The Maids franchise startup costs run $78K–$160K for a residential housecleaning concept. The Maids' 4-person crew cleaning model differentiates it from smaller-crew competitors and creates an efficient, systematic cleaning process. Approximately 1,500+ territories in North America.
The Maids is a residential housecleaning franchise founded in 1979 in Omaha, Nebraska. As of 2026, The Maids operates approximately 1,500+ territories across North America. The brand's core differentiator is its 4-person cleaning crew model — a team of four trained cleaning professionals arrives together, each assigned specific tasks (kitchen, bathrooms, dusting, vacuuming) within a structured cleaning routine. This crew-based approach produces a faster, more systematic clean than 2-person crew competitors and enables The Maids to service multiple homes per day with each crew. The Maids is part of the Aber-Maids group and has a long operating history in the residential cleaning segment. The business model generates recurring revenue from weekly and bi-weekly cleaning schedules, creating predictable income as franchisees build their customer base.
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:
The Maids charges a 6.9% royalty on gross revenue, declining to lower tiers as annual revenue increases — rewarding franchisees for growing their territory. Franchisees also pay a technology fee (covering the scheduling and routing platform) and a national advertising fund contribution. The declining royalty structure improves unit economics for mature territories with established customer bases, making The Maids more economical to operate as volume grows.
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 listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, qualifying franchisees for expedited SBA loan processing. Common financing paths:
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:
Service vans for crew transport are best structured as a separate commercial auto loan rather than folding into the SBA 7(a). This keeps the SBA loan focused on franchise fee, equipment, insurance pre-payment, and working capital — the assets that don't carry dedicated vehicle-loan eligibility. A working capital revolving line alongside the term loan bridges crew payroll during the first-year client ramp. Review SBA 7(a) loan terms for current rate and structure requirements.
ClearValue Lending works with residential cleaning and home services franchise operators on SBA, vehicle, and working capital financing. Apply at Find my match. Your file routes to one matched lender.
Per the current FDD, total estimated initial investment runs $78,000–$160,000. The primary cost components are the franchise fee ($12,500), service vehicles, cleaning equipment, insurance, and working capital.
The Maids deploys a 4-person cleaning crew to each job, with each team member assigned specific tasks — kitchen, bathrooms, dusting, vacuuming — within a structured cleaning routine. This allows faster completion and higher daily job volume compared to 2-person crew models used by some competitors.
The Maids charges a 6.9% royalty on gross revenue, which declines at higher revenue tiers. Franchisees also pay a technology fee and advertising fund contribution. The declining royalty structure rewards territory growth.
The Maids' $12,500 franchise fee is among the lowest in residential cleaning. Its 4-person crew model is a service delivery differentiator. The $78K–$160K investment range is competitive, though the $250K net worth requirement is higher than the investment ceiling suggests, reflecting The Maids' preference for operators who can scale.
Yes. The Maids is on the SBA Franchise Directory. SBA 7(a) covers franchise fee, vehicles, equipment, and working capital. Commercial vehicle financing and working capital lines are commonly used alongside the primary SBA loan.
SBA minimum DSCR is 1.15×. Crew-based residential cleaning franchises — where payroll is fixed before recurring client revenue builds — prompt lenders to underwrite at 1.25×+. Year-one projections should model a realistic ramp to 80–100 weekly clients, not maximum territory volume. Source: SBA Standard Operating Procedure 50 10 7 (sba.gov).
SBA requires 10% equity injection from non-borrowed funds. On The Maids' $78K–$160K range, that's $7.8K–$16K from documented personal funds. The Maids' $250K net worth requirement means most qualified applicants exceed the equity injection threshold — but lenders verify liquid asset quality within that net worth, not just the headline figure. Source: SBA Standard Operating Procedure 50 10 7 (sba.gov).