Developer won’t hand over code and access? Here’s what to do

Imagine your project is nearing completion, and you’re expecting a final delivery. But suddenly, the contractor disappears, refuses to hand over the code and access, or starts making new demands. It’s a frustrating situation — but unfortunately, not a rare one.

Why does this happen, how can you prevent it, and what should you do if it’s already happening? Let’s break it all down.

Why do developers refuse to hand over code and access?

Losing control over your own project may seem like an unexpected disaster, but in most cases, the reasons behind it are quite predictable. Here are the main ones:

• Payment disputes

  The developer feels undervalued and uses the code as leverage to demand outstanding payments.

• Fear of losing the client

  The contractor worries that once they hand over all the materials, their services will no longer be needed.

• Lack of clear agreements

  If the contract doesn’t explicitly state that the client owns the code and access, the developer might delay the transfer.

• Unreliable or dishonest contractors

  Some developers simply vanish, leaving the project in limbo.

What to do if you can’t get your code or access?

If a contractor refuses to transfer code or access, don’t panic. Instead, follow a structured approach.

Step 1: attempt to resolve the conflict

• Remind the contractor of their obligations as outlined in the contract. A constructive conversation might be all that’s needed.
• If they refuse to cooperate, bring in a mediator who can help facilitate a resolution.

Step 2: seek legal help

• Review your contract to check for clauses regarding ownership of code and assets.
• Send the contractor a formal legal notice demanding the transfer of materials.
• If necessary, consider legal action — especially if the contract explicitly grants you ownership.

Step 3: find an alternative solution

• If you have backup copies, hire a new developer to complete the project.
• If no backups exist, rebuilding from scratch may be the only option—costly, but sometimes necessary.

How to prevent this issue: key precautions

To minimize the risk of losing access to your project, take proactive steps at every stage.

At the contract signing stage:

• Define ownership rights clearly

  Ensure the contract explicitly states that all source code, data, and credentials belong to you.

• Set deadlines for deliverables

  Specify clear handover timelines for code and documentation.

• Include termination clauses

  If the contract ends prematurely, the contractor must immediately hand over all work done up to that point.

During development:

• Use an incremental handover approach

  Break the project into sprints and require code deliveries at each stage.

• Maintain backup copies

  Store all work in shared repositories (e.g., GitHub, GitLab) or regularly save copies to avoid losing everything.

Real-world case: how a client overcame this issue

One of our clients faced this exact problem. The project was nearing completion, and the client expected final delivery. But the developer suddenly disappeared. Later, they returned and demanded additional payment before handing over the code — despite the fact that this was never agreed upon in the contract.

How the client solved it:

Thanks to a well-structured contract and regular backups, the client was able to retrieve the project without extra costs or unnecessary disputes.

Conclusion

The key to a smooth and secure project handover is clear agreements and proactive measures. A well-drafted contract, staged handovers, and regular backups will help you avoid most of these issues.

If you’re already facing this problem, act decisively and systematically. Your project is your responsibility, and with the right approach, you can protect it from bad actors.