Retainage Guide
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What is Retainage?

Retainage is an amount of money withheld from payment to a contractor or subcontractor until the end of the construction project, or a time specified in the contract. Also known as “retention,” the practice of withholding retainage is commonly used to ensure that the contractor or subcontractor finishes work completely and correctly. Retainage typically ranges from 5-10% of each progress payment. 

A construction project’s retainage is set by the construction contract between the parties, in which both sides agree to some percentage withheld from each progress payment.

Read the most comprehensive explanation of retainage and how it works.

Retainage & the law

Some states have prompt payment laws that regulate how much can be withheld from contractors, while other states don’t.  Some states have vague regulations, such as requiring that withholdings be “reasonable.”  You need to consult the rules in your state — take a look at the retainage map to see what the rules are in your state.

In some rare circumstances, withholding money from contractors can actually be required by state law. For example, according to retainage rules in Texas, the property owner must retain 10% on private construction projects. Under New Mexico’s rules, by contrast, withholding retainage is prohibited.

Generally, withholding amounts in a construction contract that violate state-imposed limits will be rendered invalid.

The problem with retainage

However, the practice is controversial, and many argue that it compounds the construction industry’s working capital and cash flow challenges, thus creating more problems than it solves.

Retainage is commonly withheld until the end of a construction project overall, rather than the completion of a particular contractor’s work. This means that contractors or subcontractors whose work comes near the beginning of a project may have to wait months or years to collect all of the money owed to them.

Common retainage abuses

Unfortunately, it’s common for contractors and developers to abuse the retention practice in construction.  This is done in two ways:

First, it’s abused to “stay ahead.”  It’s a common construction practice to underpay a contractor for work done on a job. If, for example, 30% of work is completed, the developer or GC will only pay 25% of the price.  And then, also take out a withholding.  This is done to “stay ahead” of the subcontractor, to further protect the owner or GC.  This is an abusive practice.  You should check out the payment reputation and practices of your contractor to see whether anyone reports them engaging in this abusive practice.

Second, it’s abused by holding money too long or withholding high percentages. It’s common for contractors to have high amounts withheld from them (even when it’s limited!), and to have that money withheld for a very long time. Sometimes, contractors must have to make formal demands for retainage.

And there are other ways to abuse this practice, too. In one case of mismanagement of retainage, a GC tried to move retained money from one project to another, like some kind of evergreen deposit from a subcontractor!

Just like many other mechanisms related to construction payment, the retainage scheme can be abused. Accordingly, rules, requirements, and practices have been built into federal law and the laws of many states, with respect to retainage to promote its fair use and to prevent its abuse. The amount of the contract price that can be withheld and the time for which the retainage may be withheld vary by state (and federally), and be dependent on project type.

Frequently Asked Questions about Retainage

Retainage can be confusing. This is especially true because the rules are very specific and vary from state-to-state and job-to-job. It's important to pay close attention to the requirements and rules. Small mistakes can put your company at risk for withholding money improperly, or for losing out on being able to ever get your withheld funds! These frequently asked questions address common issues that you'll encounter when trying to stay ahead with the game.

How long is retainage withheld?

Retainage is typically withheld from a contractor throughout the entire duration of the project, and only paid after substantial completion.

However, because retainage is determined by the construction contract, the terms of withholding are up for negotiation. The payment provisions in the AIA A401 agreement, for example, allow for variable retainage, in which retained funds may be repaid or reduced after a specific milestone.

What is a normal amount of retainage?

Retainage is most commonly withheld at either 5% or 10% of each payment on a project. (See the Ultimate Guide to Retainage to learn more about retainage practices in the industry.)

However, because retainage is unregulated in many states and based on the terms of the contract, there can be a lot of variety.

How is retainage calculated?

Retainage is typically calculated as a percentage of each payment made during a project. If you are working on a $100,000 contract with retainage set at 10%, the total retained amount will be $10,000. But that total isn't withheld all at once. Instead, the 10% is withheld from each progress payment. Most payment applications have fields to calculate the retainage amount to withhold from the payment. The actual amount you receive will be the progress payment "less retainage."

