Painting & Decorating Contract (UK)
This Painting & Decorating Contract (the “Contract”) is entered into on [Effective Date] (the “Effective Date”) by and between:
[Contractor Name], [Who Contractor], with its principal or registered address at [Contractor Address], [Contractor City], [Contractor County], [Contractor Postcode], England (hereinafter referred to as the “Contractor”); and
[Client Name], [Who Client], with an address at [Client Address], [Client City], [Client County], [Client Postcode], England (hereinafter referred to as the “Client”).
The Contractor and the Client are referred to collectively as the “Parties” and individually as a “Party”.
BACKGROUND
WHEREAS, the Client is the owner or lawful occupier of the property located at [Property Address], [Property City], [Property County], [Property Postcode] (the “Property”); and
WHEREAS, the Client wishes to engage the Contractor to carry out painting and decorating works at the Property, and the Contractor has agreed to perform such works on the terms and conditions set out in this Contract;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and obligations set out herein, the Parties agree as follows:
1. SCOPE OF WORKS
1.1 The Contractor shall carry out the following painting and decorating works at the Property (the “Works”): [Scope of Works].
1.2 Any additional works not specified in clause 1.1 shall be agreed in writing by both Parties before commencement and shall be subject to a separate written quotation or variation to this Contract.
1.3 The Contractor shall perform all Works with reasonable care and skill, in accordance with the standards expected of a competent painting and decorating professional, as required by the Consumer Rights Act 2015 where the Client is a consumer.
2. SURFACE PREPARATION
2.1 The Contract Price includes the following surface preparation work: [Preparation Work].
2.2 If during preparation the Contractor discovers hidden defects, damp, structural damage, or hazardous materials (including asbestos-containing materials or lead-based paint), the Contractor shall immediately cease work in the affected area and notify the Client in writing. Additional remedial work required to address such defects shall be the subject of a separate written quotation.
2.3 The Contractor shall protect all floors, fixtures, fittings, and furnishings with appropriate dust sheets and protective coverings during the Works and shall remove all protective coverings upon completion.
3. PAINTS AND MATERIALS
3.1 [Materials Supply]. The estimated cost of paints, primers, fillers, and other materials is £[Materials Estimate], which shall be charged separately to or included within the Contract Price as agreed by the Parties.
3.2 The following paint specification has been agreed: [Paint Specification].
3.3 Where the Contractor supplies paints and materials, all products shall be of satisfactory quality and fit for their intended purpose, in accordance with the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (where applicable). The Contractor shall not substitute agreed products for inferior alternatives without the Client’s prior written consent.
3.4 The Contractor shall apply the number of coats specified in the quotation or, where not specified, a minimum of two coats of finishing paint over a suitable primer or undercoat to achieve an even, professional finish.
4. COMMENCEMENT AND DURATION
4.1 The Works shall commence on [Start Date] and are anticipated to be completed by [Completion Date], subject to the discovery of hidden defects and (for exterior works) weather conditions.
4.2 The Contractor shall carry out the Works during the following hours: [Working Hours]. Work outside these hours requires the Client’s prior written consent.
4.3 Time shall not be of the essence for the completion of the Works unless expressly agreed in writing by both Parties.
5. PAYMENT
5.1 The Client shall pay the Contractor the sum of £[Total Price] (the “Contract Price”) for the Works, exclusive of VAT (if applicable).
5.2 Payment shall be made in accordance with the following schedule: [Payment Schedule].
5.3 Payment shall be made by [Payment Method].
5.4 If the Client fails to make any payment when due, the Contractor shall be entitled to charge interest on the overdue amount at the rate of 4% per annum above the Bank of England base rate, in accordance with the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 (where applicable).
5.5 The Contractor shall not be obliged to continue the Works while any undisputed payment remains outstanding for more than 14 days.
6. INSURANCE
6.1 The Contractor shall maintain public liability insurance with a minimum cover of £[Public Liability Amount] for the duration of this Contract and shall provide a copy of the certificate of insurance to the Client upon request.
6.2 The Contractor shall maintain all other insurance required by law, including motor vehicle insurance for any vehicles used in connection with the Works.
7. HEALTH AND SAFETY
7.1 The Contractor shall comply with all applicable health and safety legislation, including the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and any regulations made thereunder, in performing the Works.
7.2 The Contractor shall ensure adequate ventilation in enclosed areas where paints, solvents, or chemical products are being used, and shall comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) in respect of all hazardous substances used in the Works.
