The short answer
Exterior window cleaning is usually a landlord responsibility, handled as building maintenance. Interior glass depends on the lease: some leases include it in building services, others leave tenant suites to the tenant. Read the lease, then scope each side as its own line item.
Exterior glass
- Usually handled by ownership or management as part of building maintenance
- Often recovered through operating expenses, depending on the lease
- Requires the access method for the building's height, and anchors for rope work
See Commercial Window Cleaning by Building Height for access by height.
Interior glass
- Common areas such as lobbies, atriums and corridors are typically part of building services.
- Tenant suites vary. Check the lease and any building rules for who cleans suite glass and who pays.
- Atriums and skylights need specialty access even though they are indoors.
What tenants expect
- A clear view, especially in perimeter offices and conference rooms
- Advance notice before anyone works outside or inside their windows
- Work that does not disrupt the business day
- The same standard on both sides of the glass. Clean exterior glass still looks dirty from inside if the interior is not done.
How to scope both sides
| Line item | Typical cadence | Scope note |
|---|---|---|
| Exterior facade | Quarterly mid-rise, once or twice a year high-rise | Access method per elevation |
| Entrances and lobby glass, both sides | Monthly | Highest traffic |
| Common-area interior glass | Quarterly or semi-annual | Part of building services |
| Tenant suite glass | Per lease or tenant request | Suite access and scheduling |
Keep suite work separate so it can be billed where the lease puts it. See what a scope of work must specify.
Interior work means entering suites
That brings access, security and timing into the job. Plan notice, escorts and schedules up front. See coordinating window cleaning with tenant operations.
S&K handles inside-and-out service on one contract, with W2 crews and one point of contact.
