Retention Release Schedule Generator

Generate retention release dates and amounts for UK construction contracts. Enter the retention currently held, the practical completion date, and the release schedule in your contract to see when the money should come back into your business. This free tool is built for subcontractors who need a quick way to forecast retention cash flow without maintaining another spreadsheet.

How to use this generator

Enter the total retention held on the contract and the practical completion date. Choose a standard 6+6 schedule, a straight 12-month release, or a custom split. The generator calculates each release tranche, percentage, amount, and due date. Use the result as a cash flow planning guide and check the exact contractual wording before relying on any date for formal recovery action.

Common retention release schedules

A 6+6 schedule usually releases 50% of retention 6 months after practical completion and the remaining 50% 12 months after practical completion. A 12-month schedule holds the full balance until the end of the defects liability period. Custom schedules are common where a subcontract has bespoke defects periods, staged completion, or amended payment terms.

Retention can be a major cash flow issue for subcontractors. A single forgotten release date can leave thousands of pounds sitting with a main contractor long after it should have been claimed. BuildQS tracks retention release schedules across every project, connects the expected cash inflow to your cash flow forecast, and supports accounting app-ready retention invoice workflows.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a retention release schedule?

A retention release schedule sets out when withheld retention becomes due back to the subcontractor. It normally depends on practical completion, the defects liability period, and the terms written into the contract.

What does 6+6 mean for retention release?

A 6+6 schedule usually means 50% of retention is released 6 months after practical completion and the remaining 50% is released 12 months after practical completion, subject to defects and contract conditions.

What is a 12-month retention schedule?

A 12-month schedule normally means the full retention balance is held until 12 months after practical completion or the end of the defects liability period. No first release is made at practical completion.

Can retention release dates be customised?

Yes. Some contracts use bespoke release dates or defects periods. This generator supports custom first and final release month offsets so you can model the dates in your actual contract.

Why should subcontractors track retention release dates?

Retention is often a large debtor balance. Tracking release dates helps subcontractors forecast cash, raise invoices on time, and chase money before it is forgotten after project completion.

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