--- title: "Website contract terms to check before you sign | MCC" description: "Key clauses in a web design or website care agreement: ownership, scope, payment schedule, revisions, hosting, cancellation and what to ask a lawyer about." url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/websites/guides/website-contract-terms-to-check" --- Guide · Updated October 12, 2026 # Website contract terms to check before you sign A good website agreement protects both sides by writing down what was promised. Many disputes with designers come from unclear terms about ownership, what is included and what happens when the relationship ends. This is general information, not legal advice. By [Matthew Coleman](/about), MCC Solutions **Quick answer.** Check that a website contract lists the pages and features included, who supplies content, how many revision rounds you get, who owns the design, domain and content, what hosting and support cost, and what happens if either side ends the relationship. **Free tools:** [Free website SEO check](/websites/seo-checker) · [Search result preview](/websites/search-result-preview) ## Scope: what exactly will be delivered The contract should list the pages, features, integrations and content tasks included. Note who writes the text and supplies photos. Spell out the number of revision rounds and what counts as a change versus a new request. Vague words like 'full website' or 'SEO included' invite misunderstanding. Ask for a timeline with milestones, and what you must supply for the schedule to hold. Delays on your side usually move dates. Ask what happens if the project grows. A good agreement describes how extra work is requested, quoted and approved in writing, so neither side is surprised by a new invoice. ## Ownership of the site and content Check who owns the design, code, text, photos and the domain after you pay. Many agreements transfer ownership only after full payment. Make sure the domain is registered in your name, and hosting accounts are accessible to you. If a template or third-party plug-in is licensed, find out what happens to the license if you leave. Confirm that the designer has the right to use any stock images or fonts and that you are not liable for their mistakes. ## Payment terms Look at the deposit, the milestone schedule and the final payment. Tie payments to deliverables, not just dates. Understand late fees, refund terms and what happens if the project stops partway. Be wary of requests for full payment up front for large projects. Ask what is not included in the price: premium plug-ins, stock photos, copywriting, extra pages, or later changes. If a payment processor, mailing service or booking tool is part of the build, check whether the subscription will be in your name and billed to you directly. Accounts opened in the designer's name can leave you locked out later. ## Ongoing hosting and care Find out whether hosting, maintenance, backups and security updates are included, who handles them and what they cost. Note renewal dates and whether prices can rise. Ask how quickly problems are fixed and how to reach someone. Make sure you can move to another provider, and that the agreement says how files and data will be handed over, and in what format. ## Ending the relationship Read the termination clause. How much notice is needed? Are there fees for leaving? Will the provider transfer domain, hosting and files promptly? Contracts that auto-renew for long periods deserve a calendar reminder on the cancellation date. Check limits on liability, confidentiality and who is responsible if the site infringes copyright. Items like these are why a short review by an attorney can be worth the cost. ## Red flags Be cautious if the agreement is only an email, the provider will not put promises in writing, ownership is unclear, or you are asked to sign before seeing the scope. Ask questions and wait for clear answers. If you are unsure of any term, an attorney can read it with you before you sign. Also watch for pressure to sign quickly, discounts that expire tonight and promises such as top search positions that no honest provider can control. ## Common questions **Should I have a lawyer review a website contract?** For a large project or an unusual term, yes. For simple projects, a clear scope and ownership clause may be enough. **Who should own the domain name?** You should, registered under your own account with your own contact details, so you can control renewals and move it. This guide is general information. Search engines change how they work and their guidelines; check Google's current documentation for your situation. Nobody can guarantee a ranking. Let us handle it [### Website design Fast, mobile-first small business websites built by a New Jersey firm, with a fixed written quote. You own the domain, hosting and content. Website design →](/websites/services/website-design)[### Website care & updates Monthly website care: updates, backups, security checks, speed and content changes for small businesses. Website care →](/websites/services/website-care) More guides - [Hiring a web designer: questions to ask and what to see](/websites/guides/hiring-a-web-designer-questions-to-ask) - [How to write a website brief for your designer](/websites/guides/website-brief-template-for-your-designer) - [A simple content calendar for a busy owner](/websites/guides/content-calendar-for-small-business) - [Blog topic ideas for a local service business](/websites/guides/blog-topic-ideas-for-local-service-businesses) Free tools - [Website basics check](/websites/seo-checker) - [Is your website working for you? quiz](/websites/quiz) [All guides](/websites/guides) Reach small business owners working on their website and Google listing who read this guide: [advertise here](/advertise#websites). Do it yourself ### Small Business Website Starter A fast, mobile-friendly one-page site you edit in a text editor and host anywhere, with the sections a local service business needs and a plain setup guide. [See what's inside ($29)](/toolkits/small-business-website-starter) [Free sample](/toolkits/small-business-website-starter#free-starter)14-day full refund ## Rather have us handle it? Ask for a quote. [Get a Quote](/websites/#quote)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)