Idaho retainage

Who and what this applies to

Public construction within Idaho Code §54-1926(3).

The rules

• When a public body requires a performance bond or a payment bond exceeding 50% of the contract amount, it may withhold no more than 5% of the total payable as retainage. It must release retainage for portions accepted by the public body and contractor as complete within 30 days of that acceptance. Source
• A public-work contractor may withhold no more than 5% of the amount payable to a subcontractor and must remit that retainage within 30 days after completion of the subcontract. Source

Primary sources

• Idaho Code §54-1926(3)

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

Back to Idaho contractor law · Retainage topic guide.