Cash retention remains one of the heaviest drains on subcontractor cash flow across the UK construction sector. If a main contractor is holding your 3% or 5% retention balance months after you have left site, you do not have to wait indefinitely or accept missed contract revenue.
Is your retention trapped by onerous subcontract amendments?
Main contractors frequently amend standard JCT terms to tie your final retention release to the main contract making good defects certificate. Scan your draft subcontract before signing to flag these clauses in minutes.
Start 1 Free Subcontract Scan →Standard JCT Retention Release Stages
- Initial 50% Release: Becomes due upon Practical Completion of your subcontract works.
- Final 50% Release: Due upon the expiry of the Rectification Period (typically 6 to 12 months) and the issue of the Certificate of Making Good.
- Statutory Notice Defence: If the main contractor intends to withhold retention money, they must serve a valid Pay Less Notice stating the exact calculation basis.
Stop Missed Contract Revenue & Win Local Enquiries
JCT Subcontract Scanner
Upload draft subcontracts to identify unfair retention clauses, 3-day notice time-bars, and onerous delay damages in minutes.
Free Local SEO Audit
Stop losing local domestic and renovation jobs to competitors. A direct check of your Google Business Profile across BS postcodes.
1 thought on “JCT Retention Release Dates: How Subcontractors Can Reclaim Trapped Cash”
Comments are closed.