Learn which licenses, permits, and registrations are required to start a cleaning business in Ohio, including local business licensing, state registration, tax rules, and insurance expectations.

Ohio is a straightforward state for launching a cleaning business. While Ohio does not issue a statewide cleaning license, cleaning businesses must register properly at the county or city level and comply with state tax requirements. This guide explains everything a residential or commercial cleaning business must do to operate legally in Ohio.

Do Cleaning Businesses Need a Business License in Ohio?

Ohio does not issue a universal state business license. Cleaning businesses must register locally through their city or county, and some municipalities refer to this as a Vendor’s License, Business Registration, or Local Business License.

Common Ohio jurisdictions requiring local registration include:

• Columbus
• Cincinnati
• Cleveland
• Toledo
• Akron
• Dayton

Smaller municipalities often require simple local registration filed with the city clerk or county auditor.

State-Level Business Registration Requirements

If forming an LLC or corporation, owners must register their business entity with the Ohio Secretary of State. Sole proprietors do not register with the state but must obtain appropriate local registrations. LLCs are common among cleaning business owners seeking liability protection.

Registration portal:
https://www.ohiosos.gov/businesses/

City and County Licensing Rules in Ohio

Requirements vary by city, but here are common examples:

• Columbus: Local vendor registration plus tax account setup
• Cincinnati: Basic business certificate; no specialty cleaning permit
• Cleveland: Local registration required, but no industrial cleaning permit needed for standard services
• Toledo: Requires business registration and zoning compliance for home-based work

Ohio’s local licensing focuses on registration and tax compliance rather than industry-specific permits.

Do Cleaning Businesses Need to Collect Sales Tax in Ohio?

Yes.
Ohio treats cleaning services as taxable services, and cleaning businesses must collect and remit sales tax. This applies to both residential and commercial janitorial services. Cleaning services taxed in Ohio include:

• Residential house cleaning
• Commercial janitorial services
• Move-in/move-out cleaning
• Deep cleaning

Cleaning businesses must:

1. Register for a Vendor’s License for sales tax
2. Collect sales tax on all invoices
3. Remit tax to the state of Ohio

Registration link:
https://tax.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/tax/individual/get-a-vendor-license

Home-Based Cleaning Businesses in Ohio

Ohio allows home-based cleaning businesses as long as zoning rules are respected. Requirements depend on the city or township. Most home-based businesses need:

• Local business registration
• Possible home occupation approval
• Limited chemical storage (standard supplies are fine)

Ohio does not restrict service providers from traveling to job sites while registered as home-based businesses.

Do Cleaning Businesses in Ohio Need Insurance?

Insurance is not state-mandated for all cleaners, but commercial accounts frequently require it. Ohio cleaning businesses most commonly carry:

• General liability insurance
• Workers compensation insurance (required with employees)
• Bonding for certain institutional or office contracts

Residential cleaners may start without insurance, but commercial projects almost always expect documentation of coverage.

Do Cleaning Businesses in Ohio Need Certifications?

Certifications are not legally required in Ohio, but they enhance professionalism, help justify pricing, and build trust with larger commercial clients. Training programs can be pursued after launch; they are not necessary to start the business.

How to Get a Business License for a Cleaning Business in Ohio

Starting a cleaning business in Ohio involves the following steps:

1. Choose a business structure (sole proprietor or LLC)
2. Register an LLC or corporation with the Ohio Secretary of State if applicable
3. Obtain a local business license or registration in your city/county
4. Register for a Vendor’s License to collect sales tax
5. Open a business banking account to separate finances
6. Consider general liability insurance for commercial work

Once these steps are completed, your business is legally compliant and ready to offer cleaning services in Ohio.

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Compliance Snapshot (Ohio Cleaning Business)

Requirement	Required in Ohio?	Notes
State Business License	No	Registration is local
Local Business License	Yes	Required by city/county
Vendor’s License	Yes	Needed to collect sales tax
Sales Tax Registration	Yes	Cleaning is taxable
Home Occupation Approval	Sometimes	Varies by municipality
Insurance	Not state-required	Expected commercially
Certifications	Optional	Improves credibility

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Do Commercial Cleaning Contracts Require Insurance in Ohio?

Commercial clients in Ohio typically require liability insurance before awarding contracts. Bonding may be required for secure buildings, office facilities, or healthcare environments. Workers compensation insurance is required if employees are hired. Residential cleaning rarely requires insurance, but coverage helps build trust and secure recurring client relationships.

Final Thoughts

Ohio makes it easy to start a cleaning business, provided that owners complete local registration and obtain a Vendor’s License to collect sales tax. Insurance is not required statewide but is necessary for commercial work. Once these compliance steps are in place, cleaning business owners can operate legally and grow steadily across Ohio.