Office cleaning and the law: what is required of the client
A cleaning company must hold a service contractor licence from the Ministry of Labor, and the law prohibits the client from contracting with an unlicensed contractor. Liability for breaches of the rights of the contractor's employees may also fall on the client. For this reason, the licence is checked in the registry before signing, and during the work the client obtains confirmation from the contractor that the employees are lawfully employed.
What the law provides
Employment of Workers by Manpower Contractors Law, 5756-1996
The licensing requirement applies to service contractors in the fields of security guarding and cleaning (section 10A of the Law). Operating as a service contractor without a licence is a criminal offence.
Prohibition on contracting with an unlicensed contractor
Under section 10B of the same Law, it is prohibited to receive a service from a service contractor, or to contract with one for the provision of a service, unless the contractor holds a licence and has provided the client with a copy of it. The prohibition does not apply to an individual who receives the service other than for the purposes of a business, a profession or a public service.
Increased Enforcement of Labor Laws Law, 5772-2011
A client receiving services in the fields of cleaning, security guarding and catering may be liable for breaches of certain rights of the contractor's employees who work at its premises, under the conditions set out in the Law.
Bank guarantee
To obtain a licence, the contractor deposits a bank guarantee in favour of the Ministry of Labor. The amount of the guarantee is set according to payroll costs and is not less than ILS 47,563 (figure as of January 2026).
Sources
- Nevo: Employment of Workers by Manpower Contractors Law, 5756-1996 (in Hebrew)
- Ministry of Labor: application for a manpower contractor licence or a service contractor licence in the fields of guarding, security and cleaning (in Hebrew)
- Kol Zchut: filing a claim against a client for breach of the rights of the contractor's employees working at its premises (in Hebrew)
The information on this page is a general explanation, correct as of 27.09.2026, and is not legal advice. For an assessment of a specific case, consult a lawyer.
What risk does a client take by contracting with an unlicensed contractor
The law prohibits a client from receiving services from a service contractor, or entering into a contract with one, unless the contractor holds a licence and has given the client a copy of it (section 10B of the Employment of Workers by Manpower Contractors Law, 5756-1996). A client who breaches this prohibition is liable to a fine (section 20(d) of that law). In addition, under the Increased Enforcement of Labor Laws Law, 5772-2011, the client may be liable for breaches of certain rights of the contractor's employees who work at its premises, under the conditions set by that law.
What documents should I request from a contractor before signing
A service contractor licence, confirmation that the workers are employed lawfully, a liability insurance policy, a breakdown of hours for the site and a written list of tasks. Each of them can be checked: the licence in the government registry, the others by their content.
What should I check when choosing a cleaning company
A licence in the government registry, documents confirming the employment of the workers, a fixed schedule in the contract instead of a verbal agreement, a named contact person assigned to the site, a transparent breakdown of hours, whether supplies are included in the price, and the conditions for ending the contract. You should also obtain written confirmation from the contractor that all workers on the site are legally permitted to work in Israel (Israeli citizens or residents, or holders of a valid work permit), check whether lawsuits have been filed against the company, and make sure it holds a valid bookkeeping certificate.
Are your employees employed lawfully
Yes. The company operates under two Ministry of Labor licences and provides the client with confirmation of lawful employment and payments.
What documents about the employees do you give the client
Confirmation of lawful employment and of the payments made. The documents are given to the client without the client having to request them.
Is your liability insured
Yes, the company has liability insurance.
Who is responsible if a cleaner causes damage in the office
The company. Damage caused by an employee of Master Clean 2019 Ltd during work is the company's responsibility under the contract and within the cover of its liability insurance. The incident is recorded in writing on the day it is discovered.
The price is calculated by an account manager and sent to you on WhatsApp.