Web Development Contract Template — Technical Specs & Code Ownership
Define technical requirements clearly, establish code ownership terms, and set post-launch support expectations with a contract built for web developers.
Contract Template
1. Parties & Agreement
Identifies the developer or development agency and client entering into a web development services relationship, establishing the legal framework for the project.
This Web Development Services Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into as of [DATE]:
Developer: [YOUR NAME/COMPANY], located at [ADDRESS] ("Developer")
Client: [CLIENT NAME/COMPANY], located at [ADDRESS] ("Client")
This Agreement governs the development of the website/application described below.2. Project Scope & Technical Specifications
Specifies exact technical requirements including technology stack, features, pages, integrations, and performance requirements that define what will be built.
Project: [PROJECT NAME/DESCRIPTION] Technology Stack: - Frontend: [FRAMEWORK/LIBRARY] - Backend: [FRAMEWORK/LANGUAGE] - Database: [DATABASE TYPE] - Hosting: [HOSTING REQUIREMENTS] Features & Functionality: - [FEATURE 1 - detailed description] - [FEATURE 2 - detailed description] - [FEATURE 3 - detailed description] Pages/Screens: [NUMBER] pages including [LIST KEY PAGES] Third-Party Integrations: [LIST INTEGRATIONS] Performance Requirements: [LOAD TIME, UPTIME, etc.]
3. Browser & Device Compatibility
Defines exact browser versions and devices that will be tested and supported, setting clear expectations about compatibility coverage.
Browser Support: - Chrome: Latest 2 versions - Firefox: Latest 2 versions - Safari: Latest 2 versions - Edge: Latest 2 versions - Mobile: iOS Safari and Chrome Android (latest versions) Responsive Breakpoints: [MOBILE, TABLET, DESKTOP WIDTHS] Testing: Developer will test on specified browsers/devices Older browser support available as optional add-on service
4. Development Process & Timeline
Breaks development into phases with milestones, deliverables, and client feedback requirements that keep projects on track.
Phase 1 - Planning & Design: [X] weeks - Deliverables: Wireframes, design mockups, technical architecture Phase 2 - Development: [X] weeks - Deliverables: Functional development environment, core features Phase 3 - Testing & Refinement: [X] weeks - Deliverables: Bug fixes, performance optimization Phase 4 - Launch: [X] weeks - Deliverables: Production deployment, documentation Total Timeline: [X] weeks from project start Timeline assumes Client provides feedback within [X] business days
5. Payment Terms
Structures payments around development milestones with deposit requirements and final payment tied to launch acceptance.
Total Project Fee: $[AMOUNT] Payment Schedule: - 40% ($[AMOUNT]) due upon signing (before work begins) - 30% ($[AMOUNT]) due upon completion of Phase 2 - 20% ($[AMOUNT]) due upon completion of Phase 3 - 10% ($[AMOUNT]) due upon launch acceptance Payment Terms: Net [X] days from invoice Late Payment: [X]% monthly fee after [X] day grace period
6. Code Ownership & Intellectual Property
Transfers ownership of custom code to client upon payment, while retaining developer rights to general techniques and tools.
Upon final payment, Client receives ownership of custom code developed for this project Until final payment, all code remains Developer's property Developer retains ownership of: - Pre-existing code libraries and frameworks - Developer tools and methodologies - General programming techniques and knowledge Third-party libraries: Licensed per their respective licenses Developer grants Client license to use any pre-existing code incorporated in deliverables
7. Hosting & Deployment
Clarifies hosting responsibilities, deployment process, and environment requirements for staging and production.
[OPTION A - Developer Provides Hosting]: - Developer will set up and manage hosting for [X] months - Hosting fee: $[AMOUNT]/month (separate from development fee) [OPTION B - Client Provides Hosting]: - Client will provide hosting environment meeting [SPECIFICATIONS] - Developer will deploy to Client's hosting Deployment Process: - Staging environment for testing - Production deployment upon approval - [X] deployment attempts included, additional deployments: $[RATE]
8. Testing & Acceptance
Defines acceptance testing process, bug classification, and acceptance criteria that determine when project is complete.
Acceptance Testing: - Developer will conduct internal testing before delivery - Client will have [X] business days to test and report issues Bug Classification: - Critical: Site unusable, data loss, security issues - Major: Significant functionality broken - Minor: Cosmetic issues, small bugs Acceptance Criteria: All critical and major bugs resolved Minor bugs may be deferred to post-launch support period
9. Post-Launch Support & Maintenance
Defines limited warranty period for bug fixes and exclusions that prevent clients from expecting ongoing free support.
Warranty Period: [X] days from launch date During warranty, Developer will fix bugs related to delivered functionality at no charge NOT Covered (available as paid maintenance): - New features or functionality changes - Content updates or changes - Third-party service issues or API changes - Client modifications or third-party additions - Hosting or server configuration issues After warranty: Maintenance available at $[RATE]/hour or monthly retainer
10. Third-Party Services & Limitations
Clarifies developer responsibility for third-party integrations and limitations when external services change or fail.
