Stop losing money on Exhaust Hood Cleaner projects.
Send your first 3 contracts for free. One grease fire in an uncleaned duct can lead to a total insurance denial if your documentation is missing. Failing to define your scope means you will spend hours degreasing kitchen walls for free while your equipment takes a beating.
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Statement of Work
Ref: 2026-001 • Standard Business Template
Overview
This Service Agreement governs the professional cleaning of commercial kitchen exhaust systems in accordance with the standards set forth in NFPA 96. The Contractor is engaged solely for the removal of grease and combustible residues; this agreement does not cover mechanical repairs, electrical work, or the installation of fire suppression systems. The Client acknowledges that the Contractor must have unfettered access to the rooftop and kitchen areas at the scheduled time, and any delays caused by the Client's failure to provide access or prepare the site may result in additional hourly mobilization fees. All cleaning is performed to the best of the Contractor's ability based on the accessibility of the ductwork and the structural integrity of the existing ventilation architecture.
Liability under this contract is strictly limited to the performance of cleaning services. The Contractor shall not be held liable for any damages arising from mechanical failures of exhaust fans, grease leakage from non-liquid-tight ducts, or business interruptions following the service. Furthermore, the Client agrees to indemnify and hold the Contractor harmless against any fire-related claims, acknowledging that while professional cleaning reduces fire risk, it does not eliminate the inherent hazards associated with commercial cooking operations. This document constitutes the entire agreement between the parties, and any modifications regarding the scope of work or safety certifications must be documented in writing and signed by both the Contractor and the Client.
Roof Membrane Degradation
If grease isn't properly contained during the fan cleaning process, it can dissolve expensive roof membranes, leading to five figure damage claims from the property owner.
Hidden Duct Access Points
Clients often hide access panels behind ceiling tiles or equipment, and failing to document these 'unserviceable' areas can lead to fire marshal failures.
Fan Motor Failure
Old exhaust fan motors can fail when restarted after a cleaning; without a pre-existing condition clause, you may be forced to pay for a replacement motor.
What is a Exhaust Hood Cleaner Contract?
An Exhaust Hood Cleaner Contract is a legally binding agreement that defines the scope of degreasing services for commercial kitchen ventilation systems. It outlines the specific areas to be cleaned to NFPA 96 standards, sets payment terms, and protects the cleaner from liability regarding roof damage, fan mechanical failures, and fire risks.
Built from real freelance projects
This template is based on real-world scenarios across freelance projects where unclear scope, missing payment terms, and revision creep led to lost revenue. It is designed to protect your time, define expectations, and ensure you get paid.
Why Exhaust Hood Cleaners need a clear contract
Exhaust hood cleaning is not just about aesthetics; it is a high stakes safety service governed by strict NFPA 96 standards. Without a detailed contract, you are liable for everything from kitchen fires to roof leaks caused by grease runoff. Commercial kitchens are chaotic environments where grease accumulates in hidden horizontal ducts and fan housings. If your agreement does not specify exactly where your responsibility ends, you might find yourself blamed for a fire that started in a section of ducting the client refused to have cleaned. A solid contract defines the specific components you will service, the cleaning method used, and the documentation provided for the fire marshal. It protects your business from the costs of specialized chemical disposal and the physical risks associated with roof work. By setting clear boundaries regarding access to the facility and the condition of the equipment, you ensure that you get paid for your expertise rather than getting stuck performing free repairs on broken exhaust fans.
Real-world scenario
Imagine you sign a verbal agreement to clean a high volume steakhouse for a flat rate of five hundred dollars. When your crew arrives at 2 AM, they discover the exhaust fan does not have a hinge kit installed, making it nearly impossible to tip the fan and clean the underside of the blades without risking damage to the unit. You spend an extra ninety minutes rigging a safe way to clean the fan. During the process, you realize the horizontal duct run is over thirty feet long and packed with six inches of solidified grease because it hasn't been touched in years. You finish the job at 7 AM, having used double the expected amount of caustic chemicals and labor hours. When you send the bill for seven hundred dollars to cover the extra work, the owner refuses to pay anything above the original five hundred. Even worse, three days later, the owner calls to complain about a leak in the roof, claiming your pressure washer damaged the membrane. Without a contract that specifies the condition of the equipment before you started and a clause requiring a hinge kit for safe operation, you are stuck eating the extra labor costs and fighting a potential insurance claim for roof damage you didn't cause.
🛡️ What this contract covers:
- ✓Comprehensive pre-service inspection and photographic documentation of grease accumulation levels in the hood, ductwork, and fan units.
- ✓Deep cleaning of the entire exhaust system using food-safe chemical degreasers and high-pressure washing to reach bare-metal standards.
- ✓Post-service compliance package including a certified service decal placement and a detailed report of any structural deficiencies found.
Best practices for Exhaust Hood Cleaners
Mandatory Pre-Service Walkthrough
Always photograph existing damage to the roof, hood, and fans before touching any equipment to avoid being blamed for pre-existing issues.
Require Functional Hinge Kits
State in your contract that fans must have hinge kits installed for service; this protects your technicians from injury and the fan from wire damage.
Define Water and Power Access
Explicitly state that the client must provide access to a working hot water spigot and electrical outlets to avoid delays and extra equipment rental costs.
Legal Disclaimer: MicroFreelanceHub is a software workflow tool, not a law firm. The templates and information provided on this website are for general informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What preparations must the client make before the cleaning begins?
The client is responsible for clearing all food, smallwares, and portable equipment from the workspace and ensuring all cooking surfaces are cooled and pilot lights are extinguished.
Is the cleaner liable for leaks in the ductwork during the washing process?
No, the contractor is not responsible for water damage caused by pre-existing holes, unsealed seams, or structural compromises in the ventilation system that are exposed during high-pressure cleaning.