Freelance Contract Template UK — What to Include in 2026

Working without a contract is gambling with your income. In the UK, verbal agreements are technically binding — but try enforcing one when a client ghosts after three months of work.

Here's every clause your freelance contract needs, why it matters, and how to write each one without hiring a solicitor.

The essential clauses

1. Scope of work

The single most important clause. Define exactly what you're delivering, in specific terms. “Build a website” is useless. “Design and develop a 5-page Next.js marketing site with contact form and CMS integration” is enforceable.

Include what's not included too. If the client assumes you'll handle hosting, domain setup, or ongoing maintenance, that's scope creep waiting to happen.

2. Payment terms

State your rate (fixed or hourly), when payment is due, and what happens if it's late. Under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act 1998, UK freelancers can charge 8% plus the Bank of England base rate on overdue invoices, plus a fixed £40–£100 compensation fee.

Put this in your contract. Most clients pay on time when they know you know your rights.

3. Revision limits

“Unlimited revisions” means unlimited unpaid work. Set a number — two or three rounds is standard. Define what counts as a revision versus a new request.

4. Intellectual property transfer

Under UK copyright law, the creator owns the IP by default — even if the client paid for it. Your contract needs an explicit IP assignment clause that transfers ownership on final payment.

Key phrase: “All intellectual property rights in the deliverables shall transfer to the Client upon receipt of final payment in full.”

5. Confidentiality

A basic confidentiality clause protects both parties. The client's business information stays private; your methods and tools stay yours. For sensitive projects, use a separate mutual NDA.

6. Termination

Either party should be able to end the contract with reasonable notice (14–30 days is standard). Define what happens to work completed so far and payment owed. A kill fee — typically 25–50% of remaining project value — protects you from last-minute cancellations.

7. Liability limitation

Cap your liability at the total fees paid. Without this, a client could theoretically sue you for consequential damages far exceeding what they paid you.

8. Governing law

If you're based in England or Wales: “This agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.” Simple, but essential if disputes arise.

Common mistakes

• Using a US template — Contract law differs significantly. US templates reference states, not UK legislation.
• No deposit clause — Always take 25–50% upfront. It filters out time-wasters and funds your first phase of work.
• Vague timelines — “ASAP” and “as soon as possible” mean different things to different people. Use dates.

Get a free template

Contract Kit generates professional freelance contracts with all these clauses built in. Answer a few questions about your project, download a PDF, and send it to your client in minutes.