Most freelance contracts are too long, too legal, and never read by the client.
Here is a one-page version that covers everything that actually matters.
The 6 things your contract must cover
1. Scope of work
What you are delivering. Specific. Not "website design" but "five-page website with homepage, about, services, contact, and blog index — design only, no development".
If it is not in the scope, it is a change request. This is where most freelancers lose money.
2. Payment terms
Amount, currency, due date, late payment terms. Include: "Interest will be charged on overdue invoices at 8% above the Bank of England base rate under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act 1998."
That sentence alone has made me money.
3. Deposit
Take one. 25-50% upfront. Non-refundable once work starts. This filters out time-wasters and covers your costs if a client disappears.
4. Revision rounds
How many included. What happens after. "Two rounds of revisions included. Additional rounds at £X per hour." Without this, revisions are infinite.
5. Kill fee
If the client cancels mid-project, they owe you for work completed plus a percentage of the remainder. Standard: 25-50% of remaining value. Stops you being left unpaid for half-finished work.
6. IP ownership
IP transfers to the client upon receipt of full payment. Until then, you own it. This gives you leverage if payment goes missing.
What to do with it
Send it before you start any work. Every time. Even with returning clients. Even for small projects.
A signed contract (email confirmation counts legally) protects both sides and sets the tone for a professional relationship.
Template with all six sections, ready to send: landolio.com/products/contract-template-pack (£9)
Or build your own from scratch using the above — the key is having something.
Do you use a contract for every project? What is the one clause you would never drop?
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