Renfrewshire Council

Window cleaner's licence

If you want to work as a window cleaner or run a window cleaning business in Renfrewshire, you must apply for a window cleaner licence.


Applying for a Window Cleaner's licence

We now accept window cleaner licence applications online, including the use of electronic signatures.

You can apply, upload and sign for your supporting documents and pay for the licence online.

Apply for a Window Cleaner's licence

You can see the Council's policy on electronic licensing applications in Appendix 1 of the report to  the Regulatory Functions Board meeting on 15 September 2022.


What documents you need to provide

Your application must include:

  • two coloured passport photographs
  • evidence and details of public liability insurance cover for a minimum of £1,000,000.

How much it costs

See the civic application fees page for window cleaner licence fees.


What age you have to be to apply for a licence

Applicants for a window cleaner must be at least 17 years old.


How long your application will take

All applications made under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 are considered within three months and a decision made within nine months.


Who is consulted about your application

A copy of your application will be sent to Police Scotland. They will carry out their own investigations and report back to the licensing section.


If there are objections or representations to your application

If an objection or representation is received, the application must be considered at a meeting of the Regulatory Functions Board. 

You will be formally cited to attend the meeting and a copy of the letter will be sent out to you with the citation letter.


Conditions of your licence

The conditions of licence  in the guidance on applying for a window cleaner licence [113KB]

A copy of the conditions of licence for window cleaners will be issued to you if your licence is granted.

The council requires all licenceholders to have a thorough understanding of these conditions and they should be kept as they form part of your licence.


How long the licence lasts for

Applications for a new licence are generally granted for a year. Applications to renew an existing licence are normally granted for a two year period.