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Freelance Contract for New York

Generate a freelance contract that complies with New York law — with 4 mandatory clauses and 6 compliance checks built in.

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Key legal considerations

You are generating a New York freelance agreement. CRITICAL: The Freelance Isn't Free Act (statewide since Aug 28, 2024; NYC since 2017) requires a WRITTEN CONTRACT for any engagement of $800+ (single or aggregated over 120 days). The contract must include: names/addresses, itemized services, value, compensation rate and method, payment date, and service submission deadline. Payment must be made within 30 days of completion if no date is specified. Anti-retaliation protections apply — the hiring party cannot punish a freelancer for demanding timely payment. These protections CANNOT be waived. Penalties include double damages, injunctive relief, and attorneys' fees.

What's required

Mandatory clauses for a valid freelance contract under New York law.

  • Freelance Isn't Free Act Written Contract

    NY Lab. Law § 191-d (Freelance Isn't Free Act, statewide 2024); NYC Admin. Code § 20-927 et seq.

  • 30-Day Payment Requirement

    NY Lab. Law § 191-d; NYC Admin. Code § 20-928

  • Anti-Retaliation Protection

    NY Lab. Law § 191-d; NYC Admin. Code § 20-929

  • Freelance IP Ownership

What's prohibited

Terms and provisions that are void or unenforceable under New York law.

  • Retaliation for exercising payment rights

    The Freelance Isn't Free Act prohibits any retaliation against freelancers for exercising their rights under the law, including requesting payment or filing complaints.

    NY Lab. Law § 191-d; NYC Admin. Code § 20-929

  • Waiver of Freelance Isn't Free Act protections

    Freelancers cannot waive their rights under the Freelance Isn't Free Act. Any provision purporting to waive these protections is void.

    NYC Admin. Code § 20-933

Legal references

Key statutes and regulations that govern freelance contracts in New York.

  • New York State Freelance Isn't Free Act

    NY Lab. Law § 191-d (effective Aug. 28, 2024)

    Statewide freelance protection law requiring written contracts for engagements of $800+, timely payment within 30 days, and anti-retaliation protections.

  • NYC Freelance Isn't Free Act (original)

    NYC Admin. Code §§ 20-927 through 20-936

    The original NYC local law (2017) providing protections for freelance workers, which served as the model for the statewide law.

    View →

Compliance checklist

Automated compliance checks for every New York freelance contract.

  • Written contract provided for $800+ engagement

    critical
  • All required FFA terms included

    critical
  • Payment within 30 days (default)

    critical
  • Anti-retaliation language included

    warning

+2 more compliance checks

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Frequently asked questions

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contract.diy is a document preparation service, not a law firm. Generated contracts are templates for informational purposes and do not constitute legal advice. We recommend having any contract reviewed by a qualified attorney before signing.