When can I file a mechanics lien for retainage?

The short answer is: You absolutely have a right to file a mechanics lien if you haven't received your payment, and you can file a claim at any point up to the state's lien deadline.

However, contractors this common catch-22 when waiting for retainage: The deadline to file a mechanics lien is approaching, and will pass before the project is complete (signaling the release of your retainage payment). If you don't file your lien, the lien rights will expire, even if the retained sums are not due according to the contract.

There are other steps contractors can take to collect retainage faster. But when considering a mechanics lien before retainage is due, it ultimately comes down to a business decision for the sub/trade. You can use a mechanics lien to recover retained money, but that lien would need to be filed within the lien period -- and that deadline is strict. However, if you want to wait until the end of the project, you will likely lose lien protection. If retainage is never paid, you will then have to recover it some other way (making payment demands, taking the matter to small claims court, or even pursuing litigation).

Why is retainage withheld?

Retainage is often withheld throughout a job to protect the owner and/or general contractor against non-compliance, non-performance, and other project risks. The withholding practice is so common, in fact, calculating withholdings is built right into most standard payment application forms.

Retainage is also withheld due to a “pass-through” effect, since a contractor or subcontractor who is having money withheld from them is likely to pass on that percentage (or, in some cases, a higher percentage) to the parties with whom they subcontract.

How can I collect retainage faster?

Even if the contract stipulates that retainage is withheld until the completion of the project, you may be able to negotiate an early release of the retained funds, especially if your portion of the work is already complete.

Though not super common, retainage bonds are sometimes used to guarantee performance in exchange for the release of retained amounts.

What's the difference between retainage and retention?

Retainage and retention generally both mean the same thing, though "retainage" often refers to the amount of money withheld, and "retention" refers to the practice of withholding that money. Learn more: The ultimate guide to retainage

Does retainage change according to the project type?

Retainage amounts and legal limits vary between private, state, and federal projects. The amount of the contract price that can be withheld and the time for which money may be withheld is generally dependent on the project type.

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Recent Questions & Answers
About Retainage

Colorado Retainage Law

We are a subcontractor in Colorado, we entered into a contract for $43K. The contract that was signed states that retainage will be 10%, however I thought that Colorado Limited this to 5%. The customer is stating that the subcontract agreement supersedes the law. Is this accurate?

I have a question regarding the proper deduction of retainage at each billing.

We are holding a 5% Retainage on this current job. The question I have is this. We do our billings by AIA Forms g702 & g703. When calculating this retainage each billing, do I request my payment before or after the 5% retainage? Example: My Mobilization Schedule of Values Total is $15,000.00 I...

Can a customer hold back retainage if not previously specified in the contract?

I am the prime contractor on a residential addition. We finished the project and the customer submitted payment, but held back 10% on the project total. Retainage was not specified or mentioned in our contract. Thank you in advance!

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Map of Retainage Rules Across United States

Does the state regulate how much money can be withheld from a subcontractor? How quickly must the contractor's retention be paid back? What is the process to demand payment of retention money? This map gives you a quick glance to better understand it all.

Free Retainage Demand Letters & Forms

It’s common for retainage to get withheld from contractors on construction jobs all across the world. But, did you realize that it’s sometimes required to send specific notices and legal documents to maintain your rights to claim retainage? Otherwise, the general contractors, owners, developers, or lenders may just sit on the retainage and wait for subcontractors to take action.

Here are some forms and legal notices you may need to stay ahead on retainage.

Notice of Intent to Make Retainage Claim Form

Notice of Intent to Make Retainage Claim Form

This is not a required document in any state, however, it can still be effective to speed up payments. By sending this notice, a claimant can...

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Iowa Notice of Request for Early Release of Retainage Form

Iowa Notice of Request for Early Release of Retainage Form

In Iowa, a contractor may request the early release of retainage on a public project. However, notice must first be sent to all known subcontractors and...

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