What is the purpose of retention in a contract?

The purpose of retention in a contract primarily lies in ensuring that any defects or unfinished work can be appropriately addressed. When a client retains a certain percentage of the payment until the project is completed to satisfaction, it provides a financial incentive for the contractor to ensure quality and fulfill all contractual obligations. The retained amount acts as a safeguard against potential issues that may arise after the main work is completed.

Retaining funds allows the client to have leverage over the contractor to remedy defects or complete any outstanding tasks before the full payment is released. This is particularly important in construction and project contracts, where delays or issues can emerge after the project is initially deemed complete. Therefore, retention serves as a crucial mechanism to ensure ongoing accountability and maintenance of standards in the project execution.