Freelance Contract Review Checklist: 15 Things to Check Before You Sign
Free checklist: 15 things every UK freelancer should check before signing a contract. Download the PDF or use our AI tool for instant analysis.
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AskMyContract TeamYou've got a contract sitting in your inbox. The client's waiting for your signature. You know you should review it properly, but where do you even start?
This checklist covers the 15 most important things to verify before signing any freelance contract. Print it out, work through each item, and you'll catch 90% of the issues that cause problems down the line.
The Checklist
Payment Terms (Items 1-3)
1. Payment amount and structure clearly stated
Is the total fee specified? Is it fixed, hourly, or milestone-based? Are any expenses covered separately?
2. Payment deadline specified
Look for "Net 14," "Net 30," or a specific number of days from invoice. Avoid "upon receipt" or "promptly" these are too vague.
3. Late payment interest included
Either a specific rate or reference to statutory rights under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act. See our late payment guide for details.
Scope & Deliverables (Items 4-6)
4. Deliverables clearly defined
What exactly are you creating? List specific outputs, formats, quantities. "A website" is not enough "A 5-page WordPress site with responsive design" is better.
5. Revision limits specified
How many rounds of changes are included? What happens if more are needed? Unlimited revisions = unlimited work for the same fee.
6. Change request process included
What happens when the client wants something outside the original scope? There should be a process for quoting and approving additional work.
Intellectual Property (Items 7-9)
7. IP transfer timing (after payment)
IP should transfer to the client only upon final payment. This gives you leverage if they don't pay.
8. Portfolio/sample rights retained
Can you show this work in your portfolio? Can you describe the project (without confidential details) to future clients?
9. Pre-existing IP protected
If you're using your own tools, templates, or frameworks, make sure these remain yours. The client should only receive rights to the work created specifically for them.
Liability & Risk (Items 10-12)
10. Liability cap reasonable
Your liability should be capped typically at the value of the contract or your fee. Unlimited liability is a major red flag.
11. Indemnity clauses reviewed
Be wary of broad indemnities where you agree to cover the client's losses. These should be limited to things actually within your control (e.g., IP infringement in work you created).
12. Insurance requirements achievable
Does the contract require professional indemnity or public liability insurance? Make sure you can actually obtain the coverage required at a reasonable cost.
Exit & Restrictions (Items 13-15)
13. Termination rights balanced
Both parties should have similar termination rights. If the client can cancel with 7 days notice, so should you. Check what happens to payment for work completed.
14. Non-compete reasonable (if present)
Should be narrow in scope, limited to 3-6 months, and name specific competitors. See our non-compete guide for what's reasonable.
15. Notice period workable
Can you realistically provide the notice required to end the contract? Does the notice period align with your other commitments and project timelines?
How to Use This Checklist
Go through each item and mark it as one of three statuses:
- ✓ Present: The contract addresses this clearly and fairly
- ? Missing: The contract doesn't mention this at all
- ✗ Concerning: The contract addresses this, but in a way that's unfair or risky
Anything marked "Missing" or "Concerning" should be raised with the client before signing. Don't feel awkward about this professional clients expect some negotiation.
Priority Issues
If you're short on time, focus on these first:
- Payment terms (1-3): This is how you get paid
- Scope (4-6): This is what you're agreeing to deliver
- Liability (10-11): This is your risk exposure
For a deeper dive into what makes clauses problematic, see our 12 freelance contract red flags.
Download the Checklist
Want a printable version? Download our checklist to keep by your desk for every contract review.
📄 Freelance Contract Review Checklist
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Download Free ChecklistWant to check all 15 points automatically?
Upload your contract to AskMyContract and get an instant AI analysis covering everything on this checklist plus issues you might miss. Just £14.99 per contract.
Analyze your contractFrequently Asked Questions
How long should I spend reviewing a contract?
For a standard freelance agreement, 30-60 minutes should be enough to work through this checklist. More complex contracts might take longer. Don't rush it's worth spending an hour now to avoid months of problems later.
What if I don't understand something in the contract?
Ask the client to explain in plain English. If they can't (or won't), that's a warning sign. For high-value contracts or complex legal language, consider getting a solicitor to review it.
Should I use this checklist for every contract?
Yes, even for small projects or repeat clients. Contracts change, and it's easy to miss new clauses that have been added. Building the habit of systematic review protects you in the long run.
What if the client won't negotiate?
Some issues are non-negotiable for you (e.g., getting paid). Others might be worth accepting if the project is valuable enough. Use your judgment but if a client refuses to discuss any concerns, consider whether they'll be reasonable to work with during the project.
