what steps should i take in starting my own residential cleaning business in california?

Question

will i be required to apply for a business license as well as insurance?

Answer 1

It depends on where you are located, if you are going to lease your own office or will you simply work from home, and the requirements of your city/county business offices. But you will be required to have a business license, and it is to your best interest to be licensed and insured (especially if something happens in the households you are cleaning -- any breakage, etc)

If you are in the Los Angeles area, for example, you will be required to get the following if you are starting a janitorial business (if it applies to your situation):

Business License (Business Tax Certificate)
Burglar Alarm Permit
Fire Department Permit - Fire Protection
Land Use Permit
Zoning Approval
Fictitious Name Filing (DBA)
Air Tanks Permit
Corporation, Company or Partnership Filings (if considering)
Industrial Activities Storm Water General Permit
Sales & Use Permit (Seller's Permit)
State EPA Identification Number

The point is that the licenses you need may be as simple or as complicated depending on the requirements of your city/county. Call them up or visit them and ask them the requirements you need to start a janitorial company.

Go to California Business Permitting Database http://www.calgold.ca.gov/ to find out exactly what you need

Answer 2

Start An Office Cleaning Business!

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
what steps should i take in starting my own residential cleaning business in california?
will i be required to apply for a business license as well as insurance?

Answer 4

As an out of home business team, my other half and I were required to get a state license. We are not in the janitorial business, however. If you are going into other people's homes and/or businesses to clean, you will need a tax number, (a state license which usually accompanies the tax number) be bonded for more success in going into other people's homes or business. In addition, you may be required to use biodegradable cleaners, because of the strict laws in place now controlling polluting products that hurts the ecology. Notify your automobile insurance agency that you are using your vehicle for business. To play it safe, get insurance that would help in replacing or repairing anything lost or broken. Some states allow insurance to pay yourself in case you are sick or injured and unable to work during the time of recovery. If you are a corporation you will need to get a number for filing with the IRS. This can be done at the state level.