The Construction Contracts Act 2002 provides a process for dealing with payments and disputes under a construction contract, including requirements for withholding retention money from subcontractors.
The Construction Contracts Act:
- protects retention money withheld under commercial construction contracts
- helps to ensure a fair, balanced and timely payment regime
- provides a fast and cost-effective adjudication process for people with disputes
- provides enforcement mechanisms to recover any unmade payments.
Retention money
On 5 October 2023, new requirements for withholding retention money came into force. The new requirements make it easier for subcontractors to access retention money without a court order, should a head contractor become insolvent.
The new requirements apply only to new commercial contracts from 5 October 2023 and existing commercial contracts that are renewed on, or after, that date. They do not apply to construction contracts with homeowners/residential occupiers.
Retention money requirements
Learn about the requirements for withholding retention money.
Retention money offences and penalties
Offences and penalties for failing to hold, and report on, retention money properly.
Retention money complaints
The complaints process under the retention money regime.
Retention money resources
Resources to support your understanding of the retention money regime.
Other requirements
Learn about payments and disputes under the Construction Contracts Act 2002.
Previous amendments
Learn about other changes made to the Construction Contracts Act since it was introduced in 2002.
