Should a web designer give their webfiles to a client?

Not giving the client access to the files is just petty, I'm shocked when I hear about companies refusing to hand over files when the customer decides to move, that or they want paid extra in order to do so.

You're asked to do a job, you do it, you're paid for it, then the files belong to the client.

Imagine buying some clothes, you buy them, take them home, wear them then the shop owner says - hey! you bought those clothes nobody said you could wear them!

That's how I see it anyway, and yeah - I'm a web designer - who gets quite a lot of work from companies fed up with their shoddy suppliers.

For this time I'd give the client the files....they might give you some word of mouth business if they are happy.

You should start using contracts and write it so that it clearly states that the files will not be turned over at the end of the subscription period unless they pay x amount and that if they choose to host elsewhere they are not allowed to alter any images you created.

Usually when you design a site for someone, they do have rights to the web files and native design files unless they agree upfront to not have that access.

depends on your contract. I would assume they paid for the stuff and I would give it to them unless your contract specifically says otherwise. If you were asked to do an art piece, does the payer get that?

I do websites for F500 companys. I have two fees on my contract.

One with source and one without. Pricing reflects what they want.

I don't really care if they wish the source code, it will just cost them more.