7.3 Where works are carried out at height, the Contractor shall comply with the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and shall use appropriate access equipment in accordance with the regulations.
7.4 The Contractor shall ensure that all operatives are suitably trained and competent to carry out the Works safely and to the required standard.
8. CLIENT’S OBLIGATIONS
8.1 The Client shall provide the Contractor with reasonable access to the Property at the agreed times and shall ensure that the rooms or areas to be painted are cleared of furniture and personal belongings to the extent reasonably practicable.
8.2 The Client shall inform the Contractor of any known defects, damp issues, structural problems, or previous use of hazardous materials (including lead-based paint or asbestos) in the areas to be worked on.
8.3 The Client shall ensure that adequate electrical supply and water are available for the Contractor’s use during the Works.
9. INSPECTION AND SNAGGING
9.1 Upon practical completion of the Works, the Client shall have the opportunity to inspect the Works and identify any defects, omissions, or items requiring rectification (a “snagging list”).
9.2 The Contractor shall rectify all items on the agreed snagging list within a reasonable time at no additional cost to the Client.
9.3 Final payment shall become due upon satisfactory completion of all snagging items.
10. TERMINATION
10.1 Either Party may terminate this Contract by giving not less than 7 days’ written notice to the other Party.
10.2 Upon termination, the Client shall pay the Contractor for all Works completed to the Contractor’s reasonable satisfaction up to the date of termination, together with the reasonable cost of any materials ordered or purchased that cannot be returned.
10.3 Either Party may terminate this Contract immediately by written notice if the other Party commits a material breach of any term of this Contract and (where the breach is capable of remedy) fails to remedy the breach within 14 days of receiving written notice requiring it to do so.
11. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
11.1 Nothing in this Contract shall exclude or limit liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, fraud, or any other liability which cannot be excluded by law.
11.2 Subject to clause 13.1, the Contractor’s total liability under or in connection with this Contract shall not exceed the Contract Price.
12. DISPUTE RESOLUTION
12.1 In the event of any dispute arising out of or in connection with this Contract, the Parties shall first attempt to resolve the matter by negotiation in good faith.
12.2 If the dispute is not resolved within 28 days, either Party may refer the matter to mediation in accordance with the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR) Model Mediation Procedure.
12.3 Nothing in this clause shall prevent either Party from seeking urgent injunctive or other equitable relief from the courts.
13. THIRD PARTY RIGHTS
13.1 A person who is not a party to this Contract shall have no right under the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999 to enforce any of its terms.
14. GOVERNING LAW AND JURISDICTION
14.1 This Contract and any dispute or claim (including non-contractual disputes or claims) arising out of or in connection with it or its subject matter or formation shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
14.2 Each Party irrevocably agrees that the courts of England and Wales shall have exclusive jurisdiction to settle any dispute or claim arising out of or in connection with this Contract.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Painting & Decorating Contract as of the Effective Date first written above.
THE CONTRACTOR
Name: [Contractor Name]
Address: [Contractor Address], [Contractor City], [Contractor County], [Contractor Postcode]
THE CLIENT
Name: [Client Name]
Address: [Client Address], [Client City], [Client County], [Client Postcode]
Contractor
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
Client
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
What Is a Painting & Decorating Contract (UK)?
A Painting & Decorating Contract in the United Kingdom sets the services to be provided, the fees, the timetable, and each side's responsibilities for the engagement, under the framework of the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
Under English law, a painting and decorating contract is a contract for the supply of services and, where paints and materials are provided by the contractor, goods. Sections 49 to 52 of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 require that services be performed with reasonable care and skill, within a reasonable time if no specific deadline is agreed, and at a reasonable price where no price is fixed. Where the contractor supplies paints, primers, fillers, and other materials, these must be of satisfactory quality and reasonably fit for purpose under sections 9 and 10 of the Act.
Painting and decorating work is also subject to important health and safety legislation. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 places a general duty on the contractor to confirm the safety of workers and anyone affected by the works. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) require contractors to assess and control risks from hazardous substances such as solvent-based paints, chemical strippers, wood preservatives, and dust from sanding lead-based paint. The Work at Height Regulations 2005 apply to exterior works involving scaffolding, ladders, or elevated platforms.
Our UK Painting & Decorating Contract template is specifically drafted for the legal framework of England and Wales and includes provisions for surface preparation, paint specification, COSHH compliance, snagging procedures, and consumer protection, making it suitable for both residential and commercial painting projects.