Third-Party Services: - [LIST THIRD-PARTY SERVICES/APIS] Developer will integrate third-party services per their documentation Developer not responsible for: - Third-party service outages or downtime - Changes to third-party APIs or services - Third-party service limitations or restrictions Client acknowledges that third-party services may change or discontinue Alternative solutions may require additional development fees
11. Security & Compliance
Establishes security standards, compliance requirements, and responsibilities for handling sensitive data.
Developer will implement reasonable security measures Security includes: [SSL, password hashing, input validation, etc.] Compliance: [GDPR, PCI-DSS, HIPAA, etc. - if applicable] Client responsible for: - Secure password practices - Regular backups (if not included in hosting) - Content that complies with applicable laws Developer not liable for security breaches due to Client negligence or third-party attacks
12. Termination
Allows termination with notice, requiring payment for completed work and defining code delivery upon termination.
Either party may terminate with [X] days written notice Upon termination: - Client pays for all work completed through termination date - Developer delivers all completed code and work-in-progress - If Client terminates after [X]% completion, Client pays [X]% kill fee Code delivered upon termination is "as-is" without warranty
13. Limitation of Liability
Limits developer liability to fees received, excluding indirect damages and clarifying that developer provides services, not guarantees of business results.
Developer's liability limited to total fees paid under this Agreement Developer not liable for indirect, consequential, or punitive damages Developer not liable for lost profits, lost data, or business interruption Developer provides development services, not guarantees of business results Client responsible for backing up data and content
14. Signatures
Executes the web development agreement with dated signatures from developer and client, making the contract legally binding.
Both parties agree to the terms above. Developer: _________________ Date: _________ Client: _________________ Date: _________
Disclaimer: This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We recommend having a qualified attorney review any contract before use to ensure it meets your specific needs and complies with applicable laws in your jurisdiction.
Pro Tips
- Document technical specifications in detail before starting—changes mid-project are expensive
- Be clear about browser support—testing every browser/device combination is unrealistic
- Define what "bug" means—not every issue is a bug that must be fixed for free
- Set a clear post-launch support window—don't commit to indefinite free fixes
- Clarify hosting responsibilities upfront—this is a common source of confusion
- Get client approval for third-party services—they may change or cost money
Key Features of This Contract
Technical Specification Lock-In
Documents exact technical requirements including frameworks, libraries, browser support, responsive breakpoints, and performance benchmarks before development begins. Prevents clients from changing technical direction mid-project without acknowledging cost and timeline impacts. Creates clear acceptance criteria based on documented specifications rather than subjective "it should work better" requests.
Code Ownership & License Transfer
Transfers ownership of custom code to client upon final payment, while retaining developer rights to use general programming techniques and open-source contributions. Distinguishes between custom code (client-owned) and developer tools/frameworks (developer-owned), preventing disputes about what clients actually own. Includes license grants for any third-party libraries used.
Hosting & Deployment Responsibility
Clarifies whether developer handles hosting setup, ongoing hosting management, or if client provides hosting environment. Defines deployment process, environment requirements (staging vs production), and who bears costs for hosting infrastructure. Prevents confusion about whether hosting is included in development fee or separate service.
Browser & Device Compatibility Matrix
Specifies exact browser versions and devices that will be tested and supported, preventing clients from expecting support for every possible combination. Defines testing methodology and acceptance criteria for compatibility. Older browser support can be added as optional add-on service, avoiding scope creep disguised as "basic compatibility."
Post-Launch Support Window
Defines limited warranty period (typically 30-90 days) for bug fixes related to delivered functionality, with clear exclusions for new features, third-party issues, or client modifications. After support window, maintenance becomes paid service. Prevents clients from expecting indefinite free support while ensuring reasonable post-launch stability.
Third-Party Integration Limitations
Explicitly states that third-party API changes, service outages, or integration limitations are outside developer control and not grounds for non-payment. Requires client approval for third-party dependencies and documents known limitations. Protects developers from liability when external services change or fail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns the code after the project is complete?
Typically, custom code transfers to the client upon final payment. However, you retain rights to general techniques, tools, and pre-existing code libraries. Be explicit about what transfers and what doesn't.
Should I include hosting in the development fee?
Usually not. Hosting is an ongoing cost that should be separate. You can offer to set up hosting initially, but ongoing hosting should be a separate service or the client's responsibility.
How long should the post-launch support period be?
30-90 days is typical. This covers bugs in delivered functionality but doesn't commit you to indefinite free support. After this period, maintenance becomes a paid service.
What if the client wants to add features after launch?
New features are out of scope and require a change order with additional fees. Your contract should clearly distinguish between bug fixes (covered) and new features (paid).
Am I responsible if a third-party API changes?
No. Your contract should explicitly state that third-party service changes are outside your control. You can offer to update integrations, but this should be paid work, not free fixes.
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