New York has a Freelance Isn’t Free Act that protects freelance workers from some of the common problems they may face, such as a client not paying them or a client retaliating when workers try to enforce their rights. Most freelancers have protection under this act. Read about your rights so that you can ensure clients treat you fairly. New York law could require the client to compensate you not only for the lack of promised payment but also attorney fees.
Payment within 30 days
The Freelance Isn’t Free Act states that buyers must pay freelancers within 30 days. You could pursue business litigation if a client hasn’t paid you within 30 days of you completing the work. Their payment should not be partial; you have the legal right to receive full payment within 30 days of finishing your work for them.
Written contracts
When a client is paying you $800 or more in a 120-day period, New York law stipulates that they need to have it in writing. If they refuse to give you a written contract, then you could look into litigation. Both you and the hiring party need to hold onto a copy of the contract. The contract must clearly define what work you are completing, how much the client is paying you and by what date you will receive payment.
Protection from retaliation
If a client blacklists you, attempts to prevent others from hiring you or threatens you when you attempt to enforce your legal rights, this is against the law. You could file a complaint with the Office of Labor and Policy Standards to report this kind of behavior.
Freelancers could sue someone for failing to pay them in a timely manner. They could also take a hiring party to court for retaliating against them. It’s important to know your rights as a freelancer so that others don’t harm your career or your ability to pay your bills.