The legal framework governing the Painting & Decorating Contract (UK) in United Kingdom draws on several key statutes and regulatory bodies. Under the Companies Act 2006, Companies House maintains the register of UK companies. Section 386 of the Companies Act 2006 sets accounting record obligations. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) enforces the Consumer Rights Act 2015. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulates financial services under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. The High Court of Justice has jurisdiction under the Senior Courts Act 1981. Parties executing a Painting & Decorating Contract (UK) in United Kingdom should confirm the document reflects current law, including any amendments enacted since the original drafting date. The Companies Act 2006 sets the foundational requirements.
When Do You Need a Painting & Decorating Contract (UK)?
A UK Painting & Decorating Contract should be used whenever a property owner, tenant, landlord, or managing agent in England or Wales engages a professional painter and decorator to carry out decorating works at a residential or commercial property. Whether the project involves repainting a single room, a full house redecoration, exterior masonry painting, or a commercial office refurbishment, a written contract protects both the client and the contractor by establishing clear expectations regarding the scope of works, materials, schedule, cost, and quality standards.
Residential clients should use a painting and decorating contract for any project beyond the most minor touch-up work. This is especially important where the project involves extensive surface preparation (stripping wallpaper, filling cracks, sanding woodwork, treating damp patches), specific paint brands or colours that the contractor must use, exterior works requiring scaffolding or working at height, or rooms containing hazardous materials such as lead-based paint or asbestos-containing textured coatings. A written contract confirms that the preparation work included in the price is clearly defined, preventing disputes over whether the contractor was expected to strip old wallpaper or simply paint over it.
Landlords and property managers should use this contract when engaging decorators for between-tenancy redecorations, periodic maintenance of communal areas, or major refurbishment projects. Having a written contract with defined snagging procedures helps confirm that the work meets the required standard before final payment is released.
Commercial clients, including office managers, retail operators, and hospitality businesses, should use a painting and decorating contract for any redecoration or refurbishment works, particularly where works must be carried out outside business hours, in occupied premises, or in food preparation areas where COSHH requirements are especially stringent. Where the commercial project falls under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015, additional duties may apply regarding the appointment of a principal designer and principal contractor.
What to Include in Your Painting & Decorating Contract (UK)
A thorough UK Painting & Decorating Contract must contain several essential elements to protect both parties and confirm compliance with English law.
The scope of works clause should describe every aspect of the decorating works in precise detail, including which rooms or areas are to be painted, which surfaces (walls, ceilings, woodwork, exterior masonry) are included, the number of coats of paint, any wallpapering, and all preparation work (stripping, filling, sanding, priming). Ambiguity in the scope of works is the single most common cause of disputes in decorating contracts.
The paint and materials specification clause identifies the exact products to be used, including brand names, product lines, finishes (matt, silk, eggshell, satinwood, gloss), and colour references. This prevents the contractor from substituting cheaper products without the client's knowledge. Where the contractor supplies materials, they must meet the quality standards imposed by the Consumer Rights Act 2015.
The surface preparation clause is critical because preparation accounts for a significant proportion of the total work. The contract should specify exactly what preparation is included in the price, such as wallpaper stripping, crack filling, sanding, priming, and damp treatment. It should also address the procedure for dealing with hidden defects discovered during preparation.
The payment clause must state the contract price in pounds sterling, the payment schedule, and the consequences of late payment. A retention or snagging mechanism protects the client by withholding part of the final payment until all defects are rectified.
The health and safety clause should require compliance with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the COSHH Regulations 2002, and the Work at Height Regulations 2005. The COSHH obligations are particularly important for painting contractors, who regularly work with volatile organic compounds, chemical strippers, and potentially lead-contaminated dust. The contract should also include insurance provisions, termination rights, and a governing law clause specifying England and Wales.
Additional compliance elements for a Painting & Decorating Contract (UK) used in United Kingdom include: Under the Companies Act 2006, Companies House maintains the register of UK companies. Section 386 of the Companies Act 2006 sets accounting record obligations. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) enforces the Consumer Rights Act 2015. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulates financial services under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. The High Court of Justice has jurisdiction under the Senior Courts Act 1981. Forms-legal.com provides this template as a starting point for United Kingdom-compliant documentation.
