, and will notify Client as early as possible. Rescheduled visits are not charged as cancellations. Outdoor work may be rescheduled for rain, high winds, extreme heat or cold, or poor air quality.
Quality guarantee (re-do window)
Set the window and the process.
If Client is not satisfied with any task on the checklist, Client will tell Provider within [24] hours of the visit, with a photo if possible. Provider will return within [2] business days to redo that task at no charge. Refunds are not given for completed visits, but a credit may be offered if a redo is not possible.
Damage and breakage
Report window, what’s covered, what isn’t.
Provider will take reasonable care with Client’s property. Client will report any damage within [48] hours. Provider will repair, replace, or pay the reasonable cost of items damaged by Provider’s negligence. Provider is not responsible for damage from normal wear, items that were already broken or unstable, or items Client asked Provider to clean against Provider’s advice.
Insurance
Only list coverage you actually have.
Provider carries general liability insurance of at least $[1,000,000] per occurrence with [insurer name]. A certificate of insurance is available on request. [If applicable: Provider is bonded through (bonding company).]
Term, pausing and ending clauses
Month-to-month terms, pausing, ending the agreement, and hiring your staff directly.
Term and renewal
Month-to-month is simplest for residential clients.
This agreement starts on [Nov 9, 2026] and continues month-to-month until either side ends it under section [9]. There is no minimum term.
Pausing service
A pause is not an ending. Put it in writing.
Client may pause service for up to [8] weeks once per year with [7] days’ notice, without ending this agreement. Provider will hold Client’s regular slot during the pause [at no charge / for a hold fee of $__ per month]. Pauses longer than [8] weeks end the agreement unless both sides agree otherwise in writing.
Ending the agreement
Notice period, final invoice, and return of keys.
Either side may end this agreement at any time with [14] days’ written notice by text or email. Client will pay for visits completed up to the end date. Provider will return all keys and delete stored entry codes within [7] days.
Hiring our staff directly (optional, check your state)
Common for cleaning companies with employees. Enforceability varies by state, so ask a local attorney before relying on it.
During this agreement and for [6] months after it ends, Client agrees not to hire any Provider employee who served Client’s home to do the same type of work directly, without Provider’s written consent. If Client does, Client agrees to pay a placement fee of $[ ].
Service agreement clauses by trade
Clauses that matter for specific kinds of recurring work.
House cleaning: valuables and fragile items
The two clauses cleaners most wish they’d written down.
Client will put away cash, jewelry, and other valuables before visits. Provider will not move or clean items Client marks as fragile or valuable (for example, art, heirlooms, or electronics) unless Client asks in writing.
Lawn care: season, scope and extras
Covers when the season starts and ends, and what counts as an extra.
Mowing season runs from about [April 1] to [Nov 15], depending on weather and grass growth. Each visit includes mowing, edging, and blowing off hard surfaces. Leaf cleanup, aeration, overseeding, and storm debris removal are quoted separately. Provider may skip a visit during drought or dormancy, and skipped visits are not charged.
Pet sitting and dog walking: emergencies and vet care
The clause that matters most if something goes wrong.
Client authorizes Provider to take the pet to [vet name and address], or the nearest emergency vet, if Provider believes the pet needs urgent care and Client cannot be reached within [30] minutes. Client is responsible for vet costs. Emergency contact: [name, phone].
Pool service: chemicals and equipment
Keeps responsibility clear for water quality and repairs.
Weekly service includes testing and balancing water chemistry, skimming, brushing, emptying baskets, and checking equipment. Chemicals are [included / billed at cost]. Equipment repairs (pump, filter, heater) are quoted and approved by Client before work starts.
Tutoring or lessons (agreement with a parent)
Session length, missed sessions, and who can attend.
Sessions are [60] minutes, [weekly] on [Tuesdays at 4pm], at $[60] per session, billed monthly in advance. Sessions canceled with less than [24] hours’ notice are charged. A parent or guardian must be home for in-home sessions with students under [18].
Messages to send with the agreement
Reminders, updates, and the yearly review.
Reminder to sign before the first visit
Polite, with the deadline.
Hi Alex, just a reminder to sign the service agreement before your first visit on Monday. A quick reply saying “I agree” works too. Thanks!
Updated agreement notice
When you change a clause. Say what changed in plain words.
Hi Jordan, I’ve updated my service agreement for 2027. Two changes: cancellations now need 48 hours’ notice (was 24), and the holiday list now includes the day after Thanksgiving. Everything else is the same. The new version starts Jan 1, 2027. Updated copy attached.
