North Dakota retainage
Retainage in North Dakota — Sources checked
Who and what this applies to
Chapter 48-01.2 public improvements, excluding specified county-road, state-highway and PSC projects.
Thresholds and scope
10% until 50% completion.
The rules
- Further retention stops at 50% unless unsatisfactory performance/progress is documented. At 95% completion, the body may release up to 95% of previous retention; the architect/engineer approves remaining payments. Source
- Final payment follows completed work, acceptance and necessary releases. The chapter excludes county-road, state-highway and PSC projects governed by titles 11, 24 or 38. Source
Primary sources
Sources reviewed 2026-09-30. This guide covers the projects and rules stated above.
Not legal advice. This is general legal information. Laws and project facts differ; confirm the applicable requirements for your project.
Back to North Dakota contractor law · Retainage topic guide.
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