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Reference this free template in an article, syllabus, or research note:
Forms Legal. (2026). Painting & Decorating Contract (UK) (United Kingdom) [Legal document template]. Forms Legal. https://forms-legal.com/uk/business/services/painting-decorating-contract-uk
"Painting & Decorating Contract (UK) (United Kingdom)." Forms Legal, 2026, https://forms-legal.com/uk/business/services/painting-decorating-contract-uk.
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year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://forms-legal.com/uk/business/services/painting-decorating-contract-uk}},
note = {Free legal document template. Based on Companies Act 2006}
}Also available for these jurisdictions:
Frequently Asked Questions
Where the client is a consumer (an individual acting for purposes outside their trade, business, craft, or profession), the Consumer Rights Act 2015 applies. Under sections 49 to 52 of the Act, the painting and decorating service must be performed with reasonable care and skill, any information given by the contractor about the service becomes a binding contractual term, and the service must be completed within a reasonable time if no specific time is agreed. If the service does not meet these statutory standards, the consumer has the right to require the contractor to repeat the defective work at no additional cost or, if repetition is impossible or cannot be done within a reasonable time, to receive a price reduction. Additionally, under Part 2 of the Act, unfair terms in consumer contracts are not binding, which means a contractor cannot use standard terms that create a significant imbalance in the parties' rights to the consumer's detriment. If the contract was concluded at the client's home (an off-premises contract), the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 may grant the consumer a 14-day cooling-off period during which they can cancel without penalty.
Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), the contractor has a legal duty to assess the risks to health from exposure to hazardous substances used in the works and to implement appropriate control measures. Hazardous substances commonly used in painting and decorating include solvent-based paints, chemical paint strippers, epoxy coatings, wood preservatives, and dust generated by sanding lead-based paint. The contractor must carry out a COSHH assessment for each hazardous substance before use, provide operatives with safety data sheets, confirm adequate ventilation in enclosed work areas, supply appropriate personal protective equipment (such as masks, gloves, and goggles), and arrange for the safe storage and disposal of hazardous waste. Where lead-based paint is present, the contractor must follow HSE guidance (INDG396) and use wet stripping methods, HEPA-filtered vacuum extraction, or chemical strippers to minimise lead dust exposure. Failure to comply with the COSHH Regulations is a criminal offence enforceable by the Health and Safety Executive, which can issue improvement notices, prohibition notices, or prosecute offenders.
Exterior painting and decorating work frequently involves working at height, which is regulated by the Work at Height Regulations 2005. These regulations require the contractor to avoid work at height where possible, use appropriate work equipment to prevent falls (such as scaffolding, mobile elevated work platforms, or properly secured ladders), and confirm that all operatives working at height are competent and trained. Scaffolding must be erected, altered, and dismantled by competent persons in accordance with the Work at Height Regulations and the manufacturer's instructions. Where scaffolding is erected on a public pavement or highway, the contractor may need a licence from the local authority under the Highways Act 1980. Ladders should only be used for short-duration work and must be secured at the top or footed by a second operative. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 places a general duty on the contractor to confirm, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of all persons who may be affected by the works, including the client, neighbours, and members of the public.
A snagging list is a schedule of defects, omissions, or items requiring rectification that is prepared following a visual inspection of the completed painting and decorating works. It is standard practice in the construction and decorating industry for the client to carry out a snagging inspection upon practical completion of the works, before making the final payment. Common snagging items for painting and decorating work include uneven coverage, visible brush or roller marks, paint drips or runs, missed areas, poor cutting-in at edges, damage to surfaces or fittings, and failure to clean up properly. The contractor should rectify all agreed snagging items within a reasonable time at no additional cost. A well-drafted contract will provide that the final payment (or a retention amount) becomes due only upon satisfactory completion of all snagging items. This mechanism provides the client with commercial use to confirm the contractor returns to complete the work to the agreed standard.
There is no legal requirement for a painting and decorating contractor to hold a specific licence or certification to carry out residential or commercial painting work in England and Wales. However, membership of a recognised trade association provides clients with additional assurance of competence and professionalism. The Painting and Decorating Association (PDA) is the principal trade body, and members must demonstrate technical competence and agree to abide by a code of practice. The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and TrustMark (a government-endorsed quality scheme) also provide vetting and accreditation for painting contractors. Where the property is a listed building, additional restrictions apply under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, and any alterations to the external appearance may require listed building consent from the local planning authority. Contractors working on commercial premises must also comply with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) where the project is notifiable.
This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.Full disclaimer
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