CLEAN BREAKDOWN: CLEANING IN MULTI-TENANT COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS – WHO’S RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT?

When it comes to cleaning multi-tenant commercial buildings, things can get messy—and we’re not just talking about the grime in the elevators. With multiple tenants, shared spaces, and common confusion, the lines between who cleans what (and who pays for it) can blur faster than a high-speed buffing machine.

Shared Spaces, Shared Duties

In most multi-tenant office buildings, the landlord or property manager typically oversees the cleaning of shared spaces. This includes lobbies, hallways, elevators, stairwells, restrooms (if communal), and sometimes even exterior maintenance like windows and car parks. These services are often outlined in lease agreements and paid for via common area maintenance (CAM) fees, divvied up among all tenants.

Tenant Turf

Individual tenant spaces, however, are usually the tenant’s responsibility. This means if your office looks like a tornado blew through it after a big project, don’t expect the building cleaner to come to the rescue. Most tenants either hire their own cleaning service or negotiate that service into their lease agreement. Some landlords offer in-house janitorial services at an additional cost, streamlining the process—but at the tenant’s expense.

Gray Areas & Gotchas

Things get complicated in the “gray zones”—kitchens, meeting rooms, or shared tenant restrooms. If these spaces are shared among a few tenants but not the entire building, it’s essential to clarify who’s handling what. If there’s no clear agreement, these areas can become hygiene war zones faster than you can say “biohazard.”

Communication Is King

To avoid the blame game, property managers and tenants alike need clear, written guidelines on cleaning responsibilities. Lease agreements should specify cleaning frequency, service providers, and cost responsibilities. Transparency isn’t just polite—it prevents future disputes.

Why It Matters

A clean space isn’t just about appearances. It’s about health, productivity, and tenant satisfaction. No one wants to sign a long-term lease in a building that smells like week-old sushi or looks like a dust bowl.

Bottom Line

Want clarity? Demand it. At Andy Andersons Group, we believe crystal-clear communication paired with spotless service keeps buildings thriving and tenants happy. Whether you’re the landlord looking to streamline building-wide cleanliness or a tenant needing a tailored janitorial service, we bring order to the chaos.

Ready to clean house—literally and contractually? Let’s talk.

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