Domain, hosting and access: whose name should they be under?

You've ordered a beautiful website. A year later you want to make a small change or switch partners — and it turns out you don't have a single login. Even worse: the domain and hosting are in the developer's name.

Now you have to negotiate or pay extra to get your own site back. It's a common scenario, and an avoidable one.

Register your domain under YOUR name

Your domain (e.g. yourcompany.ee) is your brand's digital address. It should never be registered in a developer's name.

Register it yourself with a registrar. Give the developer or service only the technical settings they need — the legal owner is you.

Hosting: know what happens to your files

Hosting is the plot of land your website stands on. If the site lives on someone else's server, ask before you start: can I get my files if we part ways?

Ask for these accesses once the project is done

• domain management rights at the registrar;
• hosting and database access, or an export of the files;
• admin rights to the content management system;
• Google Analytics and Search Console with owner rights (not just a viewer role).

How it works with Odav Koduleht

On the Start and Pro plans you can keep name.odavkoduleht.ee as the address or connect your own .ee domain — the domain stays registered in your name, you only add DNS records for us. Hosting and SSL are included, and if you wish you can order an export of the site's files in the settings; we email it within 1–3 working days — see the plans.

Check your access today

Digital security starts with proper ownership. When the access is in your hands, you sleep well and your business is protected.