The Maids
The Maids offers household maintenance and cleaning services through franchised locations. Known for reliable and thorough cleaning solutions, The Maids operates in the home services industry.
The Maids franchise FAQ
How much does it cost to open one — the total initial investment?
The total initial investment necessary to begin operation of a single-Territory THE MAIDS® franchise is $117,720 to $141,200. This includes $79,900 that must be paid to franchisor or its affiliates. [p.1]
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee is deferred until the franchisor completes its initial obligations and the franchisee is open for business. This deferral is required by the Virginia State Corporation Commission's Division of Securities and Retail Franchising [p.224].
What are the ongoing royalty and advertising fees?
The franchisee must make minimum royalty or advertising fund payments regardless of sales levels [p.5]. These fees are based on a percentage of gross sales and are collected weekly as part of the marketing fund [p.69]. This isn't specified in the excerpts for exact percentages or amounts.
How long is the initial franchise agreement, and can I renew it?
This isn't specified in the excerpts.
Can I sell or transfer my franchise, and what does that require?
According to the FDD, you cannot generally franchise, sub-franchise, license, or sublicense your rights under the agreement [p.126]. Additionally, you are not allowed to assign or transfer this Agreement or its rights except as specifically provided in the agreement [p.126]. The franchisor can refuse to permit a transfer of ownership of a franchise for good cause, which is defined but not fully detailed here [p.7].
On what grounds can the franchisor terminate the agreement?
The franchisor can terminate the agreement on any grounds available by law [p.218]. Additionally, the franchisor may terminate the franchise agreement if the franchisee fails to comply with lawful provisions of the franchise agreement and does not cure such failure after receiving written notice and a reasonable opportunity to cure, which cannot exceed 30 days [p.6].
What financial requirements — net worth and liquid capital — do I need to qualify?
This isn't specified in the excerpts.
Do I get an exclusive or protected territory?
No, you do not receive an exclusive territory according to the FDD [p.36]. However, there are restrictions on competing businesses that could affect your operations within certain areas [p.159].
What training and ongoing support does the franchisor provide?
The franchisor provides SMART Start Training, which includes up to 5 days of training on operating a The Maids® Business. This training can take place at corporate headquarters or another designated location. Ongoing support includes software and support fees collected monthly based on the number of offices, and this fee is recognized as services are rendered. [p.30, p.69]
How many franchised outlets are there, and how many have closed or been terminated?
As of September 30, 2025, there were a total of 106 franchisees operating 338 of the 369 Territories in the United States. However, this information does not specify the number of franchised outlets that have closed or been terminated [p.72].
Does the franchisor share any financial performance or earnings information?
The franchisor shares certain historical financial performance information for some U.S.-based The Maids® businesses that operated during a specific Measurement Period. However, they do not make any financial performance representations beyond this historical data, nor do they authorize their employees or representatives to make such representations [p.48].
What am I restricted to selling, and where must I buy supplies?
You are required to sell only those products and services that are approved in writing by TMI [p.141]. Additionally, you must purchase goods and services from suppliers approved in writing by TMI [p.141], with some items potentially being available exclusively from sources designated by TMI or its affiliates [p.141].