Freelancers sign more contracts than almost anyone — and often have the least leverage. Here’s where the risk hides in typical client agreements.

Payment terms

Under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, you’re entitled to charge 8% over the Bank of England base rate on overdue invoices, unless your contract replaces this with another remedy. Check the contract doesn’t waive or cut your interest, and include the right explicitly.

A new Commercial Payments Bill would cap most payment terms at 60 days and stop contracts excluding statutory interest. As of October 2026 it is not yet law.

Standard UK freelance practice: 14-30 day payment terms with an explicit late payment interest clause.

What to say: “I’d like to add a clause stating invoices are due within 14 days, with interest at 8% + base rate on overdue amounts.”

Unlimited revisions

Vague revision clauses like “until the client is satisfied” are open-ended liabilities. You can end up doing ten rounds of changes on a fixed-fee project with no recourse.

What to say: “I’d like to cap revisions at two rounds as part of this fee, with additional rounds charged at my day rate.”

IP assignment

Copyright in freelance work belongs to you until formally assigned. Check whether any clause covers work created before the contract or outside the project scope.

Liability caps

Some contracts hold freelancers liable for any loss the client suffers — potentially unlimited. A reasonable clause caps your liability at the total fee paid for the project.

Red flag: Any clause holding you liable for “indirect or consequential losses” without a cap is dangerous for a freelancer.

Kill fees

If the client can terminate at any time with minimal notice, make sure there’s a kill fee or pro-rata payment clause for work already completed.

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