Connecticut retainage

Who and what this applies to

Private construction within C.G.S. §42-158i. Excluded: contracts with the listed federal/state/local public entities, HUD-funded or HUD-insured projects, owner-contractor contracts of $25,000 or less and resulting subcontracts, and residential buildings of four or fewer units.

Thresholds and scope

5% for covered private contracts.

The rules

• Section 42-158k caps contractual retainage at 5% of estimated progress payments throughout the project. Source
• The owner must pay all retainage within 30 days after the certificate of final completion from the owner/authorized representative or equivalent written acceptance by the owner. Source

Primary sources

• C.G.S. §§42-158i(2), 42-158k

Sources reviewed 2026-09-30. This guide covers the projects and rules stated above.

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