Yearly agreement review with a long-time client
A good time to confirm the checklist and schedule.
Hi Alex, it’s been a year since we started, thank you! Before the new year, I’d like to make sure the checklist and schedule still fit what you need. Anything you’d like added, dropped, or moved? I’ll send an updated agreement if anything changes.
How to get it signed and keep it current
Send the agreement before the first visit, not at the door. An email with a PDF or an e-signature link (DocuSign, Dropbox Sign, your booking app’s contract feature) is easiest. In the US, the federal E-SIGN Act generally treats e-signatures like ink signatures for this kind of agreement; this is general information, not legal advice.
Keep a signed copy where you can find it with the client’s name and start date, and send the client their copy. If you change prices or policies, send the updated agreement with a short summary of what changed (see the “Updated agreement notice” text above) and ask for a new signature or a written “OK.”
Review your template once a year, usually in December before new rates take effect in January. Pair it with a price increase letter if prices go up.
More clauses to consider
Optional clauses many solo operators add after their first dispute. Use only the ones that fit your work.
Communication and response times
Sets expectations for texts after hours.
Provider will reply to texts and emails within [one business day]. Messages sent after [6pm] or on [Sundays] will be answered the next business day. For same-day changes to a visit, Client will text, not email.
Safe working conditions
Covers aggressive pets, unsafe areas, and smoking.
Provider may skip or end a visit if conditions are unsafe, including an unrestrained aggressive animal, no working lights, hazardous materials, or harassment. Client will not smoke in the area being serviced during the visit. A visit ended for safety reasons is charged as a late cancellation.
Substitute workers and helpers
So a sub or helper doesn’t come as a surprise.
Provider may send a trained team member or substitute when Provider is sick or on vacation. Provider will tell Client the person’s name before the visit, and Provider remains responsible for the work under this agreement.
Client-provided equipment and products
Who is responsible when the client’s vacuum or mower breaks.
If Client asks Provider to use Client’s own equipment or products, Provider is not responsible for normal wear or for failure of that equipment, and Client will tell Provider about any known problems with it before use.
Photos and online posts
Same idea as the intake consent, inside the agreement.
Provider may take photos of the work for quality records. Provider will not post photos online unless Client agrees in writing, and will never post photos showing Client’s address, faces, documents, or valuables.
Resolving disagreements
Talk first; then a simple next step. Check your state before relying on this.
If there is a disagreement about the work or a bill, both sides will first try to settle it by talking or in writing within [14] days. If that doesn’t work, either side may use small claims court in [County, State] or any other option allowed by law.
Whole agreement and changes
Keeps old texts from overriding the signed version.
This agreement (including Schedule A) is the full agreement between Client and Provider for the regular service. Changes must be in writing, which includes text or email that both sides confirm. If one part of this agreement can’t be enforced, the rest still applies.
Common questions
Do I need a written agreement for recurring residential service? Usually not by law, but it prevents most arguments about scope, cancellations, and price changes. For small jobs, a text summary with a “YES” reply gives you a clear record.
Is an e-signature or an “I agree” email valid? In the US, the federal ESIGN Act and most states’ electronic transaction laws generally treat electronic signatures and records like paper ones. Keep the email or the signed PDF.
How long should the notice period be to end the agreement? 14 days is common for residential services, and 30 days for commercial clients. Give yourself the same notice period you give the client.
Should I charge a cancellation fee? Only if you’ll really charge it. Many solo businesses charge 50% for cancellations under 24–48 hours’ notice and waive the first one for good clients. See cancellation policy wording and no-show messages.
Can I raise prices during the agreement? Yes, if the agreement says how. A “30 days’ written notice, no more than once a year” clause is fair and easy to explain. See price increase letters.
Is this a legal contract? It is sample wording to start from, not legal advice. Rules on fees, non-solicitation, and consumer contracts vary by state. If a lot of money or a non-standard clause is involved, have a local attorney review your version once.
How to use this template
Copy the full or one-page version into a document, fill in your business details and standard terms once, and save it as your starter. For each new client, change only the name, address, schedule, price, and checklist.
Send it with the email above, as a PDF and also pasted into the email body, so clients reading on a phone can see it. Save the signed copy, or the “I agree” reply, in a folder per client.
More pricing & sales templates
The other free documents in the same group. Every business document on the site is listed on the home page.