WordPress Developer Freelance Contract UK | Web Development Agreement
Disputes over project scope, late payment, and intellectual property ownership are the most common problems WordPress developers and their clients face when there is no written agreement in place. A properly drafted WordPress developer freelance contract sets out deliverables, payment terms, and IP assignment before work begins, protecting both parties if things go wrong. Under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act 1998, freelancers are entitled to claim statutory interest on overdue invoices, but only if a contract establishes clear payment terms. The contract should also confirm the engagement sits outside IR35 under Chapter 10 of ITEPA 2003, reducing tax risk for both developer and client. Whether you are a freelancer taking on a new build or a business commissioning a WordPress site, having the right contract in writing is non-negotiable. Generate yours now.
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Key clauses in a Freelance Contract
Intellectual Property Assignment
This clause determines who owns the WordPress theme, custom plugins, and source code once the project is complete. Without an express written assignment, copyright in the work remains with the developer by default under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, meaning the client may not legally own what they paid for.
Project Scope and Deliverables
This clause defines exactly what the developer has agreed to build, including specific WordPress functionality, third-party integrations, and revision limits. A precise scope statement prevents scope creep disputes and provides a clear reference point if the client requests work that falls outside the original agreement.
Payment Terms and Late Fees
This clause sets out the fee structure, invoice schedule, and consequences of late payment, including the right to charge statutory interest under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts Act 1998. It should also confirm whether the developer is VAT-registered, as this affects the total amount invoiced and the client's ability to reclaim input tax.
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Generate free →Frequently asked questions
Does a WordPress freelance contract need to address IR35?
Yes, if the client is a medium or large private sector business, they are responsible for determining the IR35 status of the engagement under Chapter 10 of ITEPA 2003. Including a clear substitution clause and confirming the developer operates as an independent business helps support an outside-IR35 determination, though the actual status depends on the working arrangements as a whole.
Who owns the WordPress code if there is no contract in place?
Under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, copyright in original code belongs to the person who created it, which means the freelance developer retains ownership unless there is a written agreement that assigns it to the client. A contract with an express IP assignment clause is the only reliable way to transfer ownership of the finished codebase.
Can a WordPress developer retain rights to reuse code across multiple client projects?
Yes, many developers build sites using proprietary frameworks, starter themes, or libraries they have created themselves. A well-drafted contract can grant the client a licence to use that code for their specific project while the developer retains underlying ownership and the right to reuse it elsewhere. This arrangement is perfectly legal in the UK provided it is clearly documented in the contract before work starts.
The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contracto generates AI-assisted contract templates — they are not a substitute for advice from a qualified solicitor. For high-value or complex engagements, always seek independent legal review.