The Cleaning Authority franchise startup costs run $95K–$179K for a residential housecleaning service. The Cleaning Authority is owned by Authority Brands and operates on a recurring-service model — franchisees build a base of regular weekly and bi-weekly cleaning customers rather than chasing one-time jobs.
The Cleaning Authority is a residential housecleaning franchise founded in 1977 and headquartered in Columbia, Maryland. The brand operates on a recurring-service model — franchisees build a client base of regular weekly and bi-weekly housecleaning customers, creating monthly recurring revenue that is more predictable than one-time or on-demand cleaning services. As of 2026, The Cleaning Authority operates more than 200 locations across the US and Canada. The brand is owned by Authority Brands, the home services franchise group that also owns Mosquito Squad, Homewatch CareGivers, and other home service concepts. The Cleaning Authority's proprietary Detail-Clean Rotation System provides franchisees with a structured cleaning methodology that differentiates service quality from independent housecleaners and supports employee training consistency.
Per the current FDD, total estimated initial investment for a The Cleaning Authority franchise runs $95,000–$179,000. The service model requires minimal fixed assets — no retail storefront or specialized equipment — keeping initial investment accessible relative to most franchise concepts:
The Cleaning Authority franchisees pay a 6% royalty on net sales plus a 1% advertising fund contribution — for a combined 7% of net sales. The advertising fund rate is intentionally low because The Cleaning Authority's growth model relies more on territory-based local marketing and referral programs than national advertising spend. The brand provides franchisees with digital marketing support, lead generation tools, and CRM systems that drive new customer acquisition without requiring large ad fund outlays.
The Cleaning Authority requires prospective franchisees to demonstrate net worth of $250,000 or more and liquid capital of $80,000 or more. These thresholds are accessible relative to most franchise concepts at similar brand recognition levels. Authority Brands evaluates candidates on business management aptitude, customer service orientation, and community presence. Cleaning industry experience is not required — the franchise provides comprehensive operational, cleaning methodology, and staff management training.
The Cleaning Authority is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, qualifying franchisees for expedited SBA loan processing. Common financing paths:
The Cleaning Authority is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, so SBA-approved lenders can process applications without SBA individually reviewing the franchise agreement. At the $95K–$179K investment range, common paths are SBA 7(a) or SBA Microloan (for starts near the $95K floor). Here is what lenders evaluate:
Most Cleaning Authority loans are structured as SBA 7(a) term loans covering franchise fee + vehicle + equipment + working capital in a single facility. At $95K–$179K total cost, the loan amount after the 20–25% equity injection runs $71K–$143K — a range that may qualify for SBA Microloan (up to $50K) at the low end. 10-year term is typical for service-business SBA loans without real property. Vehicle costs can be split off as a separate commercial auto note. See SBA 7(a) loan requirements for the full underwriting checklist.
ClearValue Lending works with home services franchise operators — including residential cleaning concepts — on SBA and equipment financing structures. Apply at Find my match. Your file routes to one matched lender. See how to finance a Merry Maids franchise for a comparable residential cleaning alternative.
Per the current FDD, total estimated initial investment runs $95,000–$179,000. The low asset requirement — no retail storefront or specialized infrastructure — keeps entry costs accessible relative to most franchise concepts.
The Cleaning Authority operates on a recurring-service model. Franchisees build a base of regular weekly and bi-weekly residential housecleaning customers, creating predictable monthly recurring revenue. The Detail-Clean Rotation System provides a structured cleaning methodology for consistent service delivery.
The Cleaning Authority is owned by Authority Brands, a home services franchise group that also owns Mosquito Squad, Homewatch CareGivers, and other home service concepts.
The Cleaning Authority charges a 6% royalty on net sales plus a 1% advertising fund contribution, for a combined 7% of net sales.
Yes. The Cleaning Authority is on the SBA Franchise Directory. SBA 7(a) covers the franchise fee, vehicles, equipment, and working capital. SBA microloans are also an option for starts near the $95K investment floor.
SBA lenders typically require a minimum global DSCR of 1.25×–1.35× for startup franchise loans, above the SBA SOP 50 10 7 floor of 1.15×. For The Cleaning Authority, DSCR is projected — based on monthly recurring client revenue against fixed costs including payroll, vehicle expenses, 7% combined royalty/ad fee, and loan debt service.
SBA lenders require 20–25% equity injection of total project cost from personal or business funds not borrowed for this purpose. At The Cleaning Authority's $95K–$179K investment range, that is approximately $19K–$45K — one of the lowest absolute equity requirements in franchise lending.