Preparing an Outstanding Retention for Review

01Find the retention wording

Locate the subcontract provisions, retention percentage and release conditions. Do not assume all contracts release retention in the same way.

02Check what has happened

Collect completion records, relevant certificates, defects correspondence and earlier retention releases.

03Reconcile the amount

Set out the original retention, amounts already released and the balance you consider due.

04Explain the response

Include requests for release and any explanation given for withholding payment. A disputed entitlement may require specialist advice.

A practical preparation checklist, not a determination of legal entitlement. Contract terms and the circumstances of each account need individual review.