The Freelance Isn’t Free Law provides basic protections for freelance work, including:
Freelancers must be paid within 30 days of submitting work or the payment due date, as stipulated in the contract. If payment is not received or is received in an untimely fashion, then freelancers may take the following actions:
The legislation covers New York City freelancers who are:
The intent of the law is to protect freelance workers in NYC. However, many freelancers work with remote clients. If the client’s office is located outside of NYC, and most of their business takes place outside of NYC, they may not be subject to the requirements of the new law. Freelancers can still file a complaint with the Office of Labor Policy and Standards (OLPS) using this form, and the agency may chose to take action on the freelancers behalf.
Ultimately, jurisdiction is up to the court to decide. Concerned freelancers should put a jurisdiction clause into the contract, specifying that any legal actions taken must be reviewed in a NYC court of law. This way, the choice of law is NYC, regardless of the client’s location.
Under the law, clients who are found guilty will now have to pay double damages, and could be held liable for attorney’s fees and additional civil penalties. It’s up to the court to determine damages owed to the freelancer. Once an amount has been decided, the law now requires the court to double that value.
No, the Freelance Isn't Free law is not retroactive, meaning all arrangements made before May 15, 2017 should be held to the original agreement.
You can file a claim without a contract, and even if you don’t have anything in writing. The client is ultimately held responsible for not securing a contract.
Yes, you can contact the Office of Labor Policy & Standards directly via email at freelancer@dca.nyc.gov, in person at the Office of Labor Policy & Standards in Manhattan at 42 Broadway, 9th floor, and by phone at 212-436-0380
You can see a PDF of the law here.
Your contracts must include the following:
As of May 15, individuals and businesses engaging freelancers for services valued at $800 or more must use a contract. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in a fine of $250, plus attorney’s fees and costs.
The law requires businesses to pay freelancers by the date in the contract, or, if the agreement does not mention time of payment, within 30 days of completion of services. Businesses may not condition timely payment on the freelancer’s agreement to accept less than the agreed-upon payment amount. The Act also prohibits businesses from retaliating against freelancers for exercising rights.
Finally, the provisions of the law include a 120-day look back period. Hiring parties should review all freelance contracts exceeding the $800 threshold for compliance with the law. Moving forward, businesses should train employees with authority to enter into freelance employment agreements on the tenants of the law.
This page is a publication of Freelancers Union. Our purpose in publishing this advisory is to inform freelancers and businesses that hire freelancers about the provisions of the Freelance Isn't Free law. It is not intended, nor should it be used, as a substitute for specific legal advice as legal counsel may only be given in response to inquiries regarding particular situations.