Cost to Start a The Maids Franchise in 2026

Per the current FDD, total estimated initial investment for a The Maids franchise runs $78,000–$160,000. The business is vehicle-based with no storefront required, keeping startup costs relatively low:

• Franchise fee: $12,500
• Vehicle(s) (van or SUV for crew transport): $20,000–$60,000
• Cleaning equipment and supplies: $5,000–$15,000
• Uniforms and branded materials: $2,000–$5,000
• Technology (scheduling, routing, CRM): $2,000–$6,000
• Insurance (general liability, commercial auto, workers' comp, bonding): $5,000–$15,000
• Training and travel: $3,000–$7,000
• Marketing and launch: $5,000–$15,000
• Working capital: $10,000–$20,000
• Miscellaneous: $3,000–$8,000

The Maids requires prospective franchisees to demonstrate a minimum net worth of $250,000 and liquid capital of at least $50,000. The net worth requirement is higher than the investment range might suggest — it reflects The Maids' preference for franchisees who can scale to multi-crew operations rather than operate as owner-operators indefinitely. The Maids evaluates candidates on management experience (particularly with hourly employees), customer service orientation, and financial stability. Prior cleaning experience is not required.

The Maids is on the SBA Franchise Directory, enabling expedited eligibility review. At $78K–$160K, crew payroll is the key underwriting variable. Key factors lenders evaluate:

• Debt service coverage ratio (DSCR): SBA minimum is 1.15×. Crew-based cleaning models — where payroll starts before the customer base is fully built — prompt lenders to require 1.25×+. Year-one pro-forma must model the ramp period for weekly/bi-weekly recurring clients, not assume full territory revenue from opening week.
• Equity injection and net worth quality: SBA requires 10% from non-borrowed funds. On The Maids' range, that's $7.8K–$16K. The Maids' $250K net worth requirement far exceeds the investment ceiling — lenders verify the composition of that net worth, distinguishing liquid assets from illiquid real property equity. Liquid quality matters more than headline net worth.
• Crew payroll float risk: Hiring and training a 4-person crew before building customer volume creates a cash flow gap in months 1–6. Lenders assess the owner's personal liquidity for payroll coverage during this ramp. A working capital line alongside the SBA 7(a) is standard mitigation.
• Vehicle collateral discount: Service vans depreciate and have limited liquidation value. Lenders apply 60–80% LTV on used van collateral. Commercial vehicle financing structured separately from the SBA loan preserves loan eligibility and keeps depreciation off the SBA balance.
• Declining royalty underwriting: The Maids' 6.9% royalty declining at volume tiers improves unit economics as the territory grows. Lenders model the worst-case full 6.9% through year one for conservative DSCR — any improvement from volume tiers is upside, not baseline.