Warranty clauses: how long you should warrant your work (and what not to warrant)
A warranty is a promise that your work meets certain standards. The safe warranty is limited: you’ll fix defects for a defined period. The unsafe warranty promises business outcomes or unlimited bug fixing.
When to use
- Most contracts
Red flags
- Unlimited warranty period
- Warranty of business outcomes
- Unlimited support included
Copy/paste clause lines
Plain text — edit for your jurisdiction
Contractor warrants that deliverables will materially conform to the agreed specifications for 30 days after acceptance. Warranty is limited to fixing defects; it excludes new features, changes, or issues caused by client modifications.
Negotiation moves
- Limit warranty window (e.g. 14–45 days)
- Define what counts as a defect vs change request
FAQ
Warranty · FAQ
How long should a freelancer warranty last?
Common windows are 14–45 days after acceptance. Longer for critical systems if priced accordingly.
Related
Other clauses
Further reading
Keep reading
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Editorial guidance only. This is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and contract type. Use this as a starting point and consult a qualified lawyer for high-stakes agreements.