Contract Retention

/ˈkɒntrækt rɪˈtɛnʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) The practice of withholding a portion of payment under a contract to ensure satisfactory performance or completion of contractual obligations.
    The contractor agreed to a 10% contract retention to guarantee the timely completion of the project.

Forms

  • contract retention

Commentary

Contract retention is commonly used in construction and service contracts as a risk management mechanism to ensure compliance and quality before final payment.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

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