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Contracts · 6 min read

What to Look For When Reviewing a Freelance Contract (UK, 2026)

The clauses that quietly cost freelancers money — payment, IP, revisions and liability — and what to negotiate before you sign.

Last reviewed 1 October 2026

Key takeaways
  • ✓Check when and how you get paid — and whether payment is tied to a third party ("pay-when-paid").
  • ✓IP should transfer on payment, not before. Watch for assignment of everything, including your prior work.
  • ✓Cap your liability and limit revisions — uncapped indemnities and "unlimited revisions" are common traps.
  • ✓Late payment of commercial debts carries a statutory right to interest in the UK.

Freelance contracts are usually written by the client, for the client. Reviewing one is about finding the clauses that affect your cash flow, your ownership and your risk — and pushing back before you sign.

The freelance checklist

  • —Payment: the amount, the schedule, and the trigger. Avoid "pay-when-paid" (your money depending on the client's client paying).
  • —Late payment: you have a statutory right to interest on overdue commercial invoices — don't let a clause waive it.
  • —IP ownership: it should transfer on full payment, not on signing, and shouldn't sweep in your pre-existing tools or templates.
  • —Revisions: define how many rounds are included; "unlimited revisions" is an open-ended obligation.
  • —Liability: look for a cap (often the project fee). Uncapped liability or broad indemnities are dangerous.
  • —Termination: how either side exits, notice, and what you're paid for work done so far.
  • —Exclusivity / non-compete: make sure it doesn't stop you working with other clients.
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How to negotiate

Mark the clauses above, then propose specific wording — most clients expect a freelancer to negotiate terms and won't withdraw over a reasonable change. For high-value or unusual agreements, a solicitor is worth it.

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Questions

What should a freelancer look for in a contract?+
Payment terms and timing (avoid "pay-when-paid"), IP transferring only on payment, a liability cap, defined revision limits, clear termination terms, and no exclusivity clause that blocks other clients.
Should I sign away IP in a freelance contract?+
Only on full payment, and only for the work you're being paid for. Watch for clauses that assign IP on signing, or that sweep in your pre-existing tools, templates or prior work.
What is "pay-when-paid" in a freelance contract?+
A clause making your payment conditional on the client being paid by their own client. It shifts their cash-flow risk onto you and is worth removing or capping with a backstop date.
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