Late payment laws › New York City

NYC Freelance Isn't Free Act: written contracts, 30-day payment, DCWP complaints

Not legal advice. Every statement below links to the official source it comes from.

New York City was the first US city with a freelancer payment law. It applies alongside the newer state law.

What the law says

• A written contract is required for freelance work worth $800 or more, including multiple contracts with the same hiring party totalling $800 within 120 days.
  Source: NYC DCWP: Freelance Worker Rights; NYC Admin. Code Title 20, Chapter 10
• Payment is due on the contract date or, if none, within 30 days after the work is completed.
  Source: NYC DCWP: Freelance Worker Rights
• Freelancers can file a complaint with the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), or go to court, where remedies for late or non-payment can include double damages and attorney's fees.
  Source: NYC DCWP: Freelance Isn't Free Act; NYC DCWP: FAQs (PDF)

Use it in your reminder

Mention the rule calmly and factually in your firm or final reminder, e.g. “Under [law], payment was due by [date]. Please pay by [deadline].” Work out the exact amount with the late payment interest calculator.

Related

• NY Freelance Isn't Free Act reminder

Other jurisdictions

United Kingdom · European Union · Australia · Canada (Ontario) · New York State · California · Illinois · Los Angeles · Columbus, Ohio · Minneapolis · United States (general)

Not legal advice. This page summarises official sources as of 31 October 2026 for general information; laws change and details depend on your contract and circumstances. Check the linked source or ask a qualified lawyer before